BUCKHORN CLIFFS

Compounds and Cleaning · Compound · Absorbent clarifying clay

Bentonite Clay

An absorbent clay that binds some irritants in poultices and, with a coagulant, helps cloudy water settle. Internal use is limited, so read the cautions.

INDEFINITEHandle with careWorks without power

Quick facts

Works by
Absorbs and binds
Form
Fine gray powder
Hazard class
Low; dust
Shelf life
Indefinite
Storage
Sealed glass or plastic
What to avoid
Moisture, untested brands

See everything bentonite clay must never touch

What it's good for

Settling aid

Helps clumps settle

Poultices

Drawing skin packs

Binding

Binds some toxins

Caution

Limited internal use

It swells in water and holds a negative charge, so it binds positively charged particles and, with a coagulant, helps fine sediment settle.

Good to know

A clay that swells and grabs. In water bentonite's stacked mineral sheets drink in liquid and balloon, exposing surfaces that carry a negative charge, which grab onto positively charged particles such as certain proteins and metal ions. That makes it a binder and a coagulant aid, a helper in clearing cloudy water rather than a stand-alone fix, since its negative charge actually repels the like-charged silt in muddy water. Popular 'detox' claims outrun the evidence, and some clays carry lead, so treat internal use with genuine caution.

Handling and safety

Limited internal use

Choose tested food-grade clay, keep internal use occasional, and not for poisoning.

A settling aid, not a fix

With a coagulant it helps clumps settle, but alone it will not clear muddy water.

The metal rule is overblown

A brief metal-spoon stir will not ruin it; just do not store wet clay against bare metal, which can rust.

A simple drawing poultice

On skin it can draw out moisture and bind some irritants.

Recipes for bentonite clay

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What is bentonite clay used for?

It is an absorbent clay that binds. Main uses are drawing poultices that pull moisture and bind some irritants on skin, and as a settling aid that, with a coagulant, helps clumps settle in cloudy water. Alone it will not clear muddy water, and internal use should stay occasional, with tested food-grade clay.

How long does bentonite clay last in storage?

Bentonite clay has an indefinite shelf life. Keep the dry powder sealed in glass or plastic and away from moisture, and it stays usable for as long as you store it.

How do I store bentonite clay?

Keep the dry powder in a sealed glass or plastic container, away from moisture. A quick stir with a metal spoon will not ruin it, but do not store wet clay against bare metal, which can rust.

Keep going

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