Bentonite clay
Montmorillonite clay (bentonite)
Supplements. Folk & home remedies.
Also called Montmorillonite, Sodium bentonite, Calcium bentonite
Pinyin: péng rùn tǔ
Spanish: Bentonita
May cause constipation or blockageA soft clay formed from volcanic ash, used on the skin and sold as an oral 'detox' powder.
Did you know? Bentonite forms when volcanic ash slowly changes into clay over long periods of time.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Skin. Clay face masks are used for oily skin, mostly from tradition. Human research is limited.Traditional proof
- Cleansing & detox. The claim that clay pulls heavy metals and toxins out of the body is not shown in human trials.Not supported
Parts of the body
Traditional use
People have used clay on the skin and in the stomach for centuries in many folk traditions. Modern detox products are a recent commercial trend.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Astringent, Alterative. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
No safe dose for swallowing clay has been set, and no research supports a daily detox dose. Skin masks use a thin layer of clay mixed with water, left on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Powder and topical.
Where to get it
Mined from clay deposits, mostly in the western United States (Wyoming) and in other regions. Sold as powders for skin masks and as oral detox products.
Be careful
Eating clay can cause constipation, and some warnings say it can cause bowel blockage, though solid case reports are hard to find. Clay can bind other medicines in the gut and lower their effect. Some products may carry lead or other metals from the source clay, so products sold for detox could add metal instead of removing it.
Avoid if: bowel obstruction; constipation.
Mixing with other things
No specific mixing notes on file. That doesn't prove it's safe with everything; ask a pharmacist about your full list.
The honest take
The detox claim is not supported by human research, and swallowing clay has little good evidence. Clay on the skin is an old folk practice with limited proof. The main risks of swallowing clay are constipation, medicine interactions and possible metal contamination.