Bentonite clay is becoming popular again, but this time it’s being specifically promoted as a detoxifying bath additive. As we are exposed to more and more toxins every day, many are looking for an easy, do-it-yourself way to detoxify. Bentonite clay baths can help support your body’s natural detox pathways, with the added bonus of leaving you with softer, clearer skin.
Here’s what you need to know about bentonite clay baths.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a group of minerals that form from old volcanic ash. It is also called montmorillonite clay. When volcanic ash is exposed to water for a long period of time, it turns into bentonite clay. There are two types of bentonite: sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite.
Sodium bentonite clay is known for its swelling properties: it can absorb large amounts of water and expand several times in volume, which is why it is often used in landscaping and industrial applications such as cat litter. It is also used to improve soil quality and as a feed additive for livestock.
Calcium bentonite clay has low expansion properties. It is used both internally and externally as a healing clay. You’ll find calcium bentonite on the ingredients list of face masks and bath salts.
What does bentonite clay do for your skin?
Bentonite clay is useful for detoxification because it can attract and hold particles on its surface. The particles are also negatively charged, meaning they can attract positively charged substances such as toxins, pathogens, and heavy metals. Known uses of bentonite clay in detox baths and skin care include:
- Removes dirt and impurities: The fine clay particles penetrate deep into pores to remove impurities such as dirt and dead skin cells, leaving skin looking clear.
- Oil Absorption: Bentonite clay also absorbs excess oils from the skin, making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, helping to unclog pores and reduce shine.
- Reduces inflammation: Bentonite clay has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like eczema.
Bentonite clay is generally considered safe for topical use, but it is always a good idea to do a patch test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Why do bentonite detox baths?
Soaking in a warm bentonite-infused bath addresses more than just everyday exposure to pollutants. It helps eliminate metal toxicity, bacterial and viral infections, and parasites. The minerals in bentonite clay nourish the skin and promote cell renewal and repair. It also reduces inflammation and promotes overall health.
How does bentonite help with detox?
Learn more about how bentonite clay may help with detox.
heavy metal
We are exposed to toxic metals every day through our food, water and the environment. Bentonite clay baths have been shown to flush toxins and heavy metals through the skin and remove toxins from the body. They may also help remove toxins from lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic and copper.
Bentonite works by attracting heavy metals and other impurities and keeping them there. Like many substances, bentonite clay does contain lead, but here’s why I’m not concerned:
Infection
Bentonite clay adsorbs and removes pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bentonite clay baths help remove toxins from:
- E. coli: Bentonite clay has been shown to bind to E. coli, a common cause of food poisoning.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Bentonite also adsorbs Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria known to cause serious skin infections, including antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA.
- Salmonella: Bentonite clay can bind to Salmonella, a bacteria that is a major cause of food poisoning.
- Rotavirus: Bentonite clay also helps bind viruses. It may help adsorb rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in children.
- Norovirus: Bentonite can also adsorb norovirus, another virus that causes gastroenteritis.
- Giardia: Giardia lamblia is also susceptible to the binding effect of bentonite clay. Giardia is a parasite that causes giardiasis, an intestinal infection.
- Helminths: Certain parasites and their eggs may be adsorbed by bentonite clay, although the evidence is currently only anecdotal.
Mycotoxins
Bentonite clay is also known to bind and remove mycotoxins like aflatoxin, which are produced by certain molds, including: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticusThe adsorption properties of bentonite clay help flush mycotoxins from the body through the skin, and a warm bath can encourage sweating, which helps remove mycotoxins through sweat.
Who might want to consider a bentonite clay detox bath?
Bentonite clay detox baths can help with a variety of issues beyond general detoxification. Here are some reasons why you should try a bentonite clay detox bath:
- Insect bites: If you’ve been fighting mosquito bites all summer and are still scratching your bites, try a bentonite bath. It’s said to help reduce inflammation and soothe the itching. I even add bentonite to my homemade anti-itch cream.
- Poison Ivy: Bentonite clay may help relieve poison ivy symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling. Soak in a bentonite bath for 20 to 30 minutes. After the soak, rinse with cool water and pat your skin dry.
- Sunburn: Bentonite has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it an excellent treatment for sunburn. First, soak the sunburned area in warm water to help it heal.
- Rough, calloused feet: Are your feet starting to feel a bit rough and calloused? A bentonite bath (or foot soak) might help. The clay softens the skin and draws out built-up dead skin cells.
- Skin Condition: Bentonite clay is known to help relieve symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, possibly by reducing inflammation and providing minerals needed for healing.
- Athletes and physical activity: Athletes and those who engage in strenuous exercise often use bentonite clay baths to aid in recovery. It helps reduce muscle pain and flush toxins.
Here’s how to make a bentonite clay detox bath.
How to do a bentonite detox bath
Add 1-2 cups of bentonite clay powder to a bathtub filled with warm (not hot) water and soak for 20-30 minutes. This will help eliminate toxins from your body and soften your skin. Drink a glass of water before and after your bath to stay hydrated. Detox baths can cause dehydration.
Other ingredients can be added to enhance healing properties. Here are some examples:
- Epsom salt: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) helps relax muscles, reduce cramps and soothe muscle pain. Epsom salt also supports detoxification by aiding the body’s natural elimination process. For added benefits, measure 1-2 cups of Epsom salt and add it to the bentonite clay in your bath water.
- Sea or Himalayan salt: Adding sea salt or Himalayan salt to your bentonite bath is another option. These natural salts contain a variety of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Your skin will absorb the minerals as you bathe, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- baking soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another natural compound that aids in detoxification. It is alkaline, neutralizing acids and promoting pH balance in the body.
Add essential oils
Adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus can enhance the senses. Studies have also shown that these oils have anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and they also support the respiratory system, further promoting detoxification from the lungs.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil first to avoid skin irritation. Harsh oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are great for foot soaks but may be too harsh for delicate skin.
Bentonite Bath Tips
If you are mixing bentonite clay with other ingredients, be sure to use non-metallic utensils and containers. Metallic materials can alter the clay’s natural charge, which can make the clay less effective.
After taking a bentonite clay bath, apply a natural moisturizer. Bentonite clay can dry out your skin. Bentonite clay can leave a residue behind, but cleaning it up isn’t as difficult as you might think. To prevent buildup, simply rinse and clean the tub after use.
lastly
Bentonite clay helps to absorb and remove pathogens, heavy metals and other toxins. Using it in the bath is a great self-care treat. Easily level up your home spa experience. A warm clay bath is an inexpensive at-home luxury that helps relieve stress and tension.
Be sure to moisturize afterwards with a natural lotion or coconut oil.
Have you ever tried a bentonite detox bath? Do you add anything to it? Have you noticed any positive effects? Share with us below!