Betonite clay has become popular once again. But this time, it is being promoted specifically for its use in a detox bath. As we encounter more and more toxins every day, many of us want some easy DIY ways to detox. Bentonite clay baths can help support our natural detoxification pathways. There is also a side benefit: soft and clear 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 weathered volcanic ash. Also called montmorillonite clay. When ash is exposed to water over time, it becomes bentonite clay. There are two types: sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite.
Sodium bentonite clay is known for its blowing properties. It can absorb large amounts of water and expand several times its volume. For this reason, it is often used in industrial applications, including landscaping and cat litter. It is also used to improve soil quality and as a feed supplement for livestock.
Calcium bentonite clay has less blowing ability. It is the one that is used as a healing mud for internal and external uses. You'll see calcium bentonite in the ingredient list of face masks and bath salts.
How does bentonite clay benefit the skin?
Bentonite clay can attract and hold particles on its surface, making it useful for detoxification. Particles also carry a negative charge. This means it can attract positively charged substances such as toxins, pathogens and heavy metals. Here are some popular uses for bentonite clay and skin care through a detox bath:
- Attracts dirt and grime: Fine clay particles can penetrate deep into pores, drawing out dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities. As a result, it helps in maintaining clear skin.
- Oil absorption: Betonite clay also absorbs excess oils from the skin, making it beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin. This helps prevent clogged pores and reduce shine.
- Soothing inflammation: Betonite clay has anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and soothe conditions like eczema.
Bentonite clay is generally considered safe for topical use, but it's always good to do a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
Why take a bentonite detox bath?
Soaking in a warm bath filled with bentonite can treat more than daily exposure to pollutants. It can help eliminate metal toxicitybacterial and viral infections and parasites. The minerals in bentonite clay help nourish the skin, promoting cell regeneration and repair. It can also reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being.
What can Bentonite help with detoxification?
Here are some more specifics on what bentonite clay can help with detoxification.
Heavy metals
We are exposed to toxic metals every day – through our food, water and environment. Bentonite clay baths are touted for their ability to detoxify the body by drawing out toxins and heavy metals through the skin. It can also help detoxify lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic and copper.
Bentonite works by attracting heavy metals and other impurities and holding them there. Like many substances, bentonite clay has some lead, but here's why I'm not worried about that.
Infections
Bentonite clay also absorbs and removes pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and parasites. A bentonite clay bath can help detoxify the following:
- E. coli: Bentonite clay has been shown to be associated with Escherichia coli, a common cause of food poisoning.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Bentonite can also absorb Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is known to cause serious skin infections. It can even lead to antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA.
- Salmonella: Bentonite clay can be associated with Salmonella bacteria. This infection is the main cause of food poisoning.
- Rotavirus: Betonite clay can also help bind viruses. It can help absorb rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in children.
- Norovirus: Bentonite can also absorb norovirus, another virus that causes gastroenteritis.
- Giardia: Giardia lamblia is also sensitive to the binding effects of bentonite clay. Giardia is a parasite that causes giardiasis, an intestinal infection.
- Helminths: Some parasitic worms or their eggs can be absorbed by bentonite clay. However, at this point, the evidence is more anecdotal.
Mold toxins
Bentonite clay is also known to bind and remove mold toxins such as aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are produced by certain molds such as Aspergillus flavus AND Aspergillus parasiticus. The absorbent properties of betonite clay can help draw mycotoxins out of the body through the skin. A hot bath can also promote sweating, further helping to remove mycotoxins through sweat.
Who might want to consider a Bentonite clay detox bath?
A bentonite clay detox bath can be helpful for a variety of issues beyond general detoxification. Here are some reasons why you might want to take a bentonite clay detox bath:
- Insect bites: If you've been fighting mosquitoes all summer and are still scratching the bites, try a bentonite bath! It is known to soothe irritations and soothe itching. I have also incorporated it into my home production anti-itch cream.
- Poison Ivy: Betonite clay can help relieve poison ivy symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Soak in bentonite bath for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water after soaking and gently pat your skin dry.
- Sunburn: The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of betonite make it an excellent remedy for sunburn. Start with a lukewarm bath and wet the burn.
- Rough and calloused feet: Have you noticed that your feet are getting a little rough or calloused? A bentonite bath (or foot soak) can help. The clay can soften the skin and remove a build-up of dead skin cells.
- Skin conditions: Betonite clay has been known to soothe certain skin symptoms conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It likely does this by reducing inflammation and providing minerals for healing.
- Athletes and those who are physically active: Athletes and those engaged in intense physical activity can use bentonite clay baths to aid in recovery. It helps reduce muscle pain and removes toxins.
Here's how to prepare a detox bath with bentonite clay.
How to make a detox bath with bentonite
Add 1-2 cups of bentonite clay powder to a bathtub filled with warm water (not hot water) and soak for 20-30 minutes. This can help detoxify and soften the skin all over your body. Drink a glass of water before and after bathing to stay hydrated. Detox baths can be dehydrating.
You can add other ingredients to increase healing abilities. Here are some examples:
- Epsom Salts: Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) can help relax muscles, reduce cramps, and relieve muscle pain. Epsom salts also support detoxification by aiding the body's natural elimination processes. For added benefits, measure 1-2 cups of Epsom salt and add to bentonite clay in your bath water.
- Sea salt or Himalayan salt: Adding sea salt or Himalayan salt to a bentonite bath is another option. These natural salts contain a variety of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium. The skin can absorb minerals during a bath, supporting overall health and well-being.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another natural ingredient that can help support detoxification. It is alkalizing to help neutralize acids and promote a balanced body pH.
Adding essential oils
Adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus heightens the senses. These oils also have researched anti-inflammatory and healing abilities. They also support the respiratory system, further promoting detoxification through the lungs.
Be sure to dilute any essential oil in a carrier oil first to avoid skin irritation! Harsher oils like peppermint and eucalyptus can work well in a foot bath, but can be too strong for more delicate skin.
Tips for the betonite bathroom
When mixing other ingredients in bentonite clay, be sure to use non-metallic containers and utensils. Metallic materials can reduce the effectiveness of the clay as they can change the natural charge in the clay.
After taking a bentonite clay bath, follow up with a natural moisturizer. Sometimes bentonite clay can leave the skin feeling dry. While bentonite clay can leave a residue, cleaning it isn't as difficult as you might think. Simply rinse and clean the tub after use to prevent build-up.
Final Thoughts
Bentonite clay can absorb and help remove pathogens, heavy metals and other toxins. Using it in a bath can be a wonderful form of self-care. You can easily raise it to one spa experience at home. A warm mud bath can be an inexpensive luxury at home, helping to reduce stress and tension.
Make sure to moisturize afterwards with a natural lotion or even coconut oil.
Have you taken a bentonite detox bath? Do you add anything? Have you noticed any positive benefits? Share with us below!
