The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Where to Find: Canada
Posted by Suzanne (Orleans, Ontario, Canada) on 02/17/2010
Hi
I live in Ottawa Canada. Does anyone know where I can Purchase Bentonite Clay? I understand that it has great healing remedies. I don't want to purchase on-line really, really bad experience with that.
Bentonite Clay Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (La, Ca) on 01/28/2010
OK- update... I am now wondering if it might have been a gallbladder or pancreatitis attack? Either that or Norovirus ( saw on the news was going around)... but I'm wondering if the clay could stimulate a gallbladder/ liver cleanse that would give symptoms like what I experienced...
Bentonite Clay Side Effects
Posted by Sarah (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/22/2010
OK- I THINK i had a severe reaction to bentonite clay... I was starting a cleanse 2 days ago- so had only juiced and eaten brown rice that day... I had some Bentonite I use for baths, ( I think it's the sodium one- but the person I bought it from claims he takes a tablespoon of it every day w/ no problems)and in the evening as an afterthought I added about 2 tsps. to my protein shake... it made it really thick so I added more water. I downed it and in about 3 hours I came down with the worst stomach cramping, diharea and vomiting I have EVER experienced... I mean tore-the-toiletpaper-holder-off-the-wall violent puking!!! It lasted for about 6 hours that severe- with a fever the entire time. The vomiting/ diharea subsided but my fever remained the rest of the day... am wondering if anyone has any ideas if this could've been severe detoxing, or reaction to the clay or stomach virus coincidence? I called poison control and they scared me to death about possibly rupturing my intestines, so I went to the DR the next afternoon and he basically sent me home with no advice (waste of $!!).
I am weak 2 days later and am still waiting on a bowel movement of any kind...? any input appreciated...
Heavy Metals
Posted by Susan (Boston, Ma) on 01/12/2010
It will not remove a piece of titanium from your neck. It means, I think, that it will remove toxic metal molecules from your blood (or other body fluids perhaps) that you may have ingested by, for example, drinking water with metal residue in it, or maybe by breathing in a location where metals were in the air, or eating food that was grown in a location where metal had seeped into the soil, or by having your cavities filled with metal. I'm not an expert; this is how I understand it.
Detoxing
Posted by Codysmom (Alexandria, Va) on 12/31/2009
★★★★★
I have been taking bentonite clay for detoxing and really love it. I tried drinking it mixed with water but couldn't stand the taste. I now eat the clay with applesauce (1-2 tsp clay with 1 cup applesauce). I have also eaten it with yogurt. I found the applesauce with clay will make you very full for several hours, almost like an appetite suppressant, which is great for those that are dieting or cutting back.
Acne
Posted by Stacey (Greensboro, Nc) on 10/23/2009
★★★★★
I use the sodium clay for acne externally. A thin coat of clay really helps my oily skin. I've tried it internally, but I really didn't feel it was benefiting me in any way other than it did help stomach acid problems.
Calcium Vs Sodium Clay
Posted by Summer (La, Ca) on 10/23/2009
The really important thing to consider is how your body's digestive system works. Even if a Sodium Bentonite had the right balance of minerals, and had the right particle size to be absorbed into your bloodstream, and had good detoxification power from its ionization properties, you should not ingest it.
In your stomach, it will break apart with the acids and other liquids, but as it moves from the small intestine to the colon, it will become dehydrated by your body and it will clump back together. You will then have the unpleasant task of eliminating it. Or worse, it could become part of a constipation problem. In contrast, when you put a teaspoon of Calcium Montmorillonite clay into a glass of water, about half may fall to the bottom and half will stay suspended as a colloidal cloudiness. It will look milky. There is no clumping to worry about and stirring with a spoon is easy.
Another consideration with Sodium Bentonite is hinted at by its name...sodium. As if we don't get enough salt in our bodies, this clay is introducing more. In contrast calcium Bentonite has 2 or 3 times the calcium as sodium, and other pH balancing minerals such as potassium and magnesium to help your blood balance its electrolytes and keep you healthy.
