A while back, I bought some Bentonite clay because I had heard of the good benefits of using it. The trouble was, I had no idea what I was supposed to do with it and it quickly got shoved into my closet with other impulse buys I make. I like to call this spot in my closet the “Box of Good Intentions” because it is full of all kinds of things I purchase with a general idea that I will use it and I somehow never do. Things sit on my counter until one day, I decide I am tired of them reminding me that I never did something with them and they get put in the good intentions box. When I find I have some free time, I drag out these items and put them to use.
This particular item, Bentonite clay, has so many uses as I found out. In fact, if you love doing DIY beauty or health remedies, Bentonite clay should be in your box of goodies for making all kinds of things. Rather than having you search for so many ways to individually use it, I came up with this list of the best ways to use Bentonite clay in DIY recipes that I could find.
What is Bentonite Clay?
In the simplest terms, Bentinite clay is naturally occurring weathered volcanic ash that is mostly found in Montana and Wyoming. It has ‘healing’ properties because it absorbs impurities and heavy metals. If you are wondering how it works and where it comes from exactly, Mountain Rose Herbs gives a good explanation:
Bentonite clay is sedimentary clay composed of weathered and aged volcanic ash. Our Bentonite is NSF certified and manufactured to ANSI/NSF 60 standards. Bentonite is usually mined from deposits that can range anywhere from 100 feet to several thousand feet. After being mined from the earth, it is brought out into the sun to remove excess moisture and make it easier to work with. After the initial drying it gets processed (ground) with huge hydraulic crushers, and it then goes through the final process of micronization, or “fine granulating.” Upon completion of this final process it gets inspected by a quality control team and is sent off for consumer use.
Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an electrical charge. Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge.
10 Best Ways to Use Bentonite Clay:
The Crunchy Chronicles has a recipe for DIY Detox Deodorant.
Body Unburdened has a recipe for a Bentonite Clay Foot Mask.
Dr Eric Z has a recipe for Bentonite Clay Essential Oil Toothpaste.
Everything Pretty has a recipe for a Mechanic’s Hand Scrub.
Dear Chrissy has a recipe for an Acne Fighting Mask.
Over Throw Martha has some information on Drinking Bentonite Clay.
Best Essential Oils gives you instructions for taking a Detoxifying Clay Bath.
Mommypotomus talks about how to Wash Your Hair With Clay.
Naturally Handcrafted has a DIY for making your own Activated Charcoal Bentonite Clay Soap.
Live Simply has a recipe for DIY Anti-Itch Cream.
A Word of Caution for Bentonite Clay Use:
Just like anything homeopathic, I highly suggest consulting with a naturalistic professional before beginning any internal or external treatment with Bentonite Clay. It is highly useful and very strong, so it is important you know how to use it correctly and how often.
