Activated Charcoal, the miracle!

Uses and Benefits

Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment. It is used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out. In so doing it prevents the body from reabsorbing them. It’s made from a variety of sources. When as a natural healing treatment, it’s important to select activated charcoal. It should be made from coconut shells or other natural sources.

Did you know that one of the most popular activated charcoal uses is for the treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses? It’s used in emergency departments across the world. It can also be used to reduce bloating and gas. It has been shown to lower cholesterol, treat bile flow problems safely during pregnancy, and even prevent (and treat) hangovers.

How does it work?

Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of pores.

It doesn’t absorb the toxins. Instead it works through the chemical process of adsorption. In the body, Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.

The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge. This is what causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. The dips and uneven surface in activated charcoal are created through a heating process. Activated charcoal is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill!

The Top 10 Uses

Whenever you take activated charcoal, it’s important that you drink 12-16 glasses of water per day. Activated charcoal can cause dehydration if inadequate amounts of water are consumed. Also, this helps to flush out the toxins and prevents constipation that can be experienced by some.

Activated charcoal uses include deodorising and disinfecting, and it’s an important step to cure Lyme disease. Here are the top 10 activated charcoal uses:

1. Whitens Teeth

Have your teeth become stained from coffee, tea, wine or berries? Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health. It changes the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease.

It works to whiten teeth by adsorbing plaque and microscopic bits that the stain teeth. It is a cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile.

BE CAREFUL, it can (and will) stain grout and fabrics. Be careful with your counter tops, floors and clothing.

To whiten your teeth naturally, wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as normal, paying special attention to areas showing the most staining. Swish through your mouth with a little water and spit. Keep rinsing until your spit is clear.

For best results, brush your teeth with activated charcoal two-three times per week.

Note: If you have crowns, caps or porcelain veneers, it’s possible that activated charcoal will stain them. If your teeth become sensitive, stop using it.

2. Alleviates Gas & Bloating

One activated charcoal use often overlooked is to ease uncomfortable gas and bloating. It works by binding the gas-causing by-products in foods that cause discomfort.

Dosing recommendations are 500 milligrammes one hour prior to a meal. Take with a full glass of water. Follow with an additional glass of water immediately after to help get the charcoal into your system. Then just let it so its thing!

3. Treats Alcohol Poisoning & Helps Prevent Hangovers

While activated charcoal does not absorb alcohol, it does help remove other toxins from the body that contribute to poisoning. Alcohol is rarely consumed in its pure form. Mixers that include artificial sweeteners and chemicals are common. Activated charcoal removes these toxins.

In addition, when activated charcoal is taken at the same time as alcohol it has been shown to reduce blood alcohol concentrations. Activated charcoal is administered in some situations related to alcohol. This includes if the individual is unconscious or showing signs of acute alcohol poisoning.

4. Mould Cleansing

Most people don’t think about mould living in their bodies, but it does. Toxic mould causes kidney and liver failure, decreased brain function and heart disease. It can also be responsible for eye irritation, headaches and can cause vomiting. Some cases of impaired immune system function and severe respiratory distress are caused by moulds.

Homes that have flooded, or even those with small leaks under the floor or in the walls, can create an environment where mould can thrive. Poor ventilation contributes to the problem, and bathrooms and laundry rooms are particularly prone to mould growth.

If there is visible mould in your home, it must be removed properly. It’s important to wear gloves and a protective mask to keep from inhaling toxic mould during cleanup. Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and borax can all be used to clean mould off hard surfaces. They will also stop it reappearing in the future.

If you or your family experience symptoms including wheezing, rashes, watery eyes, coughing or headaches that aren’t explained in other ways, your home should be evaluated.

5. Water Filtration

Activated charcoal traps impurities in water including solvents and pesticides. Industrial waste and other chemicals are also trapped. Its use in water filtration systems is widespread.

