Activated Charcoal: 22 Mind Blowing Uses and Benefits

Activated charcoal is a must-have substance in your home, for a staggering amount of benefits and uses:

This inexpensive and natural substance is incredibly useful, and has mind-blowing health and beauty uses.

Plus, it can literally save your life.

 Studies show that one cubic inch of activated charcoal can absorb the equivalent of 150,000 square feet of toxins

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What Is Activated Charcoal and What is it Made From?

Activated charcoal is mostly known as an amazingly effective antidote because it adsorbs most organic toxins, poisons and chemicals before they can harm your body.

In fact, it is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%.

That’s why you’ll find this powerful substance in most emergency rooms across the world.

Activated carbon, which is being used over 3000 years now, is much more than a “just” a life saver when you have food poisoning.

It has more than 20 mind blowing every-day benefits and uses for your health and your skin.

I use it to brush my teeth, to purify my water, to treat a bee sting, to heal a tooth infection, and it’s the main ingredient in my homemade mascara recipe.

Activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon) is not the same as the ashes from burning wood or anything else. Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, and should never be consumed.

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So, what is activated charcoal made from?

AC itself is a fine, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic black carbon powder, made from nutshells, coconut shells and other natural sources.

The source material is “activated” using hot gases.

How Does it Work?

AC does not absorb the toxins, but works through the chemical process of adsorption (where elements bind to a surface). It traps toxins and chemicals in it millions of tiny pores.

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22 Amazing Activated Charcoal Benefits and Uses 

Below you’ll find the (almost) complete list of activated carbon uses, in health and beauty.

When used for health purposes, make sure the read the precautions and consult with your doctor first, as with any substance.

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Activated Charcoal HEALTH Benefits and Uses

 

1.       First aid for food poisoning – activated charcoal can stop a food poisoning dead in its tracks. It can adsorb many times its own weight in poisons and toxins.

When needed, I start with ½ teaspoon activated charcoal and follow with another dose after a few hours.

It’s important to follow AC with plenty of water to prevent it building up in your system. Also, make sure to see a doctor and not rely on AC in a life threatening situation.

2.       Emergency Toxin removal – if any member of your family (including children) mistakenly ingest any medication or chemicals – AC can be a life saver.

Most organic compounds, mercury, pesticides, fertilizers and bleach bind to AC surface and allowing for a quicker elimination.

According to the University of Michigan Health System, adults would need about 50 grams, and children no more than 10 grams.

3.       Gas and bloating relief – AC relieves bloating and gas by binding the gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort.

Dosing: Take 500 mg AC one hour before a typical gas-producing meal, with a full glass of water. Follow with another glass right after to help AC get into your system.

4.       Tooth infections and tooth abscess – in my experience, AC is the best home remedy for tooth infections and abscesses.

To heal a tooth infection you can do oil pulling with coconut oil and charcoal 3 times a day.

5.       Tooth Whitening and cavity prevention – activated charcoal is one of the best natural tooth whiteners on the planet, while promoting good oral health.

It changes the PH balance in the mouth and can prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

I use it twice a week or as needed by just dipping my tooth-brush in it and brushing. I do not swallow it and rinse well until spit is clear.

You can find a recipe for a homemade natural tooth paste with AC here.

6.    Mosquito bites and bee stings relief – mix 1 capsule of with ½ tablespoon of coconut/olive oil and dab the area. Repeat every 30 minutes until itching and pain disappear.

Wrap with a bandage, since activated charcoal stains.

7.    Spider bites treatment (including Brown Recluse or Black Widow) – find a fabric that is large enough to go around the bite area twice.

Dab an AC and coconut oil mixture on the fabric and wrap. Keep it in place with bandages. Repeat every 2-3 hours. Rinsing well between applications.

8.    Acne – the activated carbon binds with toxins and dirt that contribute to acne. Mix 1 capsule of AC with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel or honey. Let dry and rinse off after 10 minutes.

