What is Calcium Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay composed of various minerals which include silica, iron and aluminium. It is usually formed from volcanic ash which has been aged by time and can vary in colour from dark grey to greenish-grey. There are different types of bentonite clay which includes various elemental minerals and the name of each type of clay is dependent upon the dominant element. These include potassium, sodium, aluminium and calcium. Calcium bentonite clay is usually a sandy dark beige color.
Many animals have been known to eat clays and dirt upon instinct to remove various poisons from their body and during times of illness as a method of recovery. There are also many native cultures who have traditionally used clays to remove and protect from food poisonings and general healing. More information about this can be found in the book “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration” by Dr. Weston A Price.
Bentonite clay is composed of negative ions enhancing adsorptive properties. The adsorptive properties of bentonite clay functions like a magnet that attracts the toxins which are mostly made of positive ions and helps eliminate it through normal bowel movements or even through the skin if applied on the skin as a clay mask.
Health Benefits of Calcium Bentonite Clay
Strengthen muscles and bone health
Bentonite clay contains the trace mineral silica which helps your body build collagen. Collagen is needed to strengthen muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilages and healthy bones.
Remineralise and remove stains from the teeth
The various minerals in calcium bentonite clay can help with remineralising the teeth by providing minerals for the body and teeth. Certain preparations can help to remove stains on the teeth. Calcium bentonite clay can be used to supplement additional minerals.
Reduce and heal skin allergies and skin ailments
Bentonite clay can help with skin issues such as bruises, bee / wasp stings, bug bites, burns, cuts and scrapes. This helps to remove and poisons and toxins and help promote healing of skin and ease many skin conditions such as eczema.
Natural body and skin care
Bentonite clay is completely natural which makes it a healthy addition to any skin care and body care products which includes shampoo, face masks, deodorants, toothpaste and teeth whitener.
Detoxification
Calcium bentonite clay has an adsorption ability a process which helps eliminate many poisons and toxins. Bentonite clay may help to eliminate many contaminants such as herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals and radioactive substances. It can also help with fluoride toxicity.
Supports the immune system
Bentonite clay can help to support the immune system by removing toxins and harmful pollutants.
Bacteria, virus and parasite infections
Bentonite clay can help remove pathogenic viruses, bacterial, virus and fungal infections. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9850994] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2413170/]
Help with digestive issues
Calcium bentonite clay can help with digestive issues including stomach aches, acid reflux, constipation, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea. Many digestive issues are associated with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Rotaviruses are a major cause of digestive and gastrointestinal ailments such as diarrhea and nausea in young children. One study has shown the removal of toxins produced by rotavirus and coronavirus found in the digestive system of young mammals. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9850994]
Alkalizing the body
Calcium bentonite clay can help to balance the pH of the body and useful if the body is in highly acidic state which is one of the major causes of most disease and ailments.
Help with nausea and vomiting
Calcium bentonite clay can help with vomiting or nausea issues and may help ease morning sickness.
How to Use Calcium Bentonite Clay
Preparation and Dosage
There are several ways to prepare calcium bentonite clay. The type to prepare for usage is dependent upon what it will be used for.
Liquid Clay
Liquid clay is best for internal use. To make liquid clay you will need to use 1 part calcium bentonite clay to 8 parts water. As an example 1 cup calcium bentonite clay to 8 cups water. Make a 16 oz bottle liquid clay by using a glass bottle with a plastic lid. Calcium bentonite clay can react with metal and plastics contain toxins. Use distilled water as this will make the formula stable.
In the glass bottle first add 16oz of water, then with a funnel in the bottle pour in 4 tablespoons of calcium bentonite clay powder. Close with lid and begin to shake the bottle thoroughly. You can take 1-2 ounces of this liquid clay twice daily for maintenance or detox. 16oz of liquid clay can last you up to 8 days and you can store in the refrigerator.
Hydrated Clay
Hydrated clay is simply clay that has water content. To make this use 1 part calcium bentonite clay to 3 parts water. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons daily. This formula can also be used externally. For external use if the mixture is too runny you could allow the clay to sit for a few minutes or add extra clay powder until consistency can be evenly spread.
