The benefits of activated charcoal have been used since prehistoric times. It’s a non-toxic compound created when a starting material (such as coconut shells, peat, or hardwood) is charred and then steamed at extremely high temperatures to create a porous surface.
You must be sure to use activated charcoal made only from natural products.
Activated charcoal is carbon and possesses a negative ionic charge. That’s important since most of the toxins and pollutants in your body possess a positive ionic charge.
Toxins are drawn to carbon and eliminated from the body naturally. It works via a process called adsorption, defined by the Medical Dictionary as, “The binding of a chemical (e.g., drug or poison) to a solid material such as activated charcoal or clay.”
This timeless element is found in all living things and is considered the chemical basis of all life. Throughout the universe, it is the fourth most common element.
Carbon or activated charcoal is scientifically proven to remove toxins, tastes, and odors. You’ll find it in hard masses of various sizes as well as powdered. It is completely odorless and tasteless. Hospitals have been known to use it in the event of major poisoning (in some cases, it’s better than pumping the stomach).
The most effective water filters use activated charcoal benefits to bind impurities in the water supply and even reusable water bottles are applying the technology now.
5 Incredible Uses of Activated Charcoal
1. Anti-Aging: Mixing a bit of activated charcoal with coconut oil is a facial treatment you’re going to love. It pulls toxins from the skin, exfoliates gently, and leaves your skin clean and clear. If over-the-counter acne products haven’t helped, try an activated charcoal mask. It’s also good to dab on bug bites, rashes, or other skin irritations.
2. Indigestion: If you experience regular gas and bloating caused by your diet, you’re going to love the natural solution offered by activated charcoal. In our current age of food additives, your poor gastrointestinal tract is constantly bombarded by compounds it’s unable to process or eliminate effectively. If there are specific foods that stimulate feelings of gaseousness or being “too full,” try stirring a teaspoon of charcoal into a glass of water about an hour before you eat. Drink a second glass of plain water to push the charcoal through your gut.
3. Emergency Poison Control: If you have small children, you want activated charcoal on hand. Accidental ingestion happens with over-the-counter and prescription medications, household cleaners, or even personal care products. You can stir a teaspoon of activated charcoal into a glass of water for the child to drink on your way to seek medical attention. Studies have found that charcoal drastically reduces the absorption of poisons and that makes it a good emergency first aid tool to have on hand.
4. Teeth Whitening: Instead of using the chemical products available or having your teeth whitened at great expense by your dentist, consider the inexpensive and incredible oral hygiene benefits of activated charcoal! I like to put a bit of coconut oil (an organic toothpaste also works well) on my toothbrush and then dip it in activated charcoal powder. Brush as you normally do (it’s not going to look pretty), then spit and rinse well. You’re not going to believe how clean and white your teeth are as charcoal strips away the plaque! Make sure you protect grout or other porous materials.
5. Full Body Detoxification: One of the best benefits of activated charcoal is its ability to remove organic compounds, allergens, pesticides, chemical byproducts, mercury, household cleaners (that enter your system through your skin), and even mold spores. It may also help remove bioaccumulation of fluoride that builds up from oral care products and your tap water. Doing a charcoal cleanse means taking 10 grams two hours before your meals. It’s safe to do for two days but make sure you choose organic foods (avoid all junk) during the cleanse. You don’t want to add back toxins as quickly as you remove them. During a cleanse, it is critical that you drink at least 12 glasses of water per day (if not more) as the charcoal can stimulate dehydration.
General Precautions
Due to the fact that charcoal attracts toxins, you have to be cautious if you’re currently on prescription medications. You must speak to your doctor before using activated charcoal.
You shouldn’t take activated charcoal two hours before or after taking vitamins or supplements. You should also be aware that when taking activated charcoal, your stools will appear black.
Best Type of Activated Charcoal for Health
The benefits of activated charcoal have been used for many thousands (perhaps tens of thousands) of years but it was virtually forgotten until the last decade.
Now, you’ll find activated charcoal in countless products intended for health and wellness. However, I suggest buying an organic charcoal made from pure materials (I prefer coconut shells) that you add to water or coconut oil yourself.
Avoid the juices, the bars, and all the other expensive upsells out there. Go with the original, not the hype. You’re going to love the way it makes you feel.