I was introduced to bentonite clay a few years back and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to do with this gray dirt. I tried mixing and using it and found that it was a yucky, messy, pain to mess with. I did find out just how effective it was in countering the pain and effects associated with bee and wasp stings and other such maladies. I also did a cleanse very similar to Bulk Herb Store's Detox+ containing bentonite clay and was amazed at the results.
Because of these discoveries, I found it prudent to do some more digging. Surely--there was an easier way to use this stuff. I am a lover of convenience just like everyone else.
Below you'll find some interesting tidbits and some of my better discoveries about Bentonite Clay.
Mixing Clay for Salve or Poultice
Mixing Clay for Drinking
Mixing Clay for Baths
Salty Toothpaste Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Toothpaste Recipe
Clean the Toothpaste and Grunge Off Your Sink
Regarding Metal in the Mouth or Skeleton
A friend of mine who had done extensive research gave me some pointers. He pointed out that mixing clay depends on the type and brand of clay. Not all clays are created equal and they all require different amounts of water for the best mixture and texture.
Bulk Herb Store sells Redmond brand sodium bentonite clay. It is recommended for this particular type of clay that you use 2 parts water to 1 part clay for a nice pasty consistency - much like sculptors' clay.Add the clay powder to a jar that will hold 3 times the measurement of clay. Carefully pour the water into the clay and allow it to sit (covered or uncovered doesn't matter) for several hours for smaller amounts to several days for larger amounts. If you're mixing pounds and gallons, it is recommended that you layer the clay and water for the most efficient results.
My friend also informed me that you could spread this clay on a paper towel or some other cloth (instead of directly on the skin) and use as a poultice. This causes the majority of the clay to stick to the cloth when you are finished, which reduces cleanup.If you want to mix the clay for drinking, use the same technique, but use about 8 oz of water to 1 Tablespoon of clay. Allow it to sit on the counter for several hours to a couple of days. Shake vigorously and drink up. I tried this myself and it worked like a charm.
If you're in a hurry, mixing clay to drink can be a tedious (chunky) experience. Adding powdered herbs and/or activated charcoal to the clay before adding the water can cause the clay to suspend in the water instead of clumping, allowing you to drink it without gagging down mud. Keep in mind, if you choose to do it this way, you are not allowing the clay to fully absorb water to capacity. This will cause it to steel water from the intestines. This is OK AS LONG AS YOU DRINK ENOUGH WATER TO COMPENSATE. 16 oz of water with each heaping teaspoon of clay consumed. NOTE: When taking clay internally, it is also wise to increase fiber intake to keep the bowels moving and prevent potentially toxic constipation.
Mixing sodium bentonite clay for baths can be this easy as well. Take 2 to 4 cups of clay and put in a 2 gallon 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 add enough water for soaking in the tub. Sodium bentonite clay can be added directly to the bath water if you're in a hurry, but again, it's messy and clumpy and hard to disperse throughout the water. If you choose to do it this way, grab clumps of clay while bathing and rub between the fingers and on various parts of the body to allow maximum coverage of the exposed skin. When the bath is finished, get out and allow the water to sit still for 30 minutes to an hour. Any undissolved bits of clay 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.
In a recent edition of the Bulk Herb Store newsletter, a recipe for bentonite clay toothpaste was posted. I was completely intrigued. All the benefits of clay and so soon after learning how best to mix and use it. BONUS! However, the thought of salty, dirt-flavored toothpaste really didn't appeal. A few days after I learned of this recipe, my husband complained of a toothache and asked me to make the toothpaste. I knew he wouldn't use it often if it didn't taste good, so I tried a few substitutions of my own.
I added black walnut hull powder, cayenne, xylitol, whole ground cloves and essential oils.
I omitted the baking soda and salt because of the taste but also because I believe they can be overly abrasive if used too often. I also omitted the cinnamon as I didn't have any on hand. It tasted fabulous (even without the cinnamon), but the boys (and men) in my house all said they didn't care for the grit that came from using ground cloves, so I tried again and used the method Shoshanna mentioned in the newsletter and boiled the cloves instead.
I also increased the amount of clay and black walnut hull powder to compensate for the loss of powder from the cloves. I have yet to get my dear husband's review, but I was quite impressed with my powers of invention (or modification as the case may be.).
Below you'll find both the original recipe posted in our newsletter and my own personal recipe based on the original. Either would be a great addition to anyone's medicine cabinet. You can also use both to create your own version of bentonite clay toothpaste.
Bentonite Clay Toothpaste Recipe (from Shoshanna's Kitchen)
3 Cups Water
1 Tablespoon Stevia Herb
1 1/2 Cups Cinnamon Sticks
4 Tablespoons Whole Cloves
4 Tablespoons Baking Soda
1 Tablespoons Celtic Sea Salt
1 - 1 1/2 Cups Bentonite Clay Powder
1. Mix the first four ingredients in a medium saucepan, and boil 30 minutes. While that’s heating, mix 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon Celtic Sea Salt and set aside.
2. Next place 1 cup of Bentonite Clay into a glass bowl. Note: it is important to use a glass bowl and wooden spoon because when the Bentonite Clay gets wet, it sets up an electromagnetic reaction which will absorb the particles inside of a metal bowl, or the toxins out of a plastic one.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and strain off herbs, catching the liquid in a glass bowl. Slowly add the salt and baking soda mixture. Expect it to foam and bubble. This is the cinnamon and the baking soda reacting to each other. While it is still frothing, pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of Bentonite Clay, and whisk briskly. The foam will start to settle down and a smooth paste should start to form. Continue adding the remains of Bentonite Clay until the desired consistency is reached. Store in glass jars and avoid any contact with absorbable metals.
Shay's Bentonite Toothpaste
5 tsp Bentonite Clay Powder
1.5 tsp Black Walnut Hull Powder
1 Tablespoon Whole Cloves
5 tsp Xylitol crystals
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper Powder (approx 1/16 to 1/8 tsp)
2 to 3 drops Cinnamon (Cassia) Essential Oil
2 to 3 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
2 cups purified water (distilled is best)
Glass jar with lid (do not use metal or plastic)
Wooden spoon or stick
1. Boil cloves in 2 cups of water until resulting "tea" is reduced to approximately 1/3 cup.
3. When clove tea is finished, strain off into a measuring cup.
7. Will thicken upon standing.
If you feel the paste is too runny add more clay a bit at a time. Keep in mind it will thicken, but it's much easier to add extra clay if needed before it expands. The mixture in the photo on the left will thicken but will most likely still be fluid even after expansion of clay. The photo on the right shows a thicker version and will set up quite thick and will more resemble a paste.
CAUTION: If you have a plastic or composite sink, this toothpaste may stain your sink. Brush your teeth in the stainless or porcelain sink in the kitchen or use a stainless steel bowl to prevent staining. This is true of most herbs. Keep in mind many ancients used herbs and plants to dye clothing and hair. I have stains all over my sink, but I honestly don't care.
Back to Bentonite...
I have received several emails about using bentonite clay metal skeletal pins, metal fillings, braces and other various metal in the body.
I have every reason to believe, not only will it not hurt your bridgework, but that you would be high risk for metal poisoning and the side effects that come with it. Using bentonite clay would reduce the amount of metals that could be absorbed into the body and therefore keep you healthier and happier than you might have been before. All that and clean teeth too! Who could ask for more?
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