Bentonite Clay Poultice Recipe

Bentonite clay is a type of clay that's commonly used for detoxification because its electrical charge pulls toxins out of the body. Proponents use it to clean their skin and hair, and if eaten, the clay cleanses colons. One of the most common uses of the clay, found in most health-food stores, is as a poultice.

How Bentonite Clay Works

Bentonite clay is typically found in the Great Plains of the United States and is considered the best clay for detoxification because of its unique swelling properties. Once in contact with water, bentonite clay swells up like a sponge. The electric platelets in the clay draw out the toxins and bind them to the clay's porous surface. Because the clay is luring toxins to the skin's surface, your skin may look visibly worse before it begins to look better after several treatments.

Stings, Rashes, Bites

For bee stings and other common skin problems, use bentonite clay with distilled water. Mix the two together, using only enough water to form a thick paste, and slather it on the problem area. Let the clay dry for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.

Stronger Body Poultice

For a more powerful poultice, you'll need the clay and apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts of bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar until it forms a creamy paste, then slather it on the problem area. Let the clay set on the body for about 45 minutes, then rinse off to pull out any toxins. Be sure not to use any metal objects such as bowls or silverware when mixing this recipe, because the clay can react badly with metal.

To use bentonite clay as a poultice for the entire body, stir a pound of clay with a pint of apple cider vinegar. This time, make sure to add some water to thin out and dilute the mixture slightly so that the higher quantities of clay and vinegar do not aggravate the skin. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your body. Leave it on for only about 20 minutes, then rinse off. This recipe offers enough clay mixture for two people.

If the clay and vinegar mixture is too drying for your skin, particularly if you're using it to treat acne, follow the treatment with a moisturizer.

Clay Bath

Pouring bentonite clay into your bathwater can offer the same detoxifying effects as a poultice. The Family Hope Center, which aids children with special needs, recommends pouring two cups of clay into your bathwater twice a week for five weeks to get the same results that you would get from a poultice.