Uses of Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is also termed as activated carbon, vegetable carbon, or vegetable charcoal. It is similar to common charcoal but is manufactured in presence of gas to form lots of ‘pores’ or internal spaces. These pores make activated charcoal a special ingredient to trap chemicals. It is usually helps as a medicinal ingredient. However, the benefits of activated charcoal is not limited to health alone. There are various ways in which activated charcoal is used for health and beauty reasons.

How does Activated Charcoal work?

Activated charcoal traps toxins through millions of tiny pores. It works through the process of adsorption, which is a chemical reaction of elements binding to a surface. Through this chemical process of adsorption, the negatively charged porous surface of Activated Charcoal, binds with the positively charged toxins and gas. It is a safe and effective treatment. However, activated charcoal toxin treatment do not work, when the individual is ingested with petrol, alcohol, acids, or any corrosive poisons.

• Activated charcoal helps in treating drug overdoses and poisoning.
• It also helps in reducing stomach bloating and gastric problems.
• It lowers cholesterol and treats bile flow in the body. It prevents hangovers.
• Activated charcoal is good for skin cleansing and it will help in anti-ageing as well.
• Activated charcoal use is safe even during pregnancy.

Here we have some of the common uses of activated charcoal.

Teeth Whitening

Activated charcoal helps in whitening your teeth and promotes oral health. It changes the pH balance in the mouth and prevents cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath.

For teeth whitening, wet your toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush your teeth as usual. For stained areas, give special attention. Swish your mouth with water and spit out the remains.  Rinse well until, you clear your mouth. To get best results, you have to use it twice or thrice a week.

Water Filtration

Since Activated charcoal traps impurities, you can use it for water filtration. It efficiently traps all the solvent, pesticides and chemicals in water. Activated charcoal is found in most of the water filtration systems worldwide. However, it does not trap any minerals or bacterial organisms.

Skin Care

Activated charcoal is effective for treating skin problems like acne, insect bites, rashes and even body odor.

For insect bites, take half a teaspoon of activated charcoal with equal amount of coconut oil. Mix this and apply on the affected area.   Reapplying every 30 minutes can get you comfort from itching.

For treating acne problems, mix a capsule of activated charcoal with 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture on your face. Rinse it off once dried. This activated charcoal is also good for dark spot treatments.

A Word for Care

1. Activated charcoal can cause stains. Be careful while using it on floors and clothing.
2. Even if it is safe for pregnancy and breast-feeding moms, take an advice of your physician.
3. Activated charcoal is often safe for short-term use. If you are using for long-term, be sure to consult a physician.
4. For some, activated charcoal can cause constipation.