About Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay has been used for thousands of years to relieve stomach ailments and to rid the intestinal tract of toxins. Although bentonite clay is found all over the world, the largest concentrations of it are found in the Great Plains area of North America.

Identification

• Bentonite clay was first identified in rocks found from the cretaceous period in Benton, Wyoming, according to healingdaily.com. Bentonite is the commercial name for mineral "montmorillonite," the beneficial mineral found in many medicinal clays.

Properties

• When bentonite clay absorbs water, it swells and opens up like a sponge. This spongy material soaks up toxins caught in the body. The body does not absorb the clay, so the toxins along with the clay are released from the body through the elimination cycle.

Uses

• Because of the clay's "electrical" properties, toxins in the body such as viruses and herbicides and pesticides bind to the clay. It also aids in problems with diarrhea and is a potent remedy for heavy metal poisoning. Candida suffers have also found relief using bentonite clay, according to naturalnews.com.

Recommendations

• Starting with small amounts of bentonite clay is best. Healingdaily.com recommends starting with one tablespoon a day, working up to a dosage of no more than four tablespoons a day. According to astrodreamadvisor.com, it is often beneficial to take the clay with Psyllium Husk.

Finding bentonite clay

• Bentonite clay can be purchased online or found in local health food stores or co-ops.