Uses for Bentonite Powder
Overview
Bentonite is a type of absorbent clay that is usually refined from volcanic ash.
Its high absorbency makes it a useful substance in industrial applications, in products like kitty litter and even in natural medicine. While you may be able to purchase bentonite as wet clay or as a gel-like substance, its most common, affordable and versatile form is powder. Bentonite powder is available without a prescription wherever natural supplements are sold, though a consultation with a physician is recommended before beginning any bentonite regimen, especially for people with iron intolerance, high blood pressure and life-sustaining prescriptions.
Detoxifying Cleanser
In the world of alternative medicine, bentonite powder is most commonly marketed for the purposes of intestinal detoxification and cleansing. Because it is such an absorbent substance, it is believed that bentonite powder can attract and absorb toxins and impurities that may otherwise languish in the intestines for years. These toxins are then expelled normally as waste, and successful results may include relief from stomach discomfort, improved mood, increased energy and healthier skin, hair and eyes. Instructions for intestinal cleanses will vary, and while some may call for the use of bentonite powder alone, others will require additional substances like psyllium seed husks, which are also highly absorbent and mildly abrasive in the intestines. Bentonite powder is usually taken by being completely dissolved in water and then consumed, and such intestinal cleanse processes usually last two weeks or less. Daily intake of more than 1 teaspoon of bentonite powder is not recommended for long-term bentonite regimens.
Regularity Aid
A commonly purported benefit of the bentonite powder intestinal cleanse is improved intestinal regularity, and success with bentonite powder has been reported as a treatment for both constipation and diarrhea. For these reasons, bentonite powder is also sometimes marketed specifically as a regularity aid. By helping to purge the intestines of toxins and accumulated impurities, bentonite powder dissolved in water promotes a natural bacterial balance, which can relieve constipation. Bentonite also can bind stools quickly, making it a fast-acting diarrhea reliever. As a diarrhea treatment, bentonite powder can be dissolved in water or stirred into a serving of applesauce, which is another natural treatment for runny stool.
