If you plan on only using it externally on your skin, try this:
Enjoy the bentonite clay benefits by adding a ¼ of a cup of the clay to your bath and massage your skin with it. Or just allow the clay to dissolve into the water and soak it in for as long as you’d like, then rinse your skin well with clean water.
Try gargling the clay in your mouth with some water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, similarly to using mouth wash. Then spit out the clay and rinse your mouth with clean water.
Try creating a face mask by smearing the clay directly onto your skin, especially anywhere where you have blemishes, red spots, irritations or scarring. Allow the clay to dry (this usually takes about 20 minutes) and then rinse it off with warm water. It’s recommended to use the clay mask one or twice per week for best results.
For scrapes or bug bites, apply a concentrated amount of the clay directly to the trouble area and cover with a Band-Aid or gauze, then let it sit for about 2 hours, then rinse it off.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and safe way to help rid toxins from your body, consider trying bentonite clay in one of its many uses. Whether you are looking to clear skin irritations or undergo a more dramatic internal detox, experiment with this traditional and completely natural method of healing that has been practiced for hundreds of years.
Precautions
Some bentonite clay products contains trace amounts of lead and other heavy metals and may not be appropriate for consumption by children and pregnant women.
*The FDA is warning consumers to not purchase “Bentonite Me Baby” by Alikay Naturals or “Best Bentonite Clay” by Best Bentonite because of a potential lead poisoning risk, as these products apparently have unsafe levels of lead. (19, 20)
Bentonite clay should not be ingested in massive quantities because of the way it expands in the body. Too much could potentially result in the disruption of digestion and in the absorption of vital nutrients.
There has been at least one report of a pediatric patient developing severe hypokalemia (low potassium) after being given large amounts of bentonite clay both orally and rectally. (21)
Final Thoughts
Bentonite clay is an age-old method of treating many different disorders in a number of cultures. From the skin to the digestive system, this substance has the ability to fight infection, boost immunity and more.
If you choose to consume bentonite clay, be sure to do it only in small quantities and use clay sold by trusted merchants.