Though they have been largely forgotten in recent times, healing clays have been used by cultures throughout history for their nutrients and to help rid the body of toxins. Healing clays like bentonite and its other forms are widely used for skin, hair and internal healing, detoxification and beautification.
Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays. Bentonite can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream colour and anything bordering “pure white” is suspect.
Here are the top benefits and uses of these amazing healing clays:
Apply a paste of healing clay and water on any skin irritation like blemishes, insect bites, cuts, skin itching, or burns. Leave it on until it dries and wash off. This is said to be especially calming to skin itching from eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, etc.
For more severe issues, create a poultice by putting a thick layer of clay on the skin and applying a wet gauze or cloth over it. Wrap the area and leave the poultice on, changing every 2 hours.
You could also add about 1/4 cup of healing clay to a bath for a relaxing detox bath that softens skin.
For smooth and healthy skin, make a paste of bentonite or any other healing clay and water and apply to the face as a mask (a similar mask is used in many spas). Leave on for 20 minutes and wash off.
Because of its excellent ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins as well as to provide minerals, bentonite can be used to clean teeth. It can be used alone for brushing and is tasteless and relatively textureless.
For pets that are sick, vomiting or showing signs of illness, you can add Bentonite or montmorillonite clay to their water or mix and give orally with a dropper or syringe without the needle.
For internal cleansing, you may add 1-2 tablespoons of this clay powder in your water and drink daily. It will help maintain the metabolism and improve digestion.
This drink can also be helpful during morning sickness and uneasy feeling during pregnancy. It will also help you will nausea.
Since the clay is a store for a variety of minerals and nutrients, it serves as a nourishing agent for almost all hair types. For years, the clay has been used to clarify and cleanse hair. Cleansing with this clay removes impurities and dirt leaving hair looking pure, clear and natural. It also leaves your hair soft and supple.
The clay has an ability to calm scalp conditions such as eczema. In addition, it is one of the best known hair moisturizer and conditioner that you have probably not tried.
Other healing clays like Aztec clay, kaolin clay, montmorillonite clay and rhassoul clay have similar benefits.