Finally, Sodium Bentonites come from industrial producers. Their processing often introduces problems. They may claim to have sterilization processes, and they sometimes do...with irradiation, a process that reduces the ionic electrical potency of the compound. Irradiation is not acceptable for organic and holistic uses. Regardless, their operations are geared for commercial not natural or health products and contamination is always a possibility.
Sodium Bentonite may be a fine product for acne treatment or a poultice because of its absorptive properties. But why buy different clays when one source can be trusted to perform well for all needs.
Warning!
Posted by Azg (Toronto, On) on 09/27/2009
Bentonite Clay will back you up if you use it in it's dry form. It needs to be hydrated FIRST! Please soak 1 tablespoon of Clay in 8 oz of water and let it soak for at least 24 hours... you have to build the clay up in your system or else you'll get severely backed up and find yourself (a) in pain and (b) unable to go to the bathroom to poop. Start off by taking just 1 tablespoon of your hydrated clay in a cup of water per day for a week or so before deciding if you want to increase the amount of clay you take in.
OR....just buy a HYDRATED bentonite. Your health food store will carry a variety of brands!
Remember people, natural products can cause just as much damage as chemical pharmaceuticals if you abuse them. DO YOUR RESEARCH. YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Acid Reflux
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/27/2009
Just a correction and update: it takes about 2 tablespoons of bentonite in 4-6 oz of water to make the "gel". This is still working great for me! In fact, I skipped it yesterday, so it's been a day and a half since I've taken it, and still no acid! Before this I was taking the "watercure" every 2-4 hours, before I tried that I would be coughing & in pain ALL DAY, and I usually woke up already feeling bad.
Acid Reflux
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/21/2009
★★★★★
I've had acid reflux for months and while using the "watercure" has given me some relief, if I slack off on it at all I have persistent pain/burning the next day. I have tried charcoal, but it takes 30 minutes or more to kick in, and sometimes I need a second dose, and I have tried baking soda in water, but that seems to last only a couple of hours. Last night I tried bentonite and not only was the relief almost instant, but lasted for over 12 hours. I just tried a second dose and again, instant relief!
What I do is take a small jar (8oz) of warm water and mix in about a tablespoon of bentonite. I then let it sit out overnight so that the clay becomes saturated with the water; this will prevent it from absorbing too much water in your gut and possibly causing constipation. This makes a jelly-like consistency; if it's too watery, then stir in a bit more clay, or if it's too stiff then add more water. Then I keep it in the fridge and use as needed. For the acid reflux I take 2 teaspoons and chase it with water. It does not have an unpleasant flavor or a gritty texture. The coolness from keeping it in the fridge is soothing to the throat, and could also be soothing on the skin for poison ivy, sunburn or cooking burns, insect bites, etc.
Warning!
Posted by Amber (Howell, Michigan) on 09/12/2009
The clay used for sealing is SODIUM bentonite...vs the CALCIUM bentonite used for detox. These are 2 very different products...
Cold Sores
Posted by Drew (Columbus, Ohio) on 08/29/2009
★★★★★
A buddy of mine turned me on to calcium bentonite clay for my overall health. the stuff is amazing. you can bathe in it, cook with it, eat it, brush with it, clean your hair with it. its mainly used in spas and things of that nature. anyways, I got the worst cold sore I've ever had. the entire left side of my upper lip, a little one on my nose, and a little one on my bottom lip. I've been reading this website and I remembered the clay I had. I added some water and made a paste out of it and I smeared it on the sores and went to bed. I woke up the next day and the pain was gone and the swelling had dropped tremendously. I washed it off and saw that the sore had diminished in size considerably. it feels really good on the sore and it really cleans up the sore. I use this overnight and it really helps. using it with other remedies, I find the sore heals much quicker. plus it feels GREAT
Calcium Vs Sodium Clay
Posted by Stacey (Greensboro, Nc) on 08/04/2009
Calcium Montmorillonite clay v. Sodium montmorillonite (Bentonite)?
