Bentonite Clay

Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays. Bentonite Clay is composed of aged volcanic ash. The name comes from the largest known deposit of Bentonite Clay located in Fort Benton, Wyoming.

Bentonite Clay is a unique clay due to its ability to produce an “electrical charge” when hydrated. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.

A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color and anything bordering “pure white” is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining.

Uses

Bentonite can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes.

Prolonged use of bentonite is not only beneficial in external applications, but can also have a positive impact internally. As with baths, there are no known health concerns in humans due to prolonged bentonite ingestion. Some proponents even recommend occasional continued use of bentonite after your first detox. Just as contaminants re-accumulate on your skin, they also return through the food you eat.(1)

Internal use of bentonite can cause some intestinal discomfort. You can minimize or avoid this side effect by drinking plenty of water and other fluids until the bentonite in your system passes. During an initial detox, you may experience secondary side effects which include headaches, muscle pain and joint stiffness as stored toxins are released from your system. When you repeat this process, you may experience these side effects again, although less severely than during your first cleanse.(1)
The FDA rates bentonite as “generally regarded as safe” as a food additive, but it can be harmful if inhaled or exposed to your eyes. The World Health Organization has found no evidence of harmful side effects in humans, and has also studied the positive effect of bentonite compresses as a topical treatment for buruli ulcer, which is a serious skin disease.(1)

Unknown, please consult with your doctor

Source(1): Web article, Prolonged Use of Bentonite Detox, Aug 16, 2013 | By Rob Callahan; Livestrong.com
Cleanse.net: Hydrated Bentonite
Dunning, Brian. “The Detoxification Myth.” Skeptoid Podcast. Skeptoid Media, Inc., 15 Jan 2008. Web. 23 Nov 2010
World Health Organization: Bentonite in buruli ulcer treatment