Experts Baffled: The Ancient 'Dirt' That Could Transform Your Health and Beauty Routine!

Bentonite clay, a powerfrul detoxifyer, and other healing clays have been used for centuries by many different cultures throughout history. Today, we don't often look first to natural remedies to our issues or as a form of prevention however, these natural forms are often some of the most effective and simple solutions to our problems. Have you ever wondered why many animals will eat dirt from time to time? They're not simple minded creatures that don't know any better. They're instinctively eating it because it helps them in some way. Now, while I'm not suggesting you go out and munch on the nearest pile of topsoil you can find, we can learn about the value of adding natural, mineral rich resources to our lives and one of those resources is bentonite clay.

Bentonite clay is a volcanic ash, also known as "montmorillonite". The largest deposit of bentonite clay is located in Fort Benton, Montana, hence the name.

Bentonite clay has gained popularity in recent times for it's use as a clay facial mask due to it's ability to calm the skin and remove toxins. The magic of bentonite clay is found in it's electrical charge. When bentonite clay comes into contact with water, it turns into a really small, porous sponge and takes on a strong negative electrical charge. The negatively charged bentonite clay then causes toxins, heavy metals and other impurities within the body to become attracted to it, pulling them out of the body. Once bonded, they're not going anywhere and so, you get a little bit healthier each time you use bentonite clay.

How do we take advantage of these amazing properties? To harness the benefits of bentonite clay, here are four totally awesome uses for bentonite clay that will have you eating dirt (...maybe) in no time!

1) Facial mask - For smooth, healthy and younger looking skin, mix bentonite clay with water or apple cider vinegar to form a thick mud. Apply evenly to the face and let it dry (it takes about 20 minutes) and then wash it off. You can do this once or twice a week with fantastic results!

You can also use this anywhere on the skin for blemishes, bites, stings, eczema or any other skin irritation with the same process as the mask. You can learn more here.

2) Detox Bath - Add 1/4 cup of bentonite clay to your warm bath water and let it go to work for you. The bath will add skin healthy minerals to your skin and detoxify you while you bathe leaving you with soft skin.

3) Detoxifying Deodorant - Commercial deodorants are loaded with chemicals and if you use an antiperspirant, the aluminum used to block up your sweat pores gets stuck in your body which is extremely harmful. Aluminum is a neurotoxin for which the body has no use for. If you haven't kicked the chemicals of commercial deodorant yet, you should. Transitioning to a product such as Green Theory probiotic deodorant come with the detoxifying bentonite clay in the formula giving you a daily detox of harmful, cancer causing toxins and metals!

4) Ingest it! - Yep, the one you've all been waiting for. You really can take bentonite clay internally. The clay is loaded with useful minerals such as silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. In fact, several native tribes from all over the world uses to carry little balls of clay around with them to help detoxify themselves from toxins they encountered - this was well before we even knew what a toxin was! When taken internally, bentonite clay can help deliver more oxygen in the cells by removing hydrogen, settle an upset stomach and recover faster from vomiting or diarrhea, balance gut bacteria.

You can mix 1/2 - 1tsp. of bentonite clay with water and drink it daily or a few times per week. It's a good idea to makes sure the clay you purchase it label as being acceptable for ingestion before using it in this way. Give it a try! You can learn more about this here.

Bonus use: Mouthwash/remineralizing agent for teeth - Mix 1/2 tsp in 1/4 cup of water and shake it up. Swish it around in your mouth for 1-2 minutes, spit it out and repeat. Doing so will detoxify your mouth, help whiten teeth naturally and help your teeth stay healthy by adding calcium!

Bentonite clay is a multi-faceted addition to any health and beauty routine, readily available at natural product stores or online. By incorporating this simple, cost-effective material into your regimen, you're joining a lineage of health-conscious individuals who have recognized its remarkable benefits.

What uses have you found for bentonite clay? Let us know in the comments below!