One of the perks of having a fairly regular yoga/qigong practice – at least how it happens here in Elizabeth’s bodymind – is that my desire for food or drink is in pretty consistent alignment with what is of genuine benefit to my body. And if the guidance system is a little askew, it doesn’t take more than a few moments for me to know that the choice I’ve made isn’t the best one.
Sometimes I’ll nibble on some yummy chocolate item, enjoying a couple bites thoroughly – but know intuitively that any more than that would be counterproductive, so feel satisfied with just that small amount. Conversely, a gnarly-smelling and super-bitter herbal formula can “taste” great, on the level of how it feels to my body as a whole.
Really?
So I wasn’t entirely surprised the first time I had a “This is fantastic!” reaction to drinking a mixture of water and Bentonite clay: feeling that it was one of the most wholesome things I had ever ingested. Though there was a moment of thinking, wow – I’m basically eating mud, and loving it … what does this mean?
What it means – and what there’s a plethora of evidence (both scientific and intuitive) to support – is that Bentonite clay is, at least potentially, a profoundly beneficial substance for the human body. It’s not unusual for non-human animals to instinctively search for some dirt or clay to eat, to remove toxins from their body. And so it is that clay – and Bentonite clay in particular – has a powerful detoxing effect also on a human body.
How, Exactly?
It’s pretty interesting how it works: Bentonite Clay (named after Fort Benton, Wyoming, its primary source) produces an electrical charge when it’s hydrated. In particular, it generates a strongly negative charge. This allows it to become a magnet for positively charged toxins of all sorts – bacteria, pesticides and other chemicals, heavy metals, etc. – which it then escorts through the intestines and out of the body.
Happy Belly: Bentonite Clay & Digestive Health
But its detoxing capacities are just one of a number of awesome things that Bentonite clay can do. As it’s drawing out the nasty stuff, it’s simultaneously offering a host of beneficial vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. And it has a proven track record for resolving all variety of digestive issues: bloating, gas, acid reflux, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, etc. And over time, the toxin-removing action of Bentonite clay supports the restoration of healthy gut bacteria (i.e. probiotics).
And finally, as you’re drinking your clay/water mixture, use the last little bit to swish around in your mouth, for a minute or two – in the manner of a mouthwash. It’s great support for oral health!
Tips For Using Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay can be purchased as a powder, and mixed with water – or purchased as an already liquefied solution such as Yerba Prima Great Plains Bentonite Detox (my current favorite).
Tip #1: Whatever you do, do not stir the clay with a metal spoon or allow it to touch anything metal. If it does, its electrical charge will be neutralized, and hence it will be stripped of its detoxing abilities. Instead, use a glass or plastic spoon and bowl/cup to mix.
Tip #2: Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, to support the flushing of the toxins.
Mud On Face
Almost as fun as drinking mud is putting it on your face! Check out Alitura Clay Face Mask for a truly outstanding, cleansing and invigorating facial mask experience. (Bonus points if you post a photo of yourself in fully mask, tee hee.)
And finally … try adding some Bentonite clay powder or solution to your warm bath. This isn’t as potent as applying it directly to your skin – a la the mask technique – but delicious nevertheless.
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