One of the latest trends in health and wellness is using activated charcoal. Though it has traditionally been thought of in emergency situations, activated charcoal uses can extend beyond the ambulance.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a powerful treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so that the body does not reabsorb them and cause damage. According to the University of Michigan, “Charcoal is a fine, black powder made from wood or other natural materials by heating them in an airless environment. Charcoal used for health conditions is usually “activated” to make it a very fine powder, which increases its effectiveness. Activated charcoal can chemically attach, or adsorb, to a variety of particles and gases, which makes it ideal for removing potentially toxic substances from the digestive tract.”
Before we go on, it’s time to throw in my disclaimer. Activated charcoal is not regulated by the FDA, and therefore not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before using it.
12 Activated Charcoal Uses
Activated charcoal is used to:
Rid toxins from the body quickly.
The most common of activated charcoal uses is for treating accidental poisoning and drug overdoses. The activated charcoal helps prevent the poison from being absorbed into the body.
Activated charcoal is often found for that reason on ambulances and in emergency centers. Many people even keep activated charcoal in their homes in case of poisoning. It is said to be effective for a variety of poisons, but not for all of them, so be sure to call 9-1-1 or the poison control center before use.
Reduce bloating and gas.
One activated charcoal use often overlooked is to alleviate everyday gas and bloating by attaching to the substances that produce gases in your body. Note, however, that it is not meant to the alleviate gas and bloating that occurs as a result of serious digestive disorders.
It is important to drink plenty of water with activated charcoal use. The water will help to get the charcoal into your system and flush the toxins (or gas inducing chemicals) out of your system.
Lower cholesterol.
Studies have shown that activated charcoal reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol as much as some prescription medications.
Maintain a healthy pH balance in the body.
Activated charcoal is said to be balanced in its PH allowing it to work no matter what your pH is at the time of use. Maintaining pH balance helps to minimize stress on the body and the onset of disease. It is believed that activated charcoal helps to achieve a health pH balance.
Prevent a hangover.
You wish you had known that little tidbit of information when you were in college, don’t you? Activated charcoal uses may not include removing that extra drink that put you over the edge, but it can help to remove some of other toxins that make alcohol poisoning occur, such as pesticides in the fruit juices and artificial sweeteners in sodas and other mixers.
Whiten teeth.
Activated charcoal uses include removing stains from your teeth. Yet you should use it with caution since the charcoal can stain fabrics and surfaces. In fact, if you have crowns, caps, bondings, or veneers, it’s possible that activated charcoal will stain those too. Activated charcoal also adjusts the pH balance in the mouth, helping to prevent cavities, foul smelling breath and gum disease.
Detoxify and cleanse.
As we said earlier, one of the most common activated charcoal uses is to remove toxins from the body. Well, that can also include a variety of chemicals, pesticides, mold, metals, and even bleach. Since activated charcoal uses also include promoting a healthy gut by improving the pH balance, many people use activated charcoal when doing a detox cleanse. By helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause damage to the systems of the body, activated charcoal supports a stronger digestive system, immune system, cognitive function, endocrine function, and kidney and liver function.
Purify water.
Similarly to how it acts in the body, activated charcoal traps many of the impurities in our water systems. Unfortunately, even our tap water is laden with potentially harmful chemicals. That’s why activated charcoal is commonly used in most water filtration systems.
Treat acne and purify the skin.
The activated charcoal binds with environmental toxins and dirt that contribute to acne and harm the skin’s surface. In fact, it is known for absorbing 100-200 times its weight in impurities! Want to purify your skin? Look for products made with activated charcoal.
Take the sting out of bug bites.
Poisons come from bugs too! Activated charcoal uses even extend to absorbing the poison that makes bug bites sting. In fact, it has been used for centuries for this very purpose.
Treating wounds.
Studies show that activated charcoal is useful for when combined with silver in the management of chronic wounds.
Deodorize.
Because of its ability to trap toxins and crate an optimal pH balance, activated charcoal is effective at treating body odor, and has become a more common ingredient in natural deodorants.
What else should I know about activated charcoal uses?
It bears repeating that whenever you use activated charcoal, you should be sure to drink plenty of water to get it in and out of your system with ease.
Do not take activated charcoal with meals, as it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
Do not take activated charcoal with other supplements or prescription medications either, as it can interfere with the absorption of those supplements and medications.
Some supplements and drugs can interact with activated charcoal and potentially cause an adverse reaction, so talk with your doctor and pharmacist prior to use.
