Soduim Bentonite Clay - What is it? Why Use it? How to Mix it?

Sodium Bentonite Clay - What is it?

Sodium Bentonite Clay is a mineral powder with a multitude of health, beauty and cosmetic uses and benefits.  Our Sodium Bentonite Clay is a fine, silky powder and creamy beige in colour.  It is derived from volcanic ash that settled in ancient sea beds where they absorbed the mineral rich content of these pristine pollution free waters that are now dry lands.

Why Use it

Researchers have found that when Sodium Bentonite Clay powder comes in to contact with liquid it produces negatively charged ions which attracts and captures positively charged ions.  Toxins have positive ions, so sodium bentonite clay is reported to attract toxins and rid them from the body while depositing the minerals into the skin or body.

How to Mix It

There are a multitude of uses for sodium bentonite clay and mixing will depend on what you want to use the clay for.  Sodium Bentonite Clay mixes well and easily with oils such as coconut, olive, avocado etc.  It is more trickier to mix with liquids such as water and floral waters but worthwhile and once you have mastered your base formula you can being experimenting.

To Make a Bentonite Paste (for bites, stings, rashes, spots etc)

To get a nice thick paste consistency (similar to sculptor’s clay), the measurement is 1 part clay to 2 parts water added to a jar that holds 3 times the measurement of the clay. For example: 100g of clay with 200g water added into a 300g jar.

Add the clay to a jar and slowly and carefully pour the water into the jar and allow it to sit (covered or uncovered--doesn't matter) for several hours for smaller amounts to several days for larger amounts. Keep checking consistency. If you find that the water hasn't yet fully absorbed, allow it sit longer. If your mix is too dry, add more water and allow it to sit. If your paste is too runny, add more clay.

To Make a Bentonite Slurry (for detox drink)

Add 1-2 teaspoons of clay to 250ml of water. Add the water to a jar, then add the clay. Seal the jar and shake. The clay will form clumps, that is okay. Allow the water and clay mixture to sit for several hours. Shake vigorously and check consistency until you have a cloudy water texture. If too thick add more water shake and let sit until desired texture is achieved. You can make a larger quantity and store in the fridge to use throughout the week but ensure you maintain 1-2 teaspoons to 250ml of water. As with any detox, ensure you drink lots of water throughout the day. 

To Make a Bentonite Bath (for detoxification and soothing irritated, inflamed skin)

Take 250 -500g of clay and put in a 2 – 4L container and fill with water. Allow this to sit for a couple of days and stir with a wooden or plastic spoon. Pour this mixture into the tub and fill tub as normal

You can fill the bath about half way with hot water and pour in the clay, swirl the clay around with your hand. There will be clumps therefore allow to sit for 20 mins or until the clumps have dispersed. When you are ready to soak, add more hot water to fill bath as normal. If you're in a hurry and and can’t wait for the clumps to disperse throughout the water, grab the clumps of clay while bathing and rub on to the skin, particularly the feet. When the bath is finished, get out and allow the water to sit still for 30 minutes to an hour. Any clay that didn’t dissolve will sink to the bottom and stick to the tub when you drain it. Wipe up any residue with a paper towel and throw it away. Thoroughly rinse the bath.