I've been considering taking bentontite clay, but realized there are 2 different types: one dominant in sodium and the other calcium. I know that Bentontite is the "product name" of the clay, and I've seen respectable companies selling one or the other, but attributing the same properties to each. Is there a difference between the two if you want to take the clay internally?
Energy, Skin, Hair
Posted by Hal (Mt. Enterprise, TX) on 06/14/2009
★★★★★
I was sorry to read the negative feedback on the bentonite clay, as I have had positive results using it. I have been using it with psyllium husk powder for 3 months now. I think it is wonderful! In general, I use 1 Tbl. liquid bentonite clay with 1 Tbl. psyllium husk powder in 1 c. of liquid. In the first month, I saw lots of increased energy. In the second month, I saw wonderful results with my skin. I suffer from excessive oily skin on my face and in my hair. The bentonite clay took all of that away and left my face feeling very soft all day long without using lotions or other topical creams. The oiliness in my hair completely went away. Just the other day I did an experiment and I went 4 days without washing my hair. I was waiting for the oily scalp to come back but it never did. In the 3rd month of using bentonite clay, I have seen good results with my hair being more healthy. It doesn't fall out nearly as much when I take a shower or brush my hair. It feels thicker and the individual hair strands feel stronger like they can withstand a lot without breaking or coming out. This has been my positive experience with bentonite clay and I will continue to take 1 Tbl. each day for....well, I guess indefinitely.
Heavy Metals
Posted by Betsy (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/17/2009
Bentonite Clay
Question-What does it mean to remove metals? I wanted to use the clay to remove toxins-but does it physically remove metal? I have a piece of titanium metal in my neck-I started using the clay and have had pain in my shoulder and neck-plus headaches. Is this die off or is the metal being pysically removed from my neck which would not be good as it is taking the place of a removed disk. I tried to find the answer on the internet as to what it means to have metals removed, but could not find it. Please let me know what the process consists of. Thanks for the help.
Warning!
Posted by Sam (Amsterdam, Netherlands) on 02/27/2009
I was very surprise when I read these warnings as I just completed a 7 day detox. The main ingredients were BENTONITE CLAY and PSYLLIUM.I do not know whether I can mention the name of the product - but it was from Arise and Shine. My results are so great and I feel fantastic (lost 6 llbs) - I have decided to continue for another week. Everyone is different but I guess it has something to do with the quantities used. By using a prepared product - I guess they have done their research and know exactly the quantities one should use.
Some years ago, I suffered from food and house mite allergies and by using bentonite clay while detoxing was the solution for me. It is true that it is used for sealing and binding - but that is exactly why it is useful in assisting to remove mucoid plaque built up inside our intestines over years.
Warning!
Posted by Patrick Warren (Naples, Florida) on 11/10/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I noticed a couple of warnings from users that were using Bentonite clay & Psyllium. Psyllium has been safe for me; however I cannot understand why anyone would use Bentonite clay to cleanse your intestinal tract. For years when I lived in Texas, we used Bentonite clay to seal ponds so they would not leak (it swells and seals and lasts for years). I can only imagine what that stuff would do to your intestinal tract. So I suspect the negative feedback is more on Bentonite clay and not psyllium.
Warning!
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 10/19/2008
Information in "The Clay Cure" by Ran Knishinsky advises clay NOT be taken with psyllium (or ground flaxseeds etc) as it will be too severe on the stomach.
Detoxing
Posted by Matthew (Brisbane, Qld) on 09/06/2008
★★★★★
Bentonite is fantastic for internal cleansing but like everything you must tailor the quantity to your own digestive system. I have been taking it for 4 years with positive results and have learned that regular intake of even a small amount is beneficial. It is a bacteriacide absorbs toxins and raises pH
Here's how I take it:
Add 1 liter of water to your blender.
Mix 100g of bentonite (approx 4 dessert spoons)
Blend for 1-2 minutes.
Pour 90% of this mix into a resealable food grade plastic or glass bottle. Discard the residue.
