Activated Charcoal- Nature's Purifier
Here’s some detail on the most common uses of Activated Charcoal.
Activated charcoal is an effective natural remedy used to trap toxins and chemicals in our bodies, thus allowing them to be removed so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. It’s made from a variety of sources, but when used for natural healing, it’s important to choose activated charcoal made from coconut shells or other natural sources.
Perhaps one of the most popular activated charcoal uses is for the safe and effective treatment of poisoning and drug overdoses. It’s used in hospital emergency rooms across the world. In addition, it’s used to reduce bloating and gas, to lower cholesterol, treat bile flow problems safely during pregnancy and even prevent hangovers.(1)
Research shows that activated charcoal works better than stomach pumping (gastric lavage) in some situations.(2)
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So, how does Activated Charcoal work?
Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in its millions of tiny pores. Usually though, it’s not used when petroleum, alcohol, lye, acids or other corrosive poisons have been ingested.
It doesn’t absorb the toxins. Instead it works through the chemical process of adsorption. Absorption is the chemical reaction when elements are soaked up. Adsorption is the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.
The porous surface of activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gas to bond with it. The nooks and crannies in activated charcoal are created through a heating process. It’s important to note that activated charcoal is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, and should never be consumed.
Top 10 Activated Charcoal Uses
Whenever you take activated charcoal, it’s important to drink 10-12 glasses of water per day. Activated charcoal can cause dehydration if you don’t drink enough water at the same time. In addition, this helps to flush out the toxins quickly and prevents constipation experienced by some people.
As well as being a safe and effective treatment for poisonings and the removal of toxins from the system, other uses include disinfecting and deodorizing, and it’s an important step to cure Lyme disease. Here are the top 10 activated charcoal uses:
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1. Whitens Teeth
Are your teeth stained from coffee, tea, wine or berries? Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health by changing the pH balance in your mouth. This helps to prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
It works to whiten teeth by adsorbing microscopic particles and plaque and that stain teeth and is a very cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile.
BE CAREFUL, it can (and will) stain grout and fabrics. Protect counters, floors and clothing before using.
Directions: Wet your toothbrush and dip it into powdered activated charcoal. Then just brush as normal, focusing on the areas showing the most staining. Rinse your mouth well, until spit is clear.
For best results, brush 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. In addition, if your teeth become sensitive, stop using it.
2. Alleviates Gas & Bloating
One effective activated charcoal use is to relieve uncomfortable gas and bloating. It works by binding the gas-causing by-products in foods that cause discomfort.
A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that activated charcoal prevents intestinal gas following a typical gas-producing meal.(4)
Directions to alleviate gas and bloating: Drink a teaspoon of activated charcoal mixed into a cup of water one hour before a typical gas-producing meal. Follow with another glass of water straight after the meal to help get the charcoal into your system, where it can bind with gas-producing elements.
3. Treats Alcohol Poisoning & Helps Prevent Hangovers
While activated charcoal does not adsorb alcohol, it does help to quickly remove other toxins from the body that contribute to poisoning. Alcohol is rarely consumed in its pure form. Mixers including artificial sweeteners and chemicals are common. Activated charcoal removes these toxins.
In addition, when activated charcoal is taken at the same time as alcohol, some studies show it can significantly reduce blood alcohol concentrations.(5) Princeton University’s First Aider’s Guide to Alcohol indicates that activated charcoal is administered in some situations related to alcohol.(6) This includes if the individual is unconscious or showing signs of acute alcohol poisoning.
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4. Mould Cleansing
Most people don’t think about mould living in their bodies, but it can. Toxic mould can cause depression, kidney and liver failure, decreased brain function, heart disease, eye irritation, headaches, vomiting, impaired immune system function, and severe respiratory distress.
Homes that have been flooded, or even those with dampness under the floor or in the walls, can create an environment where mould can thrive. Poor ventilation contributes to the problem, and bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms are particularly susceptible to mould growth.
If there is visible mould in your home, it must be dealt with 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 be used to clean mould off hard surfaces and keep mould from growing 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 checked for mould spore levels, even if no visible mould is detected. It can thrive behind plasterboard, under floors and in ventilation ducts.
5. Water Filtration
Activated charcoal traps impurities in water including solvents, pesticides, industrial waste and other chemicals. This is why it’s used in water filtration systems throughout the world. However, it doesn’t trap viruses, bacteria and hard-water minerals.
According to a study published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, activated carbon filters (activated charcoal), removes some fluoride. (7) Avoiding fluoride and detoxing from it is important for oral health, proper immune system functioning, and healthy kidneys and liver.
Drinking water is essential to good health; however, typical tap water can be toxic and laden with chemicals, toxins and fluoride. Ingestion should be limited whenever possible. Activated charcoal water filters are available for whole-home systems, as well as countertop models. Drink eight-10 glasses of pure water per day to help soothe the digestive tract, fight fatigue, keep organs operating, and provide lubrication for joints and tissues.
6. Emergency Toxin Removal
As mentioned above, one of the most common activated charcoal uses is to remove toxin and chemicals that have been swallowed. Most organic compounds, pesticides, mercury, fertilizer and bleach bind to activated charcoal allowing them to be quickly eliminated, while preventing their absorption into the body.
Activated charcoal is also used in the event of an accidental, or purposeful, overdose of many 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 — definitely within an hour of ingestion.
In the case of poisoning, call your emergency number immediately. Proper dosing is imperative. According to the University of Michigan Health System, 50 to 100 grams in water (not milligrams!)(5-10 Tablespoons) is used in cases of poisoning in adults and 10 to 25 grams in water (1-2.5 Tablespoons) for children.(8)
In addition, activated charcoal can be used in the event of food poisoning when nausea and diarrhea are present. Adults take 25 grams in water (2.5 Tablespoons) at the onset of symptoms or when food poisoning is suspected, and children should be given 10 grams in water (1 Tablespoon). Increase dosage as necessary. Remember, it’s essential that adequate water is consumed when activated charcoal is taken.
7. Skin and Body Health
For external treatments, activated charcoal is effective at treating body odour and acne and relieving discomfort from insect bites, rashes from some plants and snake bites.
After a mosquito bite or bee sting, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort have gone. As activated charcoal stains nearly everything it touches, 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 1/8th teaspoon 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.
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8. Digestive Cleanse
Activated charcoal uses help promote a healthy digestive tract by removing 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 grams (1 Tablespoon) 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days.
During the cleanse, eat only organic fruits and vegetables. If during the cleanse you find you are constipated, this is a definate sign you’re not drinking enough water! Drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon every half hour until constipation is relieved.
9. Anti-Aging
Activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver, as well as supporting healthy adrenal glands. It’s imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals routinely from the body. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage.
Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, our homes and workplaces, and our environment, to prevent pre-mature aging we must get rid of them.
Directions: take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact to other toxins. This supports better cognitive function, a reduction in brain fog, 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 as much 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.(9)
Study participants took three doses of eight grams each for the period of the study.
WARNING! Do not take activated charcoal within 90 minutes to two hours of taking any prescription medication or supplements as it can prevent proper medication absorption.
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For more information on the list of uses below, simply click any link.
Acne Acid Indigestion Blood Pressure Bowel Disease
Brown Recluse Spider Bites Burns Celiac Cellulitis Cholesterol Reduction Cleansing/Detox
Colic - Baby Dental Infections Diabetic Ulcers Diarrhea Gout Insect Bites Kidney Disease
Liver Disease Longevity Malaria Pain Pink Eye Poisoning Poison Ivy Pregnancy
