Bentonite clay: benefits and uses
Natural clay with a delicate, supple texture is called bentonite clay. When combined with water, it turns into a paste. Some people apply this paste to their skin or hair for therapeutic or aesthetic purposes, such as the treatment of rashes and acne.
For thousands of years, people have utilised bentonite clay
to eliminate toxins from the body and skin impurities like oils.
Several skin care products contain bentonite clay, but some
people also add it to meals or beverages to treat digestive problems or flush
the body of impurities.
The health advantages of bentonite clay have been the
subject of numerous investigations, however the majority of these studies used
cell or animal models. Before scientists can fully understand the advantages
and disadvantages of bentonite clay in people, more research is required.
This article examines the evidence for 11 potential health
advantages of bentonite clay as well as associated dangers.
What is the function of bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay is thought to function by absorbing
impurities and oils from the skin, according to scientists.
According to the notion, bentonite clay absorbs substances
by bonding to their molecules or ions. The poison or other compounds are
carried out of the body by the clay as it departs.
Bentonite clay may have the ability to absorb oils and germs
when applied to the skin. When they consume the clay, it may adsorb toxins or
other unwanted substances from the digestive tract.
Natural minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron are
present in bentonite clay, and they may have additional advantages.
Volcanic ash gives birth to bentonite clay. Its name comes
from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where it is widely distributed. This clay can also
be found in other locations where volcanic ash has descended into the earth.
The same kind of clay is called montmorillonite clay after Montmorillon,
France.
1. Purging the body of toxins
To get rid of toxins from the body, some people consume
bentonite clay. Its advantages are perhaps best known for this one.
According to several research, bentonite clay may lessen the
impact of pollutants.
For instance, a study on chicks discovered that bentonite
clay lessened the effects of aflatoxin B1, a poison that is produced by
specific kinds of mould. Chicks that got a concentrated form of bentonite clay
experienced less harmful side effects than those that did not.
Added research
A study by Trusted Source examined how children's exposure
to pollutants in Ghana, West Africa, was affected by montmorillonite clay,
which is quite similar to bentonite clay. Aflatoxin-containing homemade dietary
supplements are associated with stunted growth and impairments in the research
area.
The study's findings showed that kids who got a calcium
montmorillonite clay supplement every day for two weeks had less evidence of
aflatoxins in their urine than kids who did not.
Rats ingested cyanide-containing effluent in a tiny animal
experiment. Some of the rats received varying doses of bentonite clay or a
placebo, according to the researchers. After three weeks, those who received
the most clay had the least quantity of the poison in their bodies.
Before confirming that bentonite clay is safe and effective
for usage in people, scientists must perform more research.
What to do
Once per day, combine up to 1 teaspoon (tsp) of bentonite
clay with 6–8 ounces (oz) of distilled water.
Bentonite clay powder can be purchased through pharmacies or
online, where a variety of brands are available. Make sure the clay you select
has been designated as edible by the manufacturer.
Bentonite clay should be consumed at least two hours before or
after any medicine. Bentonite clay may bind to some drugs and lessen their
effectiveness because it can absorb other substances.
2. Treating acne and greasy skin
The adsorbent properties of bentonite clay may be useful for
treating acne and greasy skin. The clay may also have a calming impact on
inflammatory breakouts and can assist in removing sebum, or oil, from the
skin's surface.
A clay face mask can be used to cure acne or lessen the
likelihood of developing pimples and skin infections by removing pollutants
from the skin.
What to do
Due to their ability to clear the face, clays are a common
ingredient in commercial facial masks. Several face masks for skin care contain
bentonite, but you may also make your own at home.
To form a thick paste, combine water and bentonite clay
powder.
Care for poison ivy
Urushiol, the oil that poison ivy plants generate, causes
allergic reactions in many people. They may experience an allergic reaction
when their skin comes into touch with poison ivy, leading to the recognisable
rash.
Redness, inflammation, and excruciating itching are common
symptoms of a poison ivy rash. A 1995 study discovered that bentonite clay can
treat poison ivy rash and hasten the recovery process after an allergic
reaction.
What to do
As soon as possible after coming into contact with poison ivy, wash the skin with soap and water. Employ dish soap or an oil-removing soap to assist in removing urshiol from the skin.
Apply a paste made of bentonite clay and water to the afflicted area. Wrap in a fresh bandage or piece of gauze. Repeat a few times daily until the rash has disappeared.