What is bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is a natural detoxifying agent that has a ton of uses in personal health. It can be used to cleanse your hair and skin, fight colds, clear up acne, and even help you fight blackheads! It's definitely worth learning more about this interesting substance.

Bentonite clay is a grey/brownish powder derived from volcanic ash sourced mainly from France, Italy and the USA, although you can also buy Australian bentonite clay. It has been used for centuries throughout history for its healing properties but has recently become popular again in the health and wellness industry. You may have heard of bentonite clay as a cleanser and detoxifier, but did you know it also contains a decent amount of essential minerals calcium, copper, silica, magnesium, potassium, and iron? As such, bentonite clay is also a beneficial nutritional supplement.

Bentonite clay is typically sold in powder form. You can add it to water to create a paste, which you can then spread on your face or hair to cleanse it gently and remove impurities.

Bentonite clay benefits

The benefits of taking bentonite clay as part of a daily nutritional supplement or detox program include:

• Better digestion 
• Reduced bloating 
• Improvement in complexion
• Better assimilation and absorption of nutrients
• Stronger and healthier hair, nails and eyelashes

Used as part of your beauty regime, bentonite clay can help to:

• Cleanse the face
• Reduce acne and blemishes
• Clean, whiten and polish teeth
• Reduce underarm sweating and odour
• Remove stubborn dirt and grime from clogged pores
• Improve skin tone by deeply cleansing and polishing the skin

What is bentonite clay used for?

Bentonite clay powder has many uses. Being a natural detoxifier, it can be used in skin care products along with digestive cleansers and supplements. 

On your face

Clay powder is often used in face masks, due to its ability to draw out dirt and impurities from the pores. Bentonite clay can be used on its own, mixed with enough water to make a paste, or it can be combined with aloe vera gel, turmeric powder or activated charcoal for a soothing, anti inflammatory all natural DIY face mask. In a daily cleanser, a little bentonite clay can gently draw out dirt and make up to prevent your pores from clogging, which encourages breakouts. Clay can also be a helpful ingredient in natural deodorant, to prevent excessive perspiration and odour.

Bentonite clay is good for cleansing skin because it has a high amount of minerals like calcium, silicon and magnesium which help to draw out impurities from your pores and it's perfect for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to breakouts!

As bentonite clay has amazing abilities to lift stubborn dirt from clogged pores, it is a fantastic natural remedy for acne. Unlike many acne treatments which contain harsh chemicals, using a bentonite clay mask once or twice a week can help to minimise the build up of dirt and sebum (oil) that contribute to acne. Bentonite clay also helps to soothe and calm redness on the skin, which can help reduce the unsightly appearance of inflamed blemishes. Learn more by reading our blog on Acne - causes & remedies

To make a bentonite clay mask, you'll need a small amount of water, either warm or cool (I prefer warm) and bentonite clay powder.

To apply the mask:

• Mix about 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay powder with 1 tablespoon of water until it becomes a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to clean skin, avoiding areas around the eyes and mouth because they are sensitive areas that could be irritated by the product if it gets into them accidentally or otherwise touches them while applying it to your face in general.

If you prefer not to make your own mask (as it can get a little messy), this Brightening Facial Mask is for you then. Made with bentonite clay, aloe vera, Moroccan argan extract and chlorella, this mask will detox your face while giving you extra glow.

On your body

Bentonite clay can be used to help reduce sweating by absorbing moisture from your underarms. If you have excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) then this could be beneficial for you! Bentonite clay is also known to absorb body odour so if you want something that will keep your armpits smelling fresh all day long then look no further than bentonite clay!

Earths Purities Detox - A - Pit is a great natural armpit detox formulation aimed for those who are transitioning from chemical to natural deodorant. It contains a food grade diatomaceous earth, Australian bentonite clay, food grade activated charcoal, organic apple cider vinegar, colloidal silver and coconut oil. All it takes is 10 minutes a day for 7 days to successfully detox your armpits. Just spread a small amount with your fingertips to your armpits. 