Now you have a smooth pourable base mixture. Add 50ml to 100ml* of this to a large glass and top with warm water. Warm water makes it easier to take. So you have a light clay drink 250ml - 300ml
Drink one glass in the morning and one afternoon or night. At least 30 - 40 minutes away from main meals.
DO NOT take it close to life sustaining medications as it could lessen the effect of the medication.
Take for a number of consecutive days. there is no magic number of days but generally it is beneficial when taken for a few days on a regular basis. It can be continuted for weeks at a time if so desired. I suggest starting at the lower level and increase if things are going ok. in other words if bowel movements become too slow or constipation occurs then cease the intake until you clear and resume if you wish.
Make sure to include plenty of fibre and water in your diet.
Personally I don't like to include psyillium husks with it. I find it a bit much for my system when combined & I get good results with the just Bentonite.
Initially it may make your bowel movement a bit sluggish or perhaps you'll eliminate later in the day but i have never experienced constipation from it as described in some posts. If you find the amount suggested above is still too much then lessen it until agreeable. it will still be working just a bit slower.
* 50ml - 100ml of this mix converts to 5 - 10gms of clay . It is not very much. The most I have taken at one time is 300ml (30gm of clay)of the mixture without diluting it. It was a bit hard to get down but I had a lot of energy all day. I have not repeated that amount as I would have to force it down and don't care to. Gentle persistence pays off.
Good Luck!
Warning!
Posted by Julie (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 07/29/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I used bentonite for an intestinal cleanse. It worked well; however, I developed an allergy to psyllium, which is a common allergen. I got very bad hives. I had to change the fiber. Using fiber is very important with this clay. This is a magnetic clay, and it did take some pain away, also. I would definitely recommend using another type of fiber - I used wheat germ, even oatmeal, whatever I could find.
Warning!
Posted by Joyce (Glasgow, Scotland) on 03/29/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I digested Psyllium and Bentonite clay for a colon cleanse. This was to ruin my whole life and caused immediate gastritis and triggered rosacea/rhinophyma. The onset of syptoms were abrum, immediate and extremely severe. I now have blepharitis and meibominaitis as a result. I was very stupid and digesting this product has ruined my whole life. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heavy Metals
Posted by GT (Vero Beach, Florida) on 08/22/2007
★★★★★
Please do more articles on bentonite clay. It's amazing -- Balances the pH levels quickly so you don't have to use baking soda, has all the minerals in it, takes out toxic heavy metals without taking out the good nutr. good for external skin ailments; good for detoxing vaccine damaged children.
Acid Reflux
Posted by GT (Vero Beach, Florida) on 08/24/2007
★★★★★
Used Medicinal grade Bentonite clay for acid reflux,works within a few sips. Get a small bottle of water put in a teaspoon of bentonite clay (PH is 9.1) shake hard so it disolves in the water and take some sips. You will notice within the second sip the acid starts to calm down. A note; People with bad acid reflux have trouble sleeping, magnesium gets depleted when acid is on overload, a few sips of bentonite clay before bed you sleep like a baby. Magnesium' has a 'calming' effect for the mind and the physical muscles. There is magnesium in bentonite clay.
Abscessed Tooth
Posted by Diane (Sacramento, California) on 01/01/2008
★★★★★
Montmorillite form of Bentonite clay. I had an absessed tooth that broke off. The absess was not really painful but my dentist advised a root canal because the tooth was dead. How I wish I would have tried the clay first and just had a temp crown put on. I continued to have a soreness at the root. The pocket of infection had been there for years. I didn't want to do the antibiotic thing or have more work done, so I tried the clay. I simply tucked a pea sized bit of clay with a bit of cotton up at the root where the pain was. The next morning it was somewhat better. I continued for months until every bit of the soreness was gone. It took time but I just know I probably could have healed it without the root canal. I still do it once in awhile because I know dead teeth in your mouth infect the body eventually, per Dr. Weston Price. The one advantage?...It takes almost no effort to do.
