Canadian Clay Products, Inc. calls bentonite clay "the clay with a thousand uses." This naturally occurring mineral has a strong affinity for water, and through a process called ion exchange, is a strong and effective binding agent. Bentonite clay is suitable for internal and external personal use, and can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative in your yard and garden.
Toxin Removal
Ion exchange allows ingested bentonite clay to absorb internal contaminants such as toxins, heavy metals and poisons. As Botanical.com notes, combining 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. of bentonite clay, depending on your size and stature, with 8 oz. of water allows you to ingest bentonite clay. When bentonite clay mixes with water, its chemical composition changes and the resulting negative electrical charge attracts, absorbs and binds internal contaminants to the clay. According to AboutClay.com, bentonite clay can absorb up to 32 times its molecular weight.
Skin Conditions
A type of bentonite clay called calcium bentonite can work on a family of viruses that cause warts. HPV, or human papillomavirus, can cause common, flat and plantar warts, which you can remove by covering them with a bentonite clay mudpack. A clay mudpack works by attracting and absorbing the virus, in the same fashion as ingested bentonite clay. According to AboutClay.com, twice daily applications, along with covering the clay mudpack to keep it wet, makes this treatment more effective. In addition, bentonite clay mudpacks can help relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Skin Rejuvenation
Bentonite clay is good for oily and acne-prone skin. You can use it to deep-clean, remove excess oil and tighten skin pores. NaturalSkinCareSecrets.com provides examples of different ways you can use bentonite clay as part of your beauty care routine, such as adding 1/2 cup to warm bath water followed by a 20-minute soak. To create a clay facial mask, combine equal parts of bentonite clay and water or apple cider vinegar, spread over your face and leave in place for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Adding an equal part of raw oatmeal to this mixture turns it into a facial scrub you can massage into your skin before rinsing.
Yard and Garden Applications
In his book, "The Healing Clay," author Michel Abehsera cites numerous ways you can use bentonite clay as an alternative to pesticides and chemicals. For example, Abehsera recommends packing tree wounds and exposed branch ends after trimming with a bentonite clay mudpack. Leaving the mudpack in place will prevent insects and bacteria from entering the tree. Instead of using chemicals designed to prevent plants from developing mildew, use a mixture of 15 parts water to one part clay to prevent mildew formation. You can also mix bentonite clay with other soil additives, such as sand, humus and--optionally--animal droppings to create a custom made gardening soil.
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