How to Drink Bentonite Clay (Step-by-Step Guide)

By Liana Werner-Gray

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “How exactly do you drink bentonite clay?”

I’ve been drinking bentonite clay for over 17 years, since 2009 when I hit rock bottom with my health, and it has remained one of my favorite wellness tools throughout my healing journey and for maintenance.

If you’re new to bentonite clay, don’t overcomplicate it. Drinking bentonite clay is actually very simple, and today I want to share exactly how I personally use it.

Step 1: Choose a Food-Grade Bentonite Clay

First, make sure you’re using a food-grade bentonite clay intended for internal use.

Personally, I use Redmond Clay because it’s the brand I’ve trusted for years. It’s sourced from ancient volcanic ash deposits in Utah and contains naturally occurring trace minerals that I love incorporating into my wellness lifestyle. The package has instructions for a facial but I’m telling you it is 100% food grade, I have vetted it and know the people behind the company, and have visited the clay fields multiple times. I have been drinking Redmond clay since I moved to America in 2010. Prior to that I was drinking Australian Healing Clay from Western Australia. 

Get your Redmond clay here for 15% off!

Whenever possible, I always encourage purchasing directly from a company’s website because it helps support the brand and the incredible people behind the products we love. That said, I completely understand that for many people Amazon is the most convenient option, so choose whichever option works best for you.

Step 2: Add Bentonite Clay to Water

Add approximately 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay to filtered water in a glass cup or jar.

Please make sure you do not use metal containers or metal utensils when preparing bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is known for its natural adsorptive and magnetic-like properties, and metal can interfere and weaken those properties. Instead, use glass and, if needed, a wooden or other non-metal utensils.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just filtered water, a glass container, and your clay.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Place the lid on the jar and shake well.

I prefer shaking rather than stirring because it helps distribute the clay evenly throughout the water.

You may notice some clay settling to the bottom. That’s completely normal.

Pro tip: You can just use a cup of water and wooden spoon to make your clay. But I prefer shaking it up in juice jars. I have juice jars that I add heaping tablespoons of clay to, and then add water, and then shake it up. Then I drink half of the jar and fill it back up with water and drink the rest over the next few days. This feels like less effort so you can make a batch of clay every few days vs mixing it fresh daily. 

Step 4: Drink It

Simply drink the mixture.

People often ask me what bentonite clay tastes like. To me, it has a very mild taste, almost like mineral-rich water with a slightly earthy flavor.

If you’re sensitive to the taste, simply start with a smaller amount and work your way up gradually.

Step 5: Follow With More Water

One of the most important things when drinking bentonite clay is staying hydrated.

I always recommend drinking additional water throughout the day to support healthy digestion and overall wellness.

My Favorite Bentonite Clay Wellness Tonic

Most days I simply drink bentonite clay with filtered water. However, if I want to make it a little more refreshing, I’ll make this simple wellness tonic.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon food-grade bentonite clay

• 12–16 ounces filtered water

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

• A pinch of Redmond Real Salt (optional)

Directions

Add the water to a glass jar, followed by the bentonite clay. Secure the lid and shake well until combined.

If desired, add the fresh lemon juice and a small pinch of Redmond Real Salt. Shake again and enjoy.

It’s simple, refreshing, and an easy way to incorporate bentonite clay into your wellness routine.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Bentonite Clay?

My favorite time is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Because bentonite clay is known for its adsorptive properties, I also like to take it away from food, supplements, and medications. As a general guideline, try to leave about 30 minutes before eating and at least 1–2 hours between bentonite clay and any supplements or medications.

Many people also enjoy drinking it before bed so it binds toxins at night. 

The most important thing is consistency and finding what works best for your body and lifestyle. 

How Often Do I Drink Bentonite Clay?

When I was actively focused on healing, I drank bentonite clay every day.

Today, I generally drink it every other day as part of my maintenance routine.

Everyone is different, so listen to your body and find a rhythm that feels right for you. On my 3 Month Earth Diet Revival Program the participants drink it every single day. If you think about how many toxins and heavy metals we are exposed to on a daily basis, it makes you want to drink the clay daily to keep your body pure. 

Why Do People Drink Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is known for its unique adsorptive properties. When mixed with water, it develops a negative charge that can bind to certain positively charged substances through a process called adsorption.

This is one of the reasons bentonite clay has been used for centuries and remains popular today as part of a wellness-focused lifestyle. Many people use it to support digestive wellness, healthy elimination, and the body’s natural detoxification processes.

For me personally, it became one of the most important wellness tools during my healing journey over 17 years ago, and it’s something I still use today. When I had a golf ball size tumor in my throat, I did a live blood test and saw that my blood was riddled with parasites. This is when the doctor told me to start drinking clay to absorb those parasites and clean my blood.

Other reasons people drink bentonite clay include:

Detox/Cleansing

• - Binds to toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and mold (mycotoxin) residues in the gut and helps eliminate them.
• - Used as part of parasite cleanses or “detox” protocols. Parasites hate it!

Digestive Support

• - Soothes an upset stomach, reduces bloating, and eases diarrhea (it has a long history of use for gastrointestinal issues).
• - Some use it for acid reflux or as a general gut “reset.”

Mineral Content

• - Contains trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which some people view as a bonus benefit.

Skin/Internal Beauty

• - Supports clearer skin from the inside out. I have seen it help clear my clients’ acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Historical/Traditional Use

• - Geophagy (eating earth/clay) has roots in many cultures, sometimes during pregnancy or illness, predating modern supplement use.
  
  

I truly believe God has provided us with bentonite clay to help keep our bodies pure.

Common Questions

What If Clay Settles at the Bottom?

That’s completely normal. Simply add a little more water, shake again, and drink the remaining clay.

Can Beginners Start With Less?

Absolutely. If you’re new to bentonite clay, you may prefer to start with ½ teaspoon and gradually increase from there.

A Wellness Tool I’ve Loved for Over 17 Years

After more than 17 years, bentonite clay is still one of the simplest wellness tools I use. It takes less than a minute to prepare, costs very little, and has become a regular part of my wellness lifestyle.

If you’re new to bentonite clay, start simple. Begin with a small amount, stay hydrated, and allow your body time to adjust.

Sometimes the simplest things from nature can become some of our greatest wellness tools.

With love,

Liana

P.S. The clay I personally use and trust is Redmond Clay. If you’d like to try it, click here for 15% off your next Redmond purchase.

This is a sponsored blog post.