Drinking water is essential to good health. Typical tap water can be fairly toxic and laden with chemicals. Toxins and fluoride. can be harmful and is found in most tap water. Ingestion should be limited whenever possible. Activated charcoal water filters are available for whole-home systems. There are also countertop models. Drink eight-10 glasses of pure water per day to help soothe the digestive tract and fight fatigue. This level of water consumption can also keep organs operating, and provide lubrication for joints and tissues.

6. Emergency Toxin Removal

One of the most common uses is to remove toxins and chemicals in the event of ingestion. Many organic compounds, pesticides, mercury, fertiliser and bleach bind to activated charcoal’s surface. This allows for quicker elimination and the prevention of absorption into the body.

Activated charcoal is also widely used for the treatment of an accidental, or purposeful, overdose. This includes pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter medications. It’s effective for aspirin, opium, cocaine, morphine and acetaminophen. It’s important that the proper amount is administered as quickly as possible.

In the event of poisoning, call 000 immediately. Proper dosing is imperative.

In addition, activated charcoal can be used in cases of food poisoning when nausea and diarrhoea are present. Adults take 25 grammes at the onset of symptoms or when food poisoning is suspected. For children, a dose of 10 grammes should be given. Increase dosage as necessary. Don't forget to drink plenty of water!

7. Skin and Body Health

For external treatments, it’s effective at treating body odour and acne. It can also relieve discomfort from insect bites, rashes from poison ivy or poison oak, and snake bites.

After a mosquito bite or bee sting, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ? tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone. As activated charcoal stains wrap with a bandage.

To treat bites from snakes and spiders you want to cover a larger area than just a small bandage, as the bacteria and viruses that lead to tissue damage need to be mitigated quickly.

Create a wrap out of fabric that’s big enough to go around the affected area twice. Dab the mixture of coconut oil and activated charcoal on the fabric, and wrap. Secure with bandages. Reapply every two to three hours, rinsing well between applications.

To treat acne, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and smooth over face. Let dry and rinse off completely. The activated charcoal binds with environmental toxins and dirt that contribute to acne. It’s also good for spot treatments.

8. Digestive Cleanse

Activated charcoal uses help promote a healthy digestive tract. It removes toxins that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function. By removing the toxins from your system, you can reduce joint pain, increase energy and increase mental function.

Environmental factors, including pesticides on food, chemicals in the water we drink and exposure to mould, create a toxic burden in our bodies. It’s important to routinely cleanse the digestive tract to support overall health and wellness. To complete a digestive cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grammes 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days.

During the cleanse, eat only organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meat, and wild fish. If during the cleanse you find you are constipated, this is a sure sign you’re not consuming enough water! Drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon and a touch of honey every half hour until constipation is relieved.

9. Anti-Aging

Activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver. It ca also support healthy adrenal glands. It’s imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals from the body on a regular basis. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage.

Ageing is a natural part of life. Due to the toxins we experience through food, our homes and workplaces and our environment. To prevent pre-mature ageing we must rid our body of them.

Take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact with other toxins. This can help with better cognitive function and a reduction in brain fog. It can lead to healthier kidney and liver function, and a healthier digestive tract.

10. Reduces High Cholesterol

Studies around the world show that activated charcoal reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. It can be as effective as some prescription medications. In one study, total cholesterol decreased by 25 percent. LDL cholesterol decreased by 41 percent, while HDL increased by 8 percent — in just four weeks.

Study participants took three doses of eight grammes each for the period of the study. As mentioned below, don’t take activated charcoal within 90 minutes to two hours of taking any prescription medication or supplements as it can prevent proper absorption.

Activated Charcoal for First Aid

Activated charcoal should be part of your first aid kits, both at home and at work. In the event of an emergency where toxins, drugs or chemicals are ingested, it’s imperative to call 000 immediately. If you have activated charcoal on hand, be sure to tell the operator. They may advise to administer it prior to the first responder’s arrival.

Depending on a number of toxins or chemicals ingested and types of toxins, multiple doses may be required. At the hospital, physicians are able to administer more as needed.

In short Activated Charcoal has many uses and is a bit of a miracle!