7 Incredible Uses For Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is similar to common charcoal. Common charcoal is made from wood, coconut shells, petroleum, or from peat. However, activated charcoal is made by heating the common charcoal in the presence of gas, which then causes the charcoal to develop lots of internal pores. These pores help trap chemicals and toxins in its tiny pores. Charcoal works through a process of adsorption, a chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface. The porous surface has a negative electric charge that causes positive charged toxins and gasses to adhere to it.

*Please note: Charcoal can stain! Use protective clothing and protect counter tops and floors while using. Always be sure to consume plenty of water when taking activated charcoal internally, as it can lead to dehydration.

Benefits of Activated Charcoal

1. Whitens Teeth

Wet toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush your teeth to make a paste, the same way as you would normally brush your teeth. Once finished, rinse mouth out with water and proceed to then brush with toothpaste. 

*Please note: Charcoal can stain caps, crowns, and porcelain veneers. Discontinue use if teeth become sensitive

2. Alleviates Gas & Bloating 

1 hour before a meal, consume 500 milligrams of charcoal mixed with 1 full glass of water. The hour time span helps you to be sure that the charcoal made it into our system.

3. Toxin Remover 

Charcoal binds to harmful chemicals, such as bleach, pesticides, fertilizers and mercury allowing for quicker elimination. It also prevents the body from absorbing these harmful chemicals and toxins. The proper amount should be administered as quickly as possible in the event of an accidental overdose of pharmaceutical drugs.

4. Water Filtration

Activated charcoal can’t trap viruses, bacteria or hard-water minerals. It can trap the impurities in the water such as industrial waste, pesticides, solvents, and other chemicals. Carbon filters used for the home can help cut down on the toxins and chemicals that come from tap water.

5. Skin and Body Aliments/Poultice

Charcoal can be used externally as well as internally.

To Use:

• Skin–binds itself to the environmental dirt and toxins that contribute to acne. Mix 1 capsule of activated charcoal with 2 teaspoons of Aloe Vera gel. Rub mixture all over the face. Once completely dry, rinse off.

• Snake & Spider Bites – binds with the poison eliminating it from the entering the blood stream. Make a mixture of coconut oil and charcoal into a poultice. Place it on the affected area, then cover it with a piece of fabric big enough to go around the area twice. Reapply every 2 hrs., rinsing well between applications. This procedure will work on bee stings and mosquito bites as well.

6. Digestive Cleanse

It also helps to remove toxins that cause allergic reactions, poor immune system functions, and oxidative damage. To use: Take 10 grams of activated charcoal 90 minutes prior to eating a meal for two days. During the cleanse, only eat wild fish, grass-fed meat, organic fruits, and veggies. If at any time during cleanse you become constipated, drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon every ½ hr until constipation is relieved.

7. Odor Neutralizer

In addition to all of the above, it works to trap and help prevent odors from occurring.

 To use: Fill sachet with activated charcoal and close tightly. Be sure not to place the sachet in an area that will stain. Consider placing a small paper plate underneath.

As you can see Activated Charcoal has many health benefits and uses! It’s worth adding it as a staple ingredient to your pantry!