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Bentonite Clay

Uses: Detoxifier | Sealant

The name “Bentonite” Clay refers to a clay first identified in cretaceous rocks in Fort Benton, Wyoming. Although deposits of bentonite can be found all over the world, the largest concentrations are in the Great Plains area of North America. Bentonite clay is not a mineral but a commercial name for “montmorillonite,” the active mineral in many medicinal clays. The name “montmorillonite” comes from the city of Montmorillon in France, where the medicinal clay was first identified.

Bentonite is made up of a high number of tiny platelets that have negative electrical charges on the flat surfaces and positive charges on the edges. When bentonite absorbs water, it swells like a sponge. The electrical attraction draws toxins into these spaces and binds them
there. The Canadian Journal of Microbiology reports that bentonite can absorb pathogenic viruses, herbicides and pesticides. The bentonite is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its surfaces.Clay is one of the most effective natural intestinal detoxifying agents and has been used for hundreds of years by people and animals around the world.

  • Calcium bentonite is widely used as a natural feed supplement to help digestion and uptake of essential minerals and trace minerals, many of which it also contains.
  • Sodium bentonite can be used to seal ponds or plug abandoned wells. It can take up to 12 times the amount of other clays, including calcium bentonite, to do an equivalent job.

Years ago, in Utah, ranchers turned out their sick cattle to fend for themselves. When the cows returned, recovered, the ranchers realized that they were feeding on clay banks until they felt better. Since then, ranchers have been bringing the clay to their livestock.

Benefits as a Detoxifier

  • Bentonite clay is pH neutral. It is an anti-infective, antitoxin and antibacterial.
  • Treats diarrhea.Improves feed efficiency and weight gain.
  • Increases butterfat content in milk.
  • Can be applied as a paste to wounds to clean and promote healing.
  • Is pH neutral, is an antitoxin, anti-infective and antibacterial.
  • Reduces the effect of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins.

Directions for Use as a Detoxifier

  • Add 25 – 50 lbs/ton or 11.3 – 22.6 kg/ tonne of complete feed or free choice.

Benefits as a Sealant

  • Sodium bentonite swells to 10 – 12 times its dry size when wetted with water, creating a watertight seal.
  • Prevents seepage into surrounding soil.
  • Does not harm fish, livestock, wild life or aquatic plant life.
  • Cost-effective.

Directions for Use as a Sealant

  • Apply in a layer over porous soil or mix with porous soil and wet with water to form an impermeable layer.
  • For an existing pond, sprinkle particles on the surface. The particles will sink to the bottom where they will swell and seal the bottom. Because the particles may not evenly cover the bottom, consult a professional to obtain the best results.

Packaging

  • Sodium bentonite, 50 lb or 22.6 kg.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.

Safety

  • Calcium bentonite and sodium bentonite have different cellular structure and chemical composition.
  • They behave differently. Sodium bentonite swells in water whereas calcium bentonite barely swells. Some manufacturers do not recommend using sodium bentonite for animals.
  • Dust particles may irritate nose, throat and respiratory tract.