7. May Support Respiratory Health
One type of virus that, at least in a lab, finds its match in bentonite clay is human adenovirus. (16) While these viruses are not generally lethal, they do cause respiratory infections that can be particularly dangerous to infants or those with compromised immune systems. No currently accepted treatment method exists for these viral infections, but it’s possible bentonite clay could be a candidate for more research on the subject.
Bentonite clay is also likely able to successfully treat paraquat poisoning in humans. Paraquat is a toxic herbicide and is not available easily in the U.S. However, if it is ingested or breathed in, it can cause many a disease called Paraquat lung. Like Fuller’s earth, bentonite seems to be a potentially powerful agent against the damage paraquat can cause. (17)
8. Could Improve the Health of Teeth and Gums
The mouth is one of the most susceptible areas of the body when it comes to harmful outside “invaders” taking over, like bacteria and toxins.
Bentonite clay binds to unhealthy substances in the mouth, such as around the teeth and on the tongue and gums, and helps to remove them before you swallow them and become sick. Because of Bentonite’s antibacterial properties, it has been used in natural toothpastes and even mixed with water and used as a daily rinse.
9. Removes Fluoride from Drinking Water
Bentonite clay has been researched as an effective way to remove some of the dangerous fluoride often found in drinking water, which is linked to serious diseases such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and brain damage.
When combined with magnesium, the clay has been shown to benefit the purity of tap water, which leads to some promising possibilities for using it in the future as a widespread cost-effective water purification method. (18)
10. Useful As a Baby Powder Alternative
Bentonite clay can be applied to any area on the skin of babies that is irritated, red or needs soothing in the same way that traditional powders are used. Plus, it is very gentle and naturally cleansing.
Apply a small amount of the clay directly to the skin and allow it to sit for several minutes before wiping/rinsing it away.
How to Effectively Start Using Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay normally comes in a gray or cream color, not a bright white color, which can indicate that it may have gone bad. The clay should also be odorless and not have much of any taste at all.
If you plan on consuming bentonite clay by mouth (ingesting it either by eating or drinking the clay), try this:
Drink 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once per day as many days of the week as you’d like. Mix the clay with water, preferably in a jar with a lid where you can shake the clay and make it dissolve. Then drink it right away.