Bentonite, a powdered clay which is also known as montmorillonite, is derived from deposits of weathered volcanic ash. It is one of the most effective natural intestinal detoxifying agents available, and has been recognized as such for centuries by native peoples around the world.

Technically, the clay first adsorbs toxins (heavy metals, chemicals, free radicals, pesticides, etc) by attracting them to its extensive surface area where they adhere like flies to flypaper. Then it absorbs the toxins in the same way that a sponge mops up a kitchen counter mess. In fact, according to the Canadian Journal of Microbiology (31 1985, 50-52), bentonite can absorb pathogenic viruses, mold, heavy metals, and pesticides and herbicides including Paraquat and Roundup. The clay is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its multiple surfaces.

A medical study by Frederic Damrau, M.D., in 1961 (Medical Annals of the District of Columbia) established clearly that bentonite clay can end bouts of diarrhea. When 35 individuals suffering from diarrhea took two tablespoons of bentonite in water, the diarrhea was relieved in 34 out of the 35 patients in 3.8 days, regardless of the original cause of the problem.

Clay also scrapes and cleans the lining of the colon. According to Keith Payne of White Rock Mineral Corporation: “As the colon becomes cleaner, its ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients increases, making minerals even more bioavailable.”

Taking clay internallly can be a way of doing an annual spring cleaning of your gastrointestinal tract or it can be a symptom-focused, self-care method for improving your health.

Malawi, in southern Africa, is among the world’s least developed and most densely populated countries. Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality from HIV/AIDS, dysentery and malnourishment.

In Malawi, the Missouri-based nonprofit group, Project Peanut Butter, founded by Washington University pediatrician and former Fulbright Scholar, Mark Manary, is using a peanut-based, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to diminish the incidence of malnourishment among infants and children. Supplemented with vitamins and minerals, RUTF is a peanut and dried milk paste similar to peanut butter. Approved by USAID as a life-saving component of its food aid programs, RUTF is dense with nutritional energy.

A certain amount of our clay was mixed into the peanut and milk paste (RUTF). The addition of our bentonite clay almost completely inhibited all incidences of diarrhea in infants and children. This RUTF formula now contains our clay in addition to the other nutrients.

As a consequence, we want to let you know that, in addition to the excellent properties of our Kids Clear™ and EBN® Detoxifying Clay for use as a detox bathing clay, it is also one of the most effective edible clays on the market. The suggested use for using our clay internally is one (1) to two (2) teaspoons daily as needed, mixed in water (for children use 1/2 teaspoon daily as needed). We do not recommend taking clay internally on a long term basis.