9.    Digestive cleanse – activated charcoal can remove toxins that cause oxidative damage and allergic reactions.

A good cleanse will unburden your body from chemicals which interfere with your immunity.

Removing toxins will improve your health and help your body heal anything from joint pain to reduced mental function.

According to Dr. Axe, to complete a cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grams 90 minutes before each meal, for 2 days.

For full instructions see Dr. Axe’s article.

10.   Cholesterol Reduction – studies have shown that AC can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol as much as some prescription medication.

See this study for dosage.

Remember to not take AC 90 minutes before any medication or supplements because it can interfere with absorption.

11.      Eye Infections – activated charcoal may be the fastest and best home remedy for pink eye and other eye infections, and the earlier you start, the faster it’s gone.

And, it’s perfectly safe for the eyes.

The easiest way to do this is empty a tea bag and replace the tea with about ¼ or ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal.

Moisten, close your infected eye and place over it, for about 20 minutes.

Repeat every couple of hours until your eye is healed.

(Did you know? I’ve recently found the ultimate home remedy for dry eyes. Can you guess what it is?)

12. Pain relief – activated charcoal poultice overnight can be extremely helpful for any pain you may have, including joint pain, PMS cramps and more.

The simplest way to use it for pain is to relax in an activated charcoal bath. Just add one cup of AC to your hot bath. The pain goes away so quickly!

Another option is making a poultice with 3 tablespoons of charcoal and 3 tbsp ground flax (or bentonite clay) seed and apply to the pain area, while keeping it in place with bandages.

Change every 4-6 hours.

13.   Burns – AC can relieve pain from burns incredibly fast. Mix activated charcoal with ground flax-seed or bentonite clay and some water to make a poultice.

14.   Scalp redness, dandruff, oil and itchy scalp – AC can be used as a great scalp treatment for most scalp conditions.

You can use it before your regular shampoo or mix it in your shampoo. It can pull out and toxins and purify your scalp.

See 6 more effective home remedies for dry and itchy scalp here.

15. Water purification – activated charcoal is used in the carbon block filters on our water as it can pull all toxins from the water.

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Activated Charcoal Amazing BEAUTY Uses

Charcoal on your face and in your hair may not seem very glamorous – until you see the remarkable results.

This gritty black powder can purify your skin and hair naturally and is used in many skin and beauty products, including deodorants, soaps, creams, salves and face masks.

Activated charcoal can remove dental stains, odors, skin pigmentation, oily skin, scars and treats acne effectively.

Here’s the full list:

1.    Cleansing your pores – activated charcoal used in a face mask binds and pulls the dirt out of your pores, making them less visible.

For an even better cleanse – use with an exfoliating scrub.

2.    Oily skin treatment – used in a cleanser or a mask, charcoal pulls the excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth and glowing.

To avoid drying your skin, do not do this more than twice a week.

3.    Hair detox and adding volume – adding activated charcoal to your shampoo will remove chemicals and hidden dirt from your scalp. However, do not use it if have very light hair.

This deep cleansing of your scalp will help add volume to your hair when it feels weighted down and saggy.

4.    Eye liner and mascara – activated charcoal is the main ingredient in homemade natural mascara and eye liner.

5.    AC facial mask for a mini facelift – here’s a simple recipe you can use once to twice a week for a glowing and smooth skin:

Step 1 – mix 1 tbsp of activated charcoal with 1 tsp raw coconut oil, while adding a drop of water until you get the consistency you want.

Step 2 – apply to your face and allow to fully dry

Step 3 – follow with your moisturizer or favorite oi

6.    Exfoliating soap – AC is a great bonus in any soap. In soap form it’s a bit gritty and provides just the gentle exfoliation you need, while removing toxins and dirt from your skin.

7.    Reducing age spots – I’ve found many testimonials about using activated charcoal soap to reduce age spots.

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Activated Charcoal Precautions and Safety

Activated charcoal is generally safe for adults, children and the environment. You’ll find it in food coloring, water filtