What Not To Mix With Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a type of clay that forms from weathering volcanic ash. It is composed mainly of montmorillonite, which gives it a strong negative charge. This allows bentonite clay to absorb positively charged toxins, impurities, and chemicals. Bentonite clay has been used medicinally for centuries as a digestive aid and to help treat skin conditions. Today it is commonly found in facial masks, detox baths, and as a dietary supplement.
Some key benefits of bentonite clay include:
- Removing toxins, chemicals, and impurities from the body
- Reducing inflammation and acne when used on the skin
- Providing minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron
- Treating digestive issues such as diarrhea and constipation
It’s important to know what not to mix with bentonite clay. Since it has a strong negative charge, bentonite clay can bind to some substances and medications, reducing their effectiveness. It also has the potential to cause adverse reactions when combined with certain ingredients.
Acids
Acids can deactivate the adsorptive properties of bentonite clay, making it less effective. This includes substances like vinegars, lemon juice, and other foods and liquids with acidic pH levels [1]. When bentonite clay encounters acids, it undergoes an ion exchange reaction. The acid essentially replaces the clay’s ions with hydrogen ions, changing its chemical structure and neutralizing its negative charge [2]. This disrupts the clay’s ability to bind to toxins, contaminants, and other substances.
Using bentonite clay together with or immediately after acidic substances carries risks. The clay may not work as intended and fail to provide its expected benefits. Worse, the modified chemical structure could potentially leach minerals and metals into the body. Experts recommend avoiding use of bentonite clay within several hours of consuming acidic foods or liquids [3].
Prescription Medications
Bentonite clay may bind to some prescription medications in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. Examples of drugs that should not be mixed with bentonite clay include:
- Lithium – Used to treat bipolar disorder. Bentonite clay may decrease lithium absorption, leading to reduced effectiveness 1.
- Digoxin – Used for heart disease. May have reduced absorption and lowered blood levels when taken with bentonite clay 1.
- Quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin – Antibacterial drugs that could have impaired absorption and efficacy.2
In general, bentonite clay should not be taken within 2 hours of ingesting medications, especially sustained-release or extended-release formulations. The clay can prevent proper breakdown and absorption of the medication in the intestines, leading to potentially ineffective therapy at best or toxicity at worst. Consult your physician before using bentonite clay if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications.3
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils like cinnamon, clove, lemongrass and thyme contain compounds that can be irritating or sensitizing when used with bentonite clay (source). Cinnamon and clove oils in particular contain eugenol and cinnamaldehyde which can cause skin irritation for some people.
Using these types of essential oils with bentonite clay is not recommended as it increases the risk of skin irritation and sensitivity. The clay’s drawing power can pull the oils deeper into the skin and magnify their effects. Safer essential oil options to use with bentonite clay include lavender, chamomile, rose, geranium and sandalwood. Always do a patch test before applying any essential oil-clay combination to the skin.
Salt Water
Salt water can cause bentonite clay to clump or “flocculate” together when mixed. This is because the sodium ions in salt interact with the montmorillonite molecules in bentonite clay, causing the clay particles to aggregate and form clumps (Lochside, 2017). When ingested, these clumps can potentially pose health risks by causing gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.
To avoid clumping when preparing bentonite clay, it’s best to use distilled or purified water rather than tap water, which contains traces of minerals and salts (Humblebeeandme, 2015). The purity of the water source helps keep the clay suspended smoothly.
Dairy
Mixing bentonite clay with dairy products like milk is not recommended, as the milk can spoil quickly and cause the clay mask to go bad (https://socialitefashion.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/aztec-secret-indian-healing-clay/). Using a mask containing spoiled milk could lead to skin irritation, rashes, or even infections if harmful bacteria is present. To get the benefits of milk’s soothing properties without the risks, try mixing the clay with non-dairy milks such as almond, coconut, or oat milk instead.
Citrus Juices
Bentonite clay should not be mixed with citrus juices like orange juice or grapefruit juice. The citric acid in these juices creates a more acidic environment, which reduces the effectiveness of the clay. When bentonite clay encounters an acidic substance, it begins to break down and loses its ability to absorb toxins and impurities (1).
For example, mixing bentonite clay with orange juice or grapefruit juice can make the clay clumpy and prevent it from drawing out oils and dirt from your skin. It’s better to use purified or distilled water when making a bentonite clay facial mask. You can also use herbal teas, as long as they don’t contain citrus juices. Chamomile tea, green tea, and mint tea work well (2).
When ingesting bentonite clay internally, avoid mixing it with any citrus juices. The acidity prevents the clay from absorbing toxins in the digestive tract. Instead, combine bentonite clay with purified water or herbal teas that do not contain citrus. This will help maximize its detoxifying effects.
Products Containing Sugar
Sugar products like honey or maple syrup should not be mixed with bentonite clay. Sugars like these feed bacteria, which can lead to infection when using the clay on the skin. For example, adding honey to a bentonite clay face mask may seem nourishing, but the natural sugars in the honey can actually spur bacteria growth in the clay. This bacteria growth can spoil the clay, especially in warm environments, leading to skin irritation or infection when applied to the face. Other sugary products like maple syrup, agave nectar, molasses, and corn syrup should also be avoided when mixing bentonite clay.
Alcohol
It’s best to avoid alcohol when using bentonite clay. As explained in a 2017 review on bentonite clay, alcohol can reduce the adsorptive properties of bentonite clay. This means the clay will be less effective at removing toxins from the body. Additionally, if alcohol enters the bloodstream through the skin while using a bentonite clay product, it can have harmful health effects. For these reasons, it’s recommended to avoid consuming alcohol near the time of using bentonite clay, whether topically or internally.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several key substances that should be avoided when mixing with bentonite clay. These include acids, prescription medications, essential oils, salt water, dairy, citrus juices, products containing sugar, and alcohol. Interactions occur because bentonite clay can bind to and absorb many compounds. When mixed together, the clay may reduce absorption and efficacy of some substances like medications. For others like acids and citrus, the clay’s alkalinity can cause adverse reactions.
It’s important to carefully read product labels and check for any known interactions before using bentonite clay. Especially when taking medications or supplements, consult your doctor or pharmacist first. Being informed about what not to mix with bentonite clay will help ensure you use it safely and effectively.