Internal Uses
For daily supplementation of minerals you can take up to 2 ounces of liquid clay or up to 2 tablespoons daily. This internal consumption can also be used for detoxification, digestive ailments or parasite infections.
External Uses
Face mask
There are many benefits of using clay as a face mask. It helps with acne which is usually caused by oily skin, dead skin cells and bacteria clogging the pores. The silica contained in bentonite clay is more readily absorbed by the body through the skin.
To use as a face mask apply hydrated calcium bentonite clay on your face with a natural bristle brush or apply with fingers. Leave on face mask for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water and then a final rinse with cold water.
You can also use clay for softer glowing skin by using or adding it to a facial scrub.
Detox Bath
You can add 1-2 cups of bentonite clay powder or up to 4 cups of liquid clay per hot bath and soak 20 minutes. This will help remove toxins whilst soaking in the bath and can also act as a water filter by purifying the water. Thoroughly rinse your body after the soak.
Toothpaste
Making your own homemade toothpaste has many healing benefits as you will be avoiding the use of harmful ingredients such as glycerin and fluoride. Glycerin prevents the teeth from absorbing minerals and should be avoided. Fluoride toxicity is often caused by use of toothpaste and tap water and should be avoided for improved health.
Calcium bentonite clay is an ideal ingredient for making natural toothpaste as it contains a variety of minerals that improve healthy teeth and remineralise bone health.
Use 1 part calcium bentonite clay and 2 part olive oil, ½ teaspoon of xylitol from birch as a sweetener (optional) and up to 10 drops of peppermint oil. Mix with wooden spoon and then store in a jar for use.
Dip toothbrush to coat it with the toothpaste and begin gently brushing.
Teeth whitening bentonite clay tooth mask
To whiten teeth use hydrated clay and apply to teeth allowing it to remain on the teeth for at least 5 minutes. To keep on teeth longer and for comfort you can use a mouth guard made from silicone, making sure to avoid any plastic materials.
Shampoo
Mix about a tablespoon of hydrated clay and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply to damp hair and leave for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Apple cider vinegar will help condition the hair to avoid any drying.
Baby nappy rash
Bentonite clay is an excellent all natural baby powder. Most conventional baby powders contain chemicals that should be avoided. You can simply use it as any other baby powder to help with itchy nappy rash. Leave the bentonite clay on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing with water.
Skin ailments, bee or wasp stings, bug bites, burns, cuts, grazes
Apply the hydrated clay to area of insect bite, cuts, burns or graze and leave on for at least 15 minutes to let the clay draw out the toxins and promote healing. Once dried rinse thoroughly and apply paste every two hours as required.
Chemical pesticide remover
Remove pesticides, radiation and toxins from fruits and vegetables when using non organic food using a ¼ cup of liquid clay and 1 quart of water in a bowl. Soak your fruits and vegetable for 10-20 minutes.
Gardening soil health
Helps eliminate toxins and pollutants from soil. For incorporating into soil you can mix calcium bentonite clay with water and add to soil or simply sprinkle calcium bentonite clay around the soil. This is a good way to improve soil health and add nutrients.
Precautions and Warnings
Calcium bentonite clay can be dehydrating and too much should not be taken internally it is essential to make the liquid formula or measured out dosage if taking internally.
Unfortunately some bentonite clay products may be contaminated with trace amounts of lead which should be avoided by children and pregnant women.
Before buying calcium bentonite clay it is important to research the source you are buying from to make sure you can avoid lead contamination.
It is best to store calcium bentonite clay in glass containers with plastic lids. Avoid storing bentonite clay in metal containers or stirring with metal spoons as it will absorb metals and would no longer be effective for use.
<h2 id=”side-effects-toxicity>Side Effects / Toxicity</h2>
There are no known side effects, however there may be some side effects as a result of detoxification. There are some reports that the hydrated clay can cause bloating or constipation. It is recommended to drink adequate amounts of water however if taking calcium bentonite clay internally it may help to drink more water as calcium bentonite clay can be quite dehydrating.
Where can I buy Calcium Bentonite Clay?
Most online and offline health and beauty stores.