Look for pure activated charcoal. Avoid products that have added artificial sweeteners such as Sorbitol. Sorbitol is also a laxative, so use it only under the direct supervision of a doctor. And be sure to tell your doctor if you have a fructose allergy.
Check out these (affiliate links) for activated charcoal products for sale at LuckyVitamin.com:
Supplements:
Bulletproof – Upgraded Coconut Charcoal
Bulletproof Upgraded Coconut Charcoal is a fast detoxing 100 activated charcoal supplement. Time tested for over 3000 years charcoal has millions of tiny pores that can capture bind and remove toxins.
Country Life – Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is commonly used as a digestive aid due to its adsorption qualities and Country Life Activated Charcoal is intended to support digestion and promote adsorption of intestinal gas.
Kal – Charcoal Activated
Innovation is their tradition; the pursuit of quality is their passion. Kal Charcoal Activated capsules are a dietary supplement made with 560 mg. activated preferred form charcoal. Take twice per day. Safety packaged with a Clear Quality seal.
Nature’s Answer – Coconutz Activated Coconut Charcoal
Coconutz Activated Coconut Charcoal includes DGL licorice and 100 coconut husk derived charcoal. Coconutz is a super fine activated charcoal powder made from tropical coconut husks and enhanced with DGL.
Nature’s Way – Activated Charcoal High Adsorbency Certified Potency
Natures Way Activated Charcoal from Indian Hardwood is one of the finest natural adsorbent agents known. Each particle contains many small chambers and cavities that bind-up unwanted material or gas for elimination.
Requa – Activated Charcoal
Requa Easy to Swallow Activated Charcoal is a natural internal detoxifier commonly used to help cleanse the body of unwanted materials.
Solaray – Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is a fine black powder made from wood or other natural materials by heating them in an airless environment. Solaray Activated Charcoal is derived from a special high-quality grade charcoal.
Source Naturals – 100 Pure Activated Charcoal
Source Naturals 100 Pure Activated Charcoal is a digestive aid for use within the digestive tract.
Home:
Kishu Charcoal – Kishu Regular Charcoal Filter for Pitchers
Kishu Charcoal Filter for PItchers is the perfect counter-top water filter solution. Ideally placed in any 1-2 quart pitcher, Kishu begins working immediately, bonding with toxins in tap water. Just add tap water in the evening for use the next day. Kishu Charcoal is made from 100% natural oak tree branches.
Moso Natural – Air Purifying Bag Fragrance Free Charcoal
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag is a natural extremely effective air purifier that absorbs odors bacteria harmful pollutants and allergens. The Moso bag also dehumidifies which helps prevent excess moisture mold and mildew.
Santevia – Five Stage Ultrasonic Filter Kit
Santevia Gravity Water Systems recreate the Earth’s perfect process of purifying, mineralizing, alkalinizing and vitalizing water. Santevia 5 Stage Ultrasonic Filter is stage 2 through stage 6 of the Santevia Gravity Water System. This filter hangs within the Lower Tank.
Face & Body Care:
Apotheke – Travel Essentials Charcoal
Apotheke – Lotion Charcoal
Apotheke – Shave Creme Charcoal
Apotheke – Bar Soap Charcoal
Apotheke – Liquid Soap Charcoal
Apotheke – Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner Charcoal
Apotheke uses only natural plant oils, essential oils, nut butters, botanicals and herbs. Apotheke skin products are all natural, plant based, as well as paraben and synthetic free, and their candles are made with fragrance oils and soy wax. Everything is hand-poured and hand-packaged. Apotheke Lotion Charcoal is formulated to replenish the skin and rejuvenate the senses. Apotheke Shave Creme Charcoal is a twist on out traditional shave cream. It is still blended with aloe juice and bentonite clay but now has the added benefit of charcoal powder to ensure that clean, soft, gentle shave. Apotheke Bar Soap Charcoal is made with bamboo charcoal powder. A natural exfoliant and cleanser, bamboo charcoal powder draws out impurities and disinfects while the all natural oils moisturize and cleanse. Apotheke Charcoal Liquid Soap has vitamin C and aloe leaf juice to sooth and heal while the bamboo charcoal powder draws out impurities and disinfects, activating new skin growth. Apotheke Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner has moisturizing properties help to revive and nourish dry and damaged hair. Travel Essentials Charcoal Apotheke Travel Essentials Charcoal is filled with all of your favorite charcoal items. It is a perfect bag of necessities for that long or short trip!
Aura Cacia – Body Soak Cleanse
Aura Cacia Body Soak Cleanse infuses your bath with purpose and experience cleansing waters. Cleanse your body with this luxurious blend of pure essential oils coconut shell charcoal and elemental Kaolin clay blended into marine salt.
