I wash my face with dirt every morning. Technically it’s called bentonite clay, but it is literally dried and powdered dirt. Which is funny, because it has worked better as a facial on my sensitive skin than any store-bought soap or cream, and its completely natural.
Bentonite clay is mined from ancient sea beds, or from weathered volcanic ash. It is typically high in minerals that are necessary for human life and has been used for generations by some indigenous populations in the Americas. Archaeologists have found bentonite clay formed into balls resting in small pouches on the remains of ancient peoples, leading to the conclusion that these balls of clay had many daily uses. Use of bentonite clay is gaining traction in modern populations now!
While bentonite clay makes an amazing mud facial, I’ve also used it in many situations as a remedy and I carry a small jar in my first aid kit. I first encountered bentonite clay during finals week of my senior in college: my soon to be sister-in-law heard I was having some stomach problems, and in her kindness, filled up some pill capsules with the clay. I took it, and it worked. After years of using bentonite clay, I’ve discovered that it is very versatile in its application.
Have you ever seen “My Big Fat Greek Wedding?” Well, if you have, you’ll remember that the entire family uses Windex glass cleaner on any ailment (alert: don’t try this at home!) and always recommends it for any situation. “Just put Windex on it!”
^^^That’s exactly what it’s like having bentonite clay in my family. We use bentonite clay on just about anything! Got a sprain? Put clay on it. A bug bite? Use clay. Don’t have time to shower? Use clay as a dry shampoo. Need a detox bath? Throw in some clay. It’s amazing that one little jar of dirt can have so many applications.
Below are my 5 favorite ways to use bentonite clay!
1. Face Mask
Clay holds in moisture while your skin soaks in vital minerals needed for tissue repair and rejuvenation. Pair with a few drop of your favorite essential oils for a relaxing spa night.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp filtered water
- 2 drops of organic lavender essential oil
- 1 drop organic tea tree essential oil
- 1 drop rose absolute
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl with your finger. Once you have a nice paste, begin layering onto your face. Let it sit on your face until the clay turns white, hardens, or your skin begins to tingle and rinse the mask off with a washcloth and water. For sensitive skin, remove 5 minutes after applying.
2. Soothing Skin Cream
If you’ve ever suffered a sunburn or bug bites, then you need a powerful anti-itching, soothing cream.
For large sunburns mix the following…
- ½ cup bentonite clay
- ½ cup of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
Coat thickly over affected area and wrap in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. May be left on overnight or for several hours.
For bug bites use the following…
- 1 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp filtered water
Simply apply to the bite(s) in a thick amount.
3. Poultice for Sprains
This one may seem a little stranger than other applications, but clay has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it the perfect candidate for a poultice on sprains.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of bentonite clay
- 1 cup of filtered water
Mix together with a spoon, and then apply the paste in thick layers over the affected area. Wrap in plastic wrap to retain the moisture, and leave on 8-10 hours.
4. Internal Digestive Support
Nothing is worse than nausea, belly aches, or a sore digestive system. Clay can be incredibly useful in soothing these areas of the body when taken internally.
Ingredients & Method
Fill 3-4 empty non-GMO vegetable capsules with bentonite clay and take before or after meals.
5. Dry Shampoo
This is probably my favorite application of bentonite clay, because who has time to wash their hair every day? Using a pinch at a time, sprinkle bentonite clay across your scalp and massage in. Not only does it make a great dry shampoo, after a few days you may notice a bit more volume in your hair!
Comments 4
I use it when making toothpaste along with coconut oil, baking soda, peppermint oil and stevia.
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I used the facial mask for the first time yesterday! I absolutely loved it! My skin felt tighter and my pores shrank! My skin tingled and it felt awesome. I’m now on my second day. There are so many toxins in products now days. More and more illnesses are a result of all types of additives and preservatives. We spend so much money trying new products on the market these days. I found half the time they really dont work. I found this really does!! Having naturaly made products throughout my house is my goal. Thank you so much!!