Bentonite
Synopsis of bentonite
Bentonite is a naturally occurring absorbent clay, primarily composed of montmorillonite, a mineral formed from the aging of volcanic ash in seawater. It is known for its high negative ionic charge, which allows it to attract and bind to positively charged substances like toxins, heavy metals, and impurities. There are several types of bentonite, including sodium bentonite (swelling type) and calcium bentonite (non-swelling, commonly used internally for detox).
In natural health and integrative medicine, bentonite is used to:
- Bind toxins and heavy metals in the gut and support their elimination
- Soothe and cleanse the digestive tract, helping with bloating, gas, and occasional constipation
- Act as a detoxifying agent in skin and body care, pulling impurities from the skin
- Serve as a base for poultices, masks, and oral rinses
- Support gut barrier integrity by reducing exposure to inflammatory compounds
Bentonite is typically consumed as a powder mixed with water, often called "liquid clay," and should be taken away from medications and supplements due to its strong binding action. It is also applied topically in facial masks, baths, and wound care for its adsorptive and drying properties.
Historical Use:
Clays like bentonite have been used for thousands of years in traditional healing practices across the globe. Indigenous cultures in North America, Africa, and the Andes consumed healing clays to relieve digestive issues, infections, and poisoning. In Ayurveda, similar clays were used to absorb toxins, reduce heat, and promote bowel regularity.
In Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, clay was used in both medicine and cosmetics to purify the skin, treat wounds, and calm inflammation. Greek and Roman physicians also prescribed clay for detoxification and gastrointestinal distress, and it was often included in early pharmacopeias as an antidote to poisoning.
In modern natural medicine, bentonite has gained popularity as part of internal detox protocols, gut healing regimens, and skin-cleansing rituals. It is often included in colon cleanses, heavy metal detox programs, and topical beauty treatments due to its unique ability to adsorb (not absorb) toxins and bind them for safe elimination.
Today, bentonite remains a multifunctional mineral therapy, valued for its cleansing, binding, and protective actions, and used both internally (with caution and supervision) and externally for supporting the body’s natural detox and repair processes.
Bentonite is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Traditional)
Heavy Metal Poisoning (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Traditional)
Itching (Traditional)
Lesions (Traditional)
Poisoning (general) (Traditional)
Poisoning (food) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
bentonite is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
