Bentonite Clay Detoxificants

For thousands of years civilizations used clay to promote healing. Tribes in Central Africa, the Andes and the Aborigines of Australia often carried knapsacks of volcanic ash to use for medicinal reasons. Bentonite is the commercial name for montmorillonite, aluminum phyllocilicate, that absorbs liquids. According to Ran Knishinsky, who wrote "The Clay Cure," it absorbs toxins also.

Function

• The properties of bentonite clay make it an ideal absorbent of liquids. It also has the potential to attract toxins. This is because it has a negative electrical charge that draws toxins into the swelling spongy material it becomes when exposed to water. An article in the Canadian Journal of Microbiology by Steven M. Lipson and G. Stotzky entitled "Specificity of Virus Adsorption to Clay Minerals" indicates that bentonite clay, referred to as montmorillonite, may indeed absorb viruses in addition to toxins in the body.

Bulk

• Bentonite adds bulk to your intestinal waste. Its bulk, in the form of a gelatinous substance, mixes with the stool to soften and loosen hard decayed material and solidify diarrhea.

Absorption

• As the bentonite enters the colon, it absorbs the heavy metals first and then attracts other toxins. It also binds to toxins such as pesticides. Since the bentonite isn't absorbed, but flushes out of the system, it evacuates any toxins attached to it. Toxins that build in the intestines not only cause illness but also block the absorption of vital nutrients.

Effects

• In his book, "The Clay Cure," Knishinsky describes the effects of bentonite detoxification. He writes that the clay helped him overcome ganglion cysts on the wrists without the aid of surgery. The cysts attach to the joints and tendons and become painful. He also notes anecdotal reports from others that include increased energy, improved complexion, increased alertness, improved resistance from infection, better digestive powers and intestinal regularity.

Types

• Some people simply buy the bentonite clay in powdered form and add it to water for a detoxifying drink. Others use the gelatinous capsules to consume their clay. Some bentonite detoxification products contain other ingredients besides the clay, such as ground flaxseed. The flaxseed acts in a similar manner to the clay except it doesn't have the electrical charge but instead provides additional nutrition to the body.Some people simply buy the benonite clay in powdered form and add it to water for a detoxifying drink. Others use the gelantenous capsules to consume their clay. Some bentonite detoxification products contain other ingredients besides the clay, such as ground flaxseed. The flaxseed acts in a similar manner to the clay except it doesn't have the electrical charge but instead provides additional nutrition to the body.

Warning

• Since the bentonite has the ability to absorb toxins, it also has the potential to absorb your prescription drugs that enter your system through the intestinal wall. To be safe, take bentonite at least three hours before or after prescription medication.