Collective Wellbeing – Charcoal Body Wash with Active Charcoal & Zinc
Collective Well-Beings Charcoal Body Wash is a sulfate-free body purifier that cleanses and detoxifies your entire body.
Collective Wellbeing – Detox Soap Body Purifier Bar with Active Charcoal & Zinc
Collective Well Being’s Detox Soap Sulfate-Free Body Purifier with Active Charcoal and Zinc is a bar soap that cleanses and detoxifies your entire body. Collective Wellbeing’s Detox Soap Sulfate-Free Body Purifier contains hundreds of thousands of micro-sponges – activated charcoal that traps and whisks away environmental toxins and impurities.
Collective Wellbeing – Facial Cleanser Hot Pore Warming Pore Scrub with Active Charcoal
Collective Well Being’s Hot Pore Warming Pore Cleansing Scrub is a gentle facial scrub that contains natural mineral powders that heat up temporarily to open up your pores and zap excess oil, make-up, and other stuff that’s got to go.
Derma-E – Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask
Derma-E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask deeply detoxifies skin of harmful micropollutants in two ways to lift out dirt oil and bacteria to decongest pores.
Dr. Sponge – Konjac Facial Sponge Charcoal
Dr. Sponge Konjac Facial Sponge Charcoal is a natural biodegradable and hypoallergenic sponge gentle enough for all skin types including babies but is recommended specifically for combination and oily skin.
Giovanni – DTox System Purifying Body Bar
Giovanni – DTox System Purifying Body Bar Step 1 – 5 oz. 141gGiovanni DTox System Purifying Body Bar. Purify comes from deep within skin with triple milled Dtox System purifying body bar. Super-Cleansing activated charcoal and volcanic ash lift pore-clogging toxins oils and debris – readying them to be rinsed away.
Giovanni – DTox System Purifying Facial Scrub
Giovanni DTox System Purifying Facial Scrub Step2 4 oz/113 mlGiovanni DTox System Step 2 Purifying FacialScrub is formulated with activated charcoal volcanic ash and super-antioxidants Acai and Goji Berry.
Giovanni – DTox System Purifying Facial Mask
Giovanni DTox System Purifying Facial Mask is formulated with activated charcoal volcanic ash and super-antioxidants Acai and Goji Berry.
Level Naturals – Bar Soap Tea Tree Activated Charcoal
Level Naturals Bar Soap Tea Tree Activated Charcoal will treat your skin to a deep detox. Hard-working activated charcoal & germ-busting tea tree oil get down to business on grime and impurities while pure plant oils help to pamper and moisturize your skin.
MSC Skin Care Home – Organic Glycerin Soap Dark Lavender & Lime
MSC Skin Care Home Organic Glycerin Soap Dark Lavender & Lime has activated charcoal that helps remove dirt and toxins from your skin. The essential oil blend of tea tree and lime cleanse while lavender tones and and soothes.
Nardo’s Natural – Facial Cleanser with Activated Charcoal & Green Tea
Nardos Natural Facial Cleanser with Activated Charcoal & Green Tea is a daily exfoliator for all skin types which revives pores and removes impurities with a succulent blend of organic extracts and powerful bacteria-fighting agents. Nardo’s Natural Facial Cleanser is a non-abrasive formula that exfoliates on a cellular level. Unveil a luminous glow as you cleanse and gently exfoliate in one step.
Soapbox Soaps – All Natural Liquid Hand Soap Black
Return to the fundamentals of skin care with Soapbox Soaps All Natural Soap. SoapBox Elements Black Liquid Hand Soap is packed with activated charcoal a super-porous element that has been used for ages to eliminate toxins.
Zion Health – Adama Face Mask Charcoal
Zion Health Adama Face Mask Charcoal is a deep pore cleanser with activated charcoal. This face mask includes vitamins A B C D and E with anti-aging peptides to help provide radiant skin while detoxifying clogged pores.
Deodorant:
PiperWai – Natural Deodorant
PiperWai Natural Deodorant is a charcoal crème deodorant created without harmful ingredients. It’s 100% natural ingredients form an invisible, absorbent, pH-balanced shield on your underarms that neutralizes odor and protects your clothes from perspiration. PiperWai Natural Deodorant is perfect for use on sensitive skin, even right after shaving.
Activated charcoal uses can extend well beyond the ambulance, so consider getting in on the latest trend in health and wellness!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Activated charcoal and products containing activated charcoal are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. Additionally, I am an ambassador for LuckyVitamin.com and there are affiliate links in this post. Photo image courtesy of LuckyVitamin.com.
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