Bentonite is a clay formed from volcanic ash and commonly found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Discovered near Fort Benton in Wyoming in the late 1800s, it is often used to remove toxins from the digestive track When finely ground and mixed with purified water, it is called bentonite magma.
Characteristics of Bentonite
Bentonite is also known by the names kaolin, Montmorillonite and Fuller's Earth. In addition to being used as a detoxifier, it is mixed with emulsifiers and used in make up, lotions, creams, shampoos and antiperspirants. It is also commonly found in candy bars and yogurt. Used as a digestive aid, bentonite has several distinctive traits that enable it to pass through the digestive tract, collect toxins and other waste material, and be excreted without being absorbed by the body. The key trait is that its molecules are negatively charged and absorptive, meaning that they attract and collect the positively charged toxins as they travel through the intestines, much like a magnet. However, bentonite must be in liquid form to perform this cleansing function. Consult your doctor before using bentonite as a digestive aid.
Bentonite's History
Bentonite is believed to have been used by indigenous peoples around the world for centuries. In his book, "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration," Dr. Weston A. Price studied tribes who had lived in the Andes in Central Africa and the Aborigines of Australia and whose customs have not changed for hundreds of years. Dr. Price examined knapsacks belonging to the tribes and discovered balls of volcanic ash clay which the tribesmen dissolved in water, then dipped their food into prior to eating. Dr. Price believes this was done to aid in the digestion of the foods the tribes consumed.
Uses
Bentonite is commonly used to cleanse or detoxify the digestive tract as mentioned above. It is also used to treat numerous other digestive disorders, including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, constipation, bloating, gas and cramping. Some people may experience excess gas and bloating when taking bentonite magma. To date, there is not enough scientific evidence to support claims of bentonite's ability to act as a digestive aid. Prior to starting this or any treatment, be sure to consult your doctor.
How to Use
Bentonite may be purchased in powdered or liquid form. It is often mixed with purified water and psyllium seed husk and consumed on a daily basis to affect what is commonly called a colon cleanse. It may also be taken by simply mixing with water or fruit juice. Pure liquid bentonite is black and viscous, requiring shaking or stirring prior to use. It is virtually tasteless, most notably when mixed with juice or psyllium husks and water. Bentonite, in both forms, can be purchased at most health food stores and is also readily available online. Be sure to check with your doctor prior to using any bentonite product, and follow the doctor's and manufacturer's directions for mixing and consuming the bentonite magma.
Warnings and Precautions
Bentonite has been known to raise blood pressure in some individuals. Bentonite should be accompanied by plenty of water, as it absorbs liquid as it cleanses the system.
References
- Eyton's Earth: Bentonite: Public Research Project
- WMA-Minelife: Bentonite's Uses
- Fundacion Bilbilis: Uses of Clay Minerals in Semisolid Healthcare and Therapeutic Products
- Food and Drug Administration: Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews
- PubMed.gov: Potential protective effect of HSCAS and bentonite against dietary aflatoxicosis in rat: with special reference to chromosomal aberrations
- Wiley Online Library: Symptomatic efficacy of beidellitic montmorillonite in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial
