(NaturalNews) The healing bentonite clay derived from the montmorillonite family is a volcanic ash that has fallen into prehistoric bodies of water. As these bodies of water evaporate they leave behind a bed of mineral rich bentonite clay. Some of these clays can contain as many as 50 plus natural trace minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and silica, all of which are essential to human health. For thousands of years a variety of ancient cultures have carried around a ball of clay with them in their packs. Often times they would dissolve this ball of clay in water and ingest it with their meals as a means of healing an array of stomach ailments such as dysentery and bacterial food infections. Bentonite clay has also been used to help alleviate diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomachaches, acid indigestion, acid reflux, and many other digestive problems. Bentonite clay truly has many healing properties for us to benefit from and is best known for removing toxins.
One gram of clay taken internally has the surface area of about 900 square yards. If our intestinal tract were to be laid out flat, it would have the surface area equivalent to a tennis court. A Small amount of toxins over that entire area can add up fast. Bentonite clay uses a negative ionic charge to capture and absorb toxins. Since many of the toxins in our body are positively charged toxins are attracted to and bonded to the clay, making it all that more effective. Bentonite clay can also be used externally with great success.
There have also been many cases of people using the clay by applying it as a poultice on wounds and burns with great success, and it may even be used to help alleviate itching caused by bug bites. Bentonite clay has been seen as useful in helping to treat those with autism.
How to UseBentonite clays can be used internally and externally. If you are using a clay internally be sure that the product states that it is safe for internal use. Due to metals and other impurities that may be found in the clays, not all of them can be taken internally. If you are unsure of the purity of the clay contact the manufacturer.
For internal use, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of the clay in at least 8 ounces of water. Drink the mixture and follow with another 8 ounces of pure water. It has also been found useful to add fiber to this process to help move the clay along through the digestive tract.
For external use, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons in a bowl with water or apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial which may help alleviate some of the underlying causes that aggravate acne. Add the liquid slowly until you develop a muddy consistency. This part is not as crucial and is really up to your preference. Apply the mixture to your face or any other area and let it dry for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Wash and feel fantastic!
Clays may also be used as a bath. Add 1 to 2 cups of clay to your hot bath water and soak in it for at least 30 minutes for best results.
A foot bath is also useful for detoxing by adding 3 to 4 tablespoons to a tub of hot water and soaking your feet in it for at least 30 minutes.
Bentonite clay has many uses for healing and detoxification that may not have been listed here, and more are being found every day.
Resources:
http://www.colonzone.org/bentonite-clay.phphttp://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/clay.htmhttp://www.redmondclay.com/index.htmlhttp://www.naturalnews.com/026508_clay_autism_toxins.htmlAbout the author
Brett Brown is a contributing journalist with a strong desire to help others receive factual information in the health industry.
He also writes for and updates his own blog on a regular basis which can be found at:
http://rawhealthforce.blogspot.com
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