18 Mar Ten Uses for Bentonite Clay

At Faithful to Nature, we know that the best-kept beauty secrets… really aren’t that secret at all! In fact, they’re all around us, supplied in abundance by that expert beauty therapist, Mother Nature herself.

Here’s a look at one of the Earth’s most powerful natural beauty remedies – what looks like a humble powder is actually a potent beautifying and detoxing agent that could rival any of those expensive synthetic products on supermarket shelves today. We’re talking, of course, about bentonite clay, a gentle but effective detoxing and purifying remedy.

This magical clay swells up like a sponge when it gets wet, and absorbs all sorts of nasty toxins, including heavy metals, parasites, bacteria and even radiation! It’s the perfect natural way to rid your skin and digestive tract of these impurities – plus it’s packed with beneficial minerals, which it leaves behind for your body to absorb. This really is one of nature’s finest healing gifts.

From face mask to foot soak, poultice to tooth powder, there are so many ways to heal and beautify yourself using bentonite clay. We’ve put together a list of 10 top uses for this amazing mineral-rich substance – feel free to try them all, and tell us what you think!

IMPORTANT: When mixing your bentonite clay remedies, always use a wooden spoon – never use metal, as it will impact the effectiveness of the clay. Use pure, filtered water for your mixtures whenever possible.

1. DETOX BATH

Add ¼ cup of bentonite clay to your bath water and soak for 20 – 30 minutes. A bentonite bath will soften your skin and promote healing while drawing toxins, dirt and impurities out of your skin.

2. BEAUTIFYING FACE MASK

This toxin-absorbing mask will cleanse your pores and leave your complexion looking fresh and radiant. Mix your bentonite clay with warm water until it forms a thick, creamy paste. Smooth the mixture over your face and neck, and leave it for 15 – 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply your favourite natural moisturiser.

3. COOLING FOOT SOAK

Mix 3 or 4 tablespoons of clay in a tub of warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to sit back, relax and file your nails while you enjoy the soothing powers of bentonite clay on your tired feet!

4. MULTIPURPOSE SKIN HEALER

Make a paste using bentonite clay and water, and apply it to minor wounds like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns and blemishes. Leave the paste on your skin until dry, then rinse it off with warm water. Bentonite clay is very soothing, plus it helps to ward off infection and speed up the healing process.

5. CALMING SKIN CLEANSER

Apply your bentonite paste to skin affected by irritations like eczema, psoriasis or chicken pox. Leave until dry and rinse with warm water. The clay will calm the itching and irritation, reduce redness and relieve dryness.

6. HEALING POULTICE

To heal skin infections and rashes, create a poultice by applying a thick layer of bentonite clay paste to the affected area and putting a layer of clean, wet gauze or cotton over it. Cover the area and leave the poultice on to work its healing, soothing magic. Change every 2 hours.

You can also mix grapeseed oil or olive oil into your poultice to help the paste stay in place.

7. INTERNAL CLEANSE

Thoroughly mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay into a glass of water, and use it as a detoxing drink to boost your immune system, eliminate toxins, ease digestive troubles and release beneficial minerals into your body. For best results, drink the mixture on an empty stomach; don’t drink it within 1 hour of eating or 2 hours of taking medication.

Important: Remember to drink plenty of water during the day while your system is detoxing.

8. TOOTH POWDER

The “push-pull” action of bentonite clay – removing toxins while adding minerals – makes it an excellent remineralising treatment for your teeth and gums. Check out these fab toothpaste recipes on our blog that all make use of the wonders of this detoxifying clay as a key ingredient!

9. MOUTH WASH

Mix ½ a teaspoon of bentonite clay with ¼ cup of water; shake well and swirl a mouthful around for 1 – 2 minutes. Repeat until you’ve used the full amount. This mouthwash removes toxins and has an alkalising effect.

10. BABY POWDER

Dust pure dry bentonite clay on your baby’s skin as a soothing remedy for redness and irritation. This makes a great non-toxic alternative to chemical-laden talc.

What’s your favourite bentonite clay remedy?