Bentonite is defined as a naturally occurring material that is composed predominantly of the clay mineral smectite.  Most bentonites are formed by the alteration of volcanic ash in marine environments and occur as layers sandwiched between other types of rocks.

When taken internally, Bentonite clay may provide multiple health benefits:

• Helps detoxify the liver
• Helps cleanse the colon
• Helps boost the amount of bacterial balance in the digestive tract
• Helps boost your immune system
• Improves nutrient assimilation by the digestive system

Bentonite clay also contains essential minerals:

• calcium
• magnesium
• potassium
• silica
• sodium
• iron

These minerals are very important in maintaining the health of your heart, muscles, bones, and blood.

SILICON

Silicon helps the body in forming and maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the skeletal system and connective tissues. Silicon can help improve elasticity and suppleness of skin that has been damaged by excessive sun exposure. It is important in bone formation also. Silicon has the ability to penetrate deep into tissues to eliminate stored cellular toxins. Symptoms of silicon deficiency are:

• brittle nails
• osteoporosis
• tendonitis

CALCIUM

Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the human body, with 99% found in bone tissue. The other 1% is used for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Calcium is needed for healthy bones, teeth and skin. Calcium helps to regulate cardiovascular function and blood pressure levels. It also aids in metabolism of iron, and is required for proper cell division. The Standard American Diet only provides 1/3 of the calcium needed by the body. Symptoms of calcium deficiency are:

• bone-related problems
• osteoporosis
• brittle nails
• depression
• insomnia
• muscle cramping
• diminished nerve function

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium relaxes both smooth and skeletal muscles. It is an important mineral for the heart, as it helps with preventing spasms of the coronary arteries (which can result in heart attacks). Magnesium is needed for the maintenance/repair/division of cells, hormone regulation and proper nerve transmission. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency are:

• loss of appetite
• irregular heartbeat
• personality changes
• impaired muscle skills
• tingling/numbness/cramping of the hands, arms, feet and legs
• seizures

Bentonite Clay Benefits & Uses

Bentonite Clay attracts and binds ‘free radicals’ and other toxins. Free radicals are those cells that have been destabilised at the atomic level due to electron in-balance. Those destabilised cells are in fact mutated cells, and it is these mutated cells that can be the catalyst for disease.

Skin Poultice for Bites/Burns/Cuts/Stings

Blend Bentonite Clay with water to a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 and apply to the effective area, covering with a bandage or gauze, leaving it to draw toxins, and help heal the skin. Change every 2-3hrs.

Muscle Recovery

Bentonite Clay draws excess hydrogen from the cells, and in so doing provides a space for oxygen to occupy cells with resultant improved energy, and muscle recovery during & after exercise or workouts.

Good, Balanced Gut Flora

As discussed above, Bentonite Clay binds toxins, free radicals, and even heavy metals. These are all antagonistic to good gut flora, and once removed, good gut bacteria can flourish, given gut wall repair, a good diet, and supplementation of pre and pro-biotics to assist re-population. When the gut flora is healthy our immune system is no longer continually on high alert and so our whole metabolism settles. Nutrients from food are well absorbed increasing overall vitality.

Improves the Health of Teeth & Gums

Bentonite Clay binds to toxins and bacteria in the mouth that envelop teeth, gums and the tongue. It can be used as you would toothpaste or as a mouthwash. If using as a mouthwash blend 2 teaspoons into a cup of water, store in a glass jar, and use as mouthwash.

Assists with Constipation, IBS & Nausea

Bentonite Clay neutralizes bad bacteria & viruses, and in so doing, helps to alleviate many digestive problems. It can be used to treat constipation, acid reflux, IBS, and the nausea & vomiting many pregnant women unfortunately experience. One study revealed it is extremely successful at absorbing harmful rota virus, and carnivorous toxins within the gut of young mammals. Rota viruses are one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, and nausea, in infants & toddlers.

How much to Use for General Well being

To improve digestion and boost energy, blend 1 teaspoon of Bentonite Clay into a glass of water or juice. It may need to be blended in a jar & shaken, or blended in a blender or juicer to dissolve fully. A suggested protocol is to drink the blend once per day, each day of the week. Some suggest it is best to take away from food, wait 1hr before drinking if you have eaten, and 2hrs after medications or supplements as it might reduce their effectiveness. It is not affected by stomach acid.

Boosts Energy

Do you wake up tired? Are you sluggish by noon? The overwhelming feeling of fatigue can be a tough one to overcome. One way you can naturally boost your energy level is to add bentonite clay to diet. By consuming this healthy volcanic ash, it will pull excess hydrogen out of your body’s cells. This process allows more oxygen to enter into your cells. When your cells get more oxygen, you feel more energized!

 

Equine usage.

 

Healing clays like Bentonite have a high concentration of minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.

Many horses have experienced relief from pain, stomach ulcers, and chronic hoof abscess’s when bentonite clay is fed internally. Pure, food grade Bentonite clay provides many health benefits for people as well.

Bentonite clay helps to heal ulcers, helps prevent tying up, lines the stomach and digestive tract. It detoxifies the system especially when on long term medication. Bentonite clay helps balance the bacteria of the intestines and strengthens the body’s general constitution.

Externally it can be used as a poultice on cuts, wounds, damaged skin and tired legs. It promotes healing and the formation of new skin. It’s reported that clay facilitates cell regenerating, enhancing healing and tissue formation, leaving the new skin supple.

Do not use metallic spoons or place in metal baths as it will neutralizes the health benefits.

Internally use for 2 weeks only, then abstain for 2 weeks.

Not recommended for pregnant mares.

Dosage add approximately 50 grams to a large bucket of water ,mix and allow your horse to consume / drink as required.

Alternatively place in feed each night.

 Rosemarie.