Bentonite Clay

 Bentonite Clay is named after a region in Wyoming called Fort Benton, where most of its sources are mined.  Over 70% of the world's Bentonite clay comes from there, where it had been mined for over 125 years.

Bentonite Clay has many uses, including its usage for "clarifying wine" interestingly enough.  

This article sites studies showing Bentonite clay to be anti fungal, anti bacterial, and effective at removing heavy metals and even pesticides.  In one study it was shown to be more effective than charcoal in removing a deadly toxin from cattle.  Mixed with water, it can be used topically to treat Poison Ivy, skin ulcers, and insect bites.  In Iran and other countries people use it to wash and soften hair.  Here is a video about how to deep clean and your hair and scalp using Bentonite clay.  It even increases the effectiveness of certain sunscreens that include it as an ingredient.  This study shows it to decrease inflammation and assist in regeneration of skin in burn wounds.  

When I used it on an infected wound I found it to be soothing, and it seemed to draw out the infection quite quickly.  It seemed counter intuitive to put clay on an infection, but it worked!  

Some people mix it with Cayenne powder and essential oils to sprinkle inside their shoes or socks to prevent foot fungus.

In this video Dr. Josh Axe elaborates on the many benefits of Bentonite clay and recommends 1 teaspoon a day taken with water for its detoxing benefits.  Its a good idea to drink a lot of water throughout the day when doing the detox, and not to exceed four weeks.   He also mentions in the video the fact that Bentonite clay contains a lot of minerals, another benefit to using it.

Here are the ingredients for a home made foot fungus preventative:

• 1½ tablespoons bentonite clay
• ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• a shaker bottle, glass if possible, or glass jar
• This is taken from Dr. Josh Axe's website and you can find the instructions on how to combine and use these ingredients here.