Activated charcoal sounds like something that doesn’t belong in or on your body. However, there are many reasons it does. Detoxing and healing are just the beginning of how you can use activated charcoal.
It draws out itches and splinters and also draws oil, bacteria and toxins out of your body! Activated charcoal is highly adsorbent (not to be confused with absorbent). This means that other substances bind well to its surface. Because of its powerful adsorption, many people use activated charcoal as a remedy for conditions like heartburn, indigestion, colic, tooth pain and bug bites. Here are ten uses.
1. Poison Antidote
Activated charcoal traps chemicals and toxins in its millions of tiny pores. It has been estimated to reduce poisonous substances by as much as 60%. It reacts to elements like chemicals, toxins, and nutrients that are soaked up and assimilated in the bloodstream. It does this before chemicals and poisons can cause bodily harm. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rates it as a Category I, “safe and effective” for acute toxic poisoning.
2. Teeth whitener
The thought of putting black charcoal in your mouth to whiten your teeth may seem a bit absurd. But, activated charcoal can chemically attract those tea, coffee and wine stains away from the enamel of your teeth.
So, open up one or two capsules of activated charcoal and place into a cup. Add a bit of water to form a paste. Then use your finger or toothbrush to dab the paste onto your teeth. Take care not to scrub. Wait two or three minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat daily.
3. Treat bug bites
Activated charcoal is also a fantastic remedy for insect bites, be it a mosquito bite, bee sting or spider bite. If a bee stings you or a mosquito bites you, simply mix empty activated charcoal from a capsule and mix with a half teaspoon of coconut oil. Dab the mixture onto the affected area, reapplying it once every half hour until the discomfort and/or itching is gone. Don’t forget to wrap up the area using a bandage because activated charcoal can leave stains. If a spider bites you, use more activated charcoal to help prevent tissue damage before you can get to a doctor.
4. Treat breakouts and acnes
Hot, sweaty days with extra sunscreen usage can leave you with break outs. What you need is face mask with charcoal and clay to help absorb excess oil and clear out clogged pores. The mask can also calm irritated skin while whisking away impurities and dead skin cells.
Simply combine a tablespoon of activated charcoal and bentonite clay. Use a bit of apple cider vinegar to form a paste. Apply the mixture over your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water, apply your regular moisturiser.
5. Filter water impurities
Not only is pure water essential for all body systems, but by drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day, can help ensure that your organs work as they should while also soothing the digestive tract, fighting fatigue and providing lubrication to tissues and joints. However, you probably know that most tap water comes laden with chemicals, toxins and fluoride, things you don’t want to ingest a whole lot of. This where activated charcoal filters come in. They’ll purify your water which will in turn have positive effects on your health.
6. Cure for bloating
Heavy foods can weight your tummy down in the summer. That’s why this ingredient is popping up more and more in juice and smoothie recipes. And, there’s good reason behind it! Activated charcoal is a well-known remedy for absorbing toxins in the stomach. It also works wonders for gas and bloating.
To make your own smoothie, simply blend of 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 avocado and a handful of kale. Add in 1 to 2 charcoal capsules as needed. Remember to chat to your doctor if you take any prescription medication as the charcoal can interfere with the absorption of your meds.
7. Prevent premature aging
Activated charcoal is a fantastic anti-aging treatment as it helps support healthy adrenal glands and prevent cellular damage to the liver and kidneys. It’s also important to detox with activated charcoal regularly to help cleanse the body inside and out by helping it flush out chemicals and toxins that lead to damage.
Simply take two capsules each day following exposure to toxins, like those found in non-organic foods, or eating a heavy meal. It will help reduce problems like brain fog, improve the health of your digestive tract, improve overall health and well-being and support healthier liver and kidney function.
8. Cleansing from the effects of toxic mold
Mold is everywhere and grows wherever there is moisture. However, exposure to damp, moldy environments for too long, such as in your home, can lead to a number of problems, including nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, an irritated throat, coughing or wheezing and asthma symptoms in those who have the condition. The scariest thing about mold is that it can live in your body, causing serious problems like a weakened immune system, decreased brain functioning, depression, vomiting, heart disease or even kidney and liver failure.
If there is mold that’s visible in your home, scrub it with a substance like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar or baking soda and detox using activated charcoal. Take one capsule just before bedtime, to soak up the effects of mycotoxins.
9. Cure a hangover
While activated charcoal doesn’t absorb alcohol, it does help speed removal of other toxins from the body that contribute to alcohol poisoning, and those horrible hangovers that come with imbibing too much. While scientific research has not backed up the claims that activated charcoal can relieve hangover symptoms, many people swear by it. Therefore, it’s certainly worth a try, although abstaining or limiting yourself is still the best way to avoid a hangover.
10. Promote a healthier digestive system
Because there are so many toxins all around us, from pollutants in the air to the chemicals in the water we drink , it’s important to routinely detox for good overall health and wellness. By eliminating toxins from your digestive tract with activated charcoal, you can boost your energy levels, improve mental function and relieve joint pain.
Follow these steps to detox: Firstly, take 10 grams of activated charcoal about an hour and a half before each meal, for two days. Then, during this cleansing period, only eat organic fruits and veggies, grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish. If you become constipated, you’re probably dehydrated. Therefore, ensure you’re drinking a 12-ounce glass of warm or room temperature water with a squeeze of organic lemon and a bit of raw honey every 30 minutes until constipation has subsided.
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