Activated charcoal is a powerful natural remedy that can be used to treat – and ease the symptoms of – a wide range of health conditions.
It is created by superheating natural sources of carbon, such as coconut husks or wood, to produce a fine, black, odourless powder that stops toxins from being absorbed in the stomach.
Because the body cannot absorb charcoal, the toxins that bind to it are passed through the digestive system as waste. While activated charcoal is often used by medical professionals to treat poisoning and drug overdoses, it has many uses in the home.
For example, it can be used to ease stomach bloating and gas, remove impurities from the teeth and skin, and as part of a home detox routine. It is also said to help prevent hangovers, reduce body odour and even lower cholesterol.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about the potential health benefits of activated charcoal, read our handy guide…
• What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from charred and crushed coconut husks. It becomes ‘activated’ when processed at very high temperatures, which negatively charge its particles and change its internal structure to make it more porous than regular charcoal.
Because activated charcoal is negatively charged, it attracts positively charged molecules in the gut, such as toxins and gases, and binds them together to prevent them from being absorbed. These are instead passed out naturally through your digestive system before they can do any harm.
Because of its porous properties, it is especially effective at cleaning spots, blackheads and acne. And it can help reduce blood alcohol levels by preventing alcohol from passing into the bloodstream from the stomach.
It is also great for treating heartburn induced by spicy food. For instance, it binds effectively with capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chillies, ginger and onions their heat, before it gets the chance to burn the delicate nerves in your cell walls.
Although activated charcoal is safe to use in most cases, it can cause some mild side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation and black stools. If these persist, you should stop using activated charcoal regularly until they clear up.
• What is Activated Charcoal used for?
Activated charcoal is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions and ailments. Some of the most common include:
• Gas reduction
• Water filtration
• Teeth whitening
• Preventing hangovers
• Skin treatment
• Other uses for Activated Charcoal
Aside from the more common uses for activated charcoal, here are some of its more unusual uses and benefits:
• Kidney health
• Sickness and diarrhoea
• Fish odour syndrome
• Cholesterol
• Oral health
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Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
