Bentonite clay has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. This article delves into the benefits of bentonite clay baths, particularly when combined with Epsom salt, and provides instructions for creating your own therapeutic bath at home.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring clay formed from the alteration of volcanic ash. It's primarily composed of montmorillonite and other minerals, sometimes referred to as montmorillonite clay. Bentonite clay is special because of its ability to bind to and draw out impurities, such as toxins, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. This clay has been used in various applications, including face masks, gastrointestinal treatments, toothpaste thickeners, industrial waste cleanup, and water filtration.
Bentonite clay is sourced from areas with abundant deposits, such as the Mojave Desert in California, and is named after Fort Benton, Wyoming, where significant sources are found. It's also known as Montmorillonite clay, named after Montmorillon in France, where it was first discovered.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is a compound made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. It has a long history of use in baths for muscle relaxation, pain relief, skin health, and overall healing.
Positive Effects of Magnesium & Sulfur on Skin
Magnesium is essential for skin barrier function, energy production, and overall skin health. Sulfur is important for building healthy skin, managing inflammation, and breaking down keratin overgrowth in the outer layer of the skin.
Read also: Kaolin Clay for Skin
The Synergistic Benefits of Bentonite Clay and Epsom Salt Baths
Combining bentonite clay and Epsom salt in a bath can provide enhanced therapeutic effects. The bentonite clay binds to impurities and toxins, while the Epsom salt contributes magnesium and sulfur, promoting relaxation and skin health. The addition of bentonite to an Epsom salt bath may bind some of the magnesium ions; therefore, the skin healing effects of sulfur will be emphasized and complemented by the clay.
When to Use a Bentonite & Epsom Salt Bath
Bentonite & Epsom salt baths are often recommended for individuals dealing with inflamed skin conditions like eczema, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and psoriasis. The combination of bentonite and Epsom salt can be exceptionally soothing for these conditions. Additionally, these baths can be used as part of a detox protocol, with Epsom salt gently promoting sweating and bentonite binding and drawing out impurities.
Potential Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Detoxification
Bentonite clay acts as a detoxifying agent. Studies have shown that bentonite can reduce water aflatoxin concentration and bind aflatoxins in ingested feed, reducing or eliminating toxicity. It also reduces the bioavailability of aflatoxin and decreases the amount of Aflatoxin M1.
Removal of Toxins and Heavy Metals
Bentonite clay has the capacity to absorb pesticides due to its cationic nature and can potentially absorb the pesticide endrin through hydrophobic and charge-dipole interactions. It can also remove paraquat, an herbicide, and treat cows poisoned with Lantana camara, a species of flowering plant toxic to livestock.
In cases of metal toxicity, bentonite can reduce lead concentration in blood, brain, liver, bone, kidney, and hair. It can also decrease dietary copper bioavailability and reduce cadmium-induced oxidative damage.
Read also: Epsom Salt for Health and Wellness
Skin Health
Bentonite clay has been used externally on the skin for a long time. It can prevent or diminish allergic contact dermatitis from poison ivy and poison oak. Additionally, it can improve chronic hand dermatitis and act as a barrier for toxic organophosphorous compound transfer across the skin. In sunscreens, bentonite can optimize functional properties such as water resistance and skin adherence.
Digestive Health
Bentonite clay has been considered a treatment for diarrhea. It can modulate bowel habits in constipation-predominant IBS and does not affect mineral metabolism and absorption. It can also decrease serum creatinine by absorbing it in the GI tract and accelerating its excretion from the intestine and promote the diffusion of urea from blood vessels to the intestine, inhibiting its absorption.
Antibacterial Properties
Bentonite clay exhibits antibacterial properties and can kill a broad spectrum of bacteria. It can also absorb coliphages T1 and T7 of Escherichia coli in vitro.
Immune Response Modulation
Bentonite clay may modulate the immune response of the body and inhibit the growth of human cancer cell lines.
How to Prepare a Bentonite & Epsom Salt Bath
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup bentonite clay
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- Optional: 3-5 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, rose, etc)
Equipment:
- Non-metal mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Note: Metal bowls and spoons can react with the bentonite clay, making it less effective.
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Mixing Instructions:
- In a non-metal mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of bentonite clay and 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to several cups of warm water.
- Mix gently to dissolve clumps.
- Add the mixture to a full bath of warm water.
Bathing Instructions:
- Relax in the warm bath for 10-20 minutes.
- Have a glass of water, electrolyte drink, or herbal tea nearby.
- After bathing, rinse off in the shower, ensuring plenty of water goes down the drain.
- Apply moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
- This bath can be repeated 2-3 times per week.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid using products with unnecessary chemicals or inflammatory ingredients after the bath to maintain its detoxifying effects.
- For children ages 8 and up, use the amounts listed above. For younger children, halve the amounts (¼ cup of each bentonite clay and Epsom salt).
- Always monitor children for water safety and ensure they don’t drink the bathwater.
Other Uses of Bentonite Clay
Face Mask
Bentonite clay is commonly used as a face mask due to its detoxifying properties. It helps to remove impurities, absorb oil, and reduce the appearance of pores.
Hair and Scalp Treatment
Bentonite clay can be used as a scalp treatment for itchy scalps or dandruff. It detoxifies the scalp and removes heavy hair product buildup.
Foot Mask and Soak
A bentonite clay foot mask and Epsom salt soak can detoxify and soften the skin on tired feet.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While bentonite clay is generally safe for topical use, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Contamination: The FDA does not regulate all bentonite clay products, so there is a risk of heavy metal contamination, such as lead.
- Digestive Issues: Ingesting large quantities of bentonite clay can cause intestinal blockage and affect nutrient absorption.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Bentonite clay can bind to essential electrolytes in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to hypokalemia.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to bentonite clay. Always perform a patch test before applying it to a larger area of skin.
Precautions
- If you are on a septic system, bentonite clay is generally not recommended because the silt can cause problems.
- If you plan on consuming bentonite clay by mouth, do it only in small quantities and use clay sold by trusted merchants.
- Consult with a healthcare practitioner before using bentonite clay, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day while using bentonite clay to help flush it from the digestive tract and prevent constipation.