Bentonite is a kind of "green" clay made primarily from the combination of volcanic ash minerals called montmorillonite and sea or ocean water. Bentonite clay may be high in calcium, potassium or sodium, depending on where it is collected. Bentonite swells or expands when wet, forming a porous “sponge.” However, rather than absorbing like a natural sponge does, bentonite clay adsorbs – spelled with a “d” – ions in solutions, fats and oils. Because bentonite clay has a negative charge on its flat surfaces and positive electric charges on its edges, toxins are drawn into the spaces by attracting electrons like a magnet. The toxins then bond with the chemical elements in the clay and are taken out of the body through the colon and rectum.
The Canadian Journal of Microbiology reports that bentonite clay draws herbicides, pesticides and viruses away from the body. The scientific journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, confirms that bentonite clay interferes with enteric poliovirus activity. It also pulls out heavy metals. With toxins removed from the colon, the body is better able to absorb nutrients through the intestinal walls.
Cleansing with Bentonite Clay
Bentonite is best taken on an empty stomach as a part of a colon cleanse product containing psyllium husks and seeds, but it may also be taken alone. Start with one teaspoon of bentonite clay powder first thing every morning. Mix it into an eight-ounce glass of pure water or juice and drink it quickly. Follow with another eight-ounce glass of water or juice. Repeat up to four more times per day, always between meals. Some people prefer to take bentonite clay in capsule form. It is very important to stay very well-hydrated, otherwise bentonite clay can be binding and cause constipation. Bentonite does adsorb vitamin and mineral supplements as well as pharmaceutical drug residues. Patients who are on prescription medications should contact a qualified health care professional before colon cleansing with bentonite clay.
Traditional Uses for Bentonite
Bentonite has been used traditionally as a natural intestinal detoxification agent for centuries. Indigenous tribes still rely on clay to remove the body of toxins. Dr. Weston Price records studying the clay-eating habits of native tribes in the Andes Mountains and the Aborigines in Australia in Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, 2000, pp. 266-267). Animals eat small amounts of clay and dirt as a part of their diet as well. The anti-diarrhea properties in bentonite clay are documented in The Clay Cure, by Ran Knishinsky (Healing Arts Press, 1998). The clay binds to irritants in the large intestines as well as soaks up excess water and mucus.
Commercial Uses for Bentonite
Bentonite is used commercially in cement, fireworks, ceramics and even cat litter. It is one of the ingredients in green sand. It is used to remove excess protein from white wine in the winemaking process. Bentonite clay is used as the base for clay masks used in spas and beauty salons. It is also used in many colon cleanse recipes and formulas. A drawing poultice can be made with bentonite clay simply by mixing it with water to a paste consistency and applying it to the skin. It effectively draws out poison ivy toxins and other skin irritations such as rashes.
References:
Pubmedcentralcanada.ca, Sobsey and T. Cromeans. Effects of bentonite clay solids on poliovirus concentration from water by microporous filter methods.Appl Environ Microbiol. 1985 April; 49(4): 795–798. (Retrieved July 22, 2010)
Gizmology.com: "Green Sand"
Eckraus.com: "Using Bentonite as a Wine Clarifier"
Essentialoilrecipes.com: "Facial Clay Mask"
Donna Pravel - Donna Earnest Pravel is the owner and senior editor of www.Heart of Texas Copywriting Solutions.com.
Join the Conversation