Using a regular bentonite clay bath is another option to detox your entire body. 

On your teeth

Did you know that bentonite clay can be used as a toothpaste?

Bentonite clay is a natural antiseptic and it can help clean your teeth. It also whitens them by removing plaque build up, tartar, and stains from coffee or tea. Bentonite has been used for centuries to prevent tooth decay because it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium which strengthen enamel while reducing acidity in the mouth.

Similar to activated charcoal, bentonite clay helps to gently remove plaque and can assist in teeth whitening, without damaging the tooth enamel. This whitening toothpaste combines both activated charcoal and bentonite clay, for a natural and non abrasive teeth whitening effect.  This unique formulation whitens teeth all while strengthening your tooth surface.

In your hair

Bentonite clay is an excellent product to use on your hair. It helps to remove toxins from the scalp and hair, which will make your hair appear healthier and shinier. The clay also helps to condition the hair, adding volume and body.

It is important to note that bentonite clay is not recommended for those with sensitive scalp conditions such as psoriasis or eczema because it can cause irritation. If you are unsure if bentonite clay will work for you then it is best to consult with a dermatologist before using it on your hair.

If you're looking for a way to clarify your hair and remove excess oils, bentonite clay makes an excellent shampoo. Just mix 1 cup of the clay with 1 cup of water and apply it to your scalp and hair as you would any other shampoo. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse well. It's great for dry scalp because it absorbs excess oils from your scalp and hair follicles, which helps reduce dandruff. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of clay, water and half part of apple cider vinegar for detoxifying hair mask.

If making your own products is not your thing, Acure Detox-Defy Color Wellness Shampoo and conditioner provide intense moisture for colour treated hair while helping detox your hair with bentonite and charcoal powder

In your tummy

Bentonite clay is a natural detoxifier that can help remove toxins from your body. Toxins can come from food, water and the environment. Bentonite clay helps to naturally purify the skin and internally cleanse the colon by drawing out impurities.

Is bentonite clay edible, I hear you ask? Yes, it is! Toxins are drawn to bentonite clay, which means taking it internally can help the body’s natural detoxification process. By consuming food grade bentonite clay daily or as part of a detox program, natural clay can help to rid the body of the many toxins we encounter in our every-day lives. The essential minerals present in bentonite clay also helps to fill nutritional gaps and promote the integrity of connective tissue such as hair, skin, and nails. 

As a natural remedy

Bentonite clay has a number of healing properties. It is rich in minerals, including calcium and magnesium, which helps to soothe sore throats and dry coughs. It also contains silica, which is known to help boost immunity and fight infections.

The main benefit of bentonite clay is its ability to remove toxins from your body by binding with them in order to carry them out through your digestive tract or skin pores. This process can help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain - and it may even prevent bacterial infections like strep throat! Bentonite drink is made by when you add one spoon of bentonite clay to a glass of water.

How to use bentonite clay?

It's easy to use bentonite clay on your face - just mix one part clay to two parts water to make a detoxifying mask. Apply a thin layer to the skin. Allow to dry and then wash off.

You can also use bentonite clay internally by drinking it in a glass of water or adding it to smoothies. simply add one teaspoon once a day to water, juice or smoothies. It isn't recommended that you eat bentonite clay directly - it's not safe for digestion! But when mixed into food or drink, it works wonders!

In a bath, bentonite clay acts like a magnet for toxins and impurities. It draws them from your pores and hair follicles, leaving you feeling cleaner and healthier than ever before! To create a bentonite clay bath, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup to a warm bath for a detoxifying bath.

You can purchase bentonite clay in Australia at most health food stores or online through websites like Sassy Organics.

Conclusion

Bentonite clay is a great tool to use in your personal health. It can help you fight colds, clear up acne and blackheads, cleanse your hair and skin, and even deodorise yourself! If you're looking for an easy way out of those pesky pimples or just want something that will make your body feel good from head-to-toe then try adding this into your daily routine.

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