When it comes to stocking preparedness items, it’s best to look for those with multiple purposes. Household items, such as vinegar, baking soda, and duct tape, have a variety of uses and can prove to be lifesavers in survival situations.
However, there is another item that you may not have in your pantry just yet, but you are going to want to keep on hand. This product is bentonite clay.
The Most Powerful Clay on Earth, Discovered in the USA!
Environmedica explains, “Dating back to the prehistoric era, the earliest humans used clay to treat minor ailments such as food poisoning, aches and pains, infections, and mineral deficiencies. They even turned to clay for spa and beauty treatments.”
Today, bentonite is one of the most widely used clays. You may have heard of clay face masks or clay toothpaste. These all use bentonite clay—but it can do so much more.
According to Enviromedica, “Bentonite clay was discovered in large amounts in Fort Benton, near Rock River in Wyoming. Named after a formation there called Benton Shale, bentonite clay is formed after volcanic ash has weathered and aged in the presence of water. Bentonite has a strong negative electromagnetic charge, and when combined with water, it [can] act like a magnet in and on our bodies, drawing metals and toxins to it.”
Not only does it work as an electromagnetic charge, but bentonite clay can also be highly absorptive, taking in 40 to 50 times its weight.
The popularity of this special clay means it is easy to find and stock. You can purchase it at your local Walmart, Target, or drug store. Even better – bentonite clay never expires.
12 Reasons to Add Bentonite Clay to Your Emergency Supply
#1 Soothes burns fast
Bentonite clay soothes burns almost instantaneously. Simply make a thick, cold paste with water and the clay, and apply it to the burned area. Wrap the area with plastic wrap for 15 minutes to keep it moist. After 15 minutes, remove the clay using cold water. Make sure the clay does not dry on the burned skin. Renew the poultice application day and night, and change it every hour until new tissue appears. Then, reduce the frequency to 3 to 4 times a day.
#2 Treats skin
One of the most common uses for bentonite clay is to treat skin issues. The reason bentonite clay is so popular in face masks is because of its absorbency. WebMD explains, “Bentonite clay works like a sponge on your skin. It absorbs dirt and oil, like sebum. Too much sebum can lead to acne. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help your skin heal.”
When mixed with water, it can be applied to the skin and worn as a face (or skin) mask until it dries to help with acne breakouts, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes (e.g., allergic reactions to poison ivy).
#3 Soothes bug bites and insect stings
Bentonite clay is one of the few home remedies for bug bite pain that really works! Make a paste with bentonite clay and water and apply it to the bug bite or sting for quick pain relief. Make sure you cover 1 inch all around the area, and then leave to dry or cover with a loose bandage or plastic wrap for relief. Repeat 3 to 10 times until the swelling and pain subside.
#4 Cleans veggies and fruits
If you are unsure if your vegetables are clean, wash them with bentonite clay. Since it’s been shown to neutralize bacteria and remove toxins, add it to the water before washing your veggies and fruits. Use a ratio of 1 part clay to 8 parts water (or ¼ liquid clay and one quart of water). Place produce in the clay mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse and dry the produce.
#5 Aids with digestion
People claim that bentonite works wonders for their digestive systems. It’s been said to help with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and food poisoning.
If you suspect food poisoning, take 1 ounce of liquid clay every 2 hours as long as needed. Make sure to drink plenty of water to help the clay purge the toxins.
When attempting to use bentonite clay for digestive issues, you must make sure you are using a clay that is safe to consume. Some bentonite clays are for external use only.
#6 Absorbs liquids and moisture
Bentonite clay is used in many different cat litter brands because of its absorbency. But it doesn’t stop there. It also works to remove oil and grease spills.
#7 Works as a supplement or multivitamin
If you don’t have a plan for procuring vitamins in an emergency, bentonite clay is a great resource. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and contains minerals such as iron, copper, calcium, and zinc.
Today, you can purchase bentonite clay supplements over the counter. However, in a disaster, you don’t have to rely on the prepackaged supplement. You can mix a small amount of safe-to-consume bentonite clay (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) with food or water.
#8 Prevents chafing
Bentonite clay also works to prevent chafing. During hot summer days, you can dab a clay poultice to skin folds that tend to get irritated. Then, wait until the clay dries. It will absorb moisture and protect the skin from inflammation.
#9 Controls pests
If you need to stop pests from bothering you or your garden, you can use a mixture of bentonite clay, water, and liquid soap to keep the bugs away.
#10 Reduces odors
One reason bentonite clay is used for kitty litter is that, in addition to absorbing messes, it also reduced odors. In your own home, you can make drying agent bags (like the little silica gel bags you find in packaging) by placing bentonite clay inside a coffee filter and sealing it. You can also purchase cotton drawstring packs used for making DIY tea bags. These little bags of clay will absorb moisture, which will also help reduce odors. When filling your bag with clay, make sure you only fill it about halfway because it will expand as it absorbs moisture.
#11 Assists in purifying water
In disasters, water is essential, but it is not always safe to drink. Bentonite clay is one way to make the water you find safer to drink. Studies show that when combined with magnesium, bentonite clay improves the purity of tap water. Scientists are working on developing a bentonite-based water filtration system. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for a water filter or boiling, it does remove some of the bacteria and toxins.
#12 Used for detoxifying the body
Bentonite clay is known for its ability to remove certain toxins from the body and skin. People choose to ingest it, apply it directly to their bodies, or take a clay bath as a means of detoxifying.
How to Make Clay for a Variety of Important Uses
In addition to keeping bentonite clay on hand, have an idea of how to prepare it for a variety of uses. For instance, there are different techniques for preparing clay to soothe bug bites compared to detoxing. Here are some of the main ways to make clay for emergency use.
Note – When using bentonite clay, you must avoid using metal (such as metal mixing bowls) because the metal will interact with the negative charge in the clay and decrease the effectiveness of the final product.
Liquid clay to drink - Mix 1 part clay to 8 parts filtered water. Mix well, and then let set for 15 minutes. You can store liquid clay in a nonmetal container either in your fridge or in a cabinet away from sunlight and heat. It will keep for many months.
Clay poultice - Mix powdered clay and water together in a nonmetal bowl until paste is thick. Liberally apply ¼ to ¾-inch layer to the wound or infected area and cover with gauze or plastic wrap. You can refrigerate the unused clay in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Clay detox bath - Put 2 cups of powdered clay in the bath and run hot, hot water over it. Use your hand as a whisk to dissolve. When 3 inches of water fills the tub, you can run cooler water until you get the desired temperature. Stay in for 15 - 20 minutes. You do not want to stay in too long; otherwise, you may experience a cleansing reaction and feel fatigue and muscle soreness.
Clay mask - Mix 1 part clay to 3 parts water. Make sure to use a wooden spoon to stir until all lumps are gone. Apply the mask, and let sit for 20 minutes. Then, wash with warm water.
How to store clay
- Always store clay away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Make sure to use a clean, nonmetal utensil when scooping powered clay from the container.
- Store liquid clay in a food grade plastic or glass container. Make sure you use a nonmetallic lid.
In liberty,
Elizabeth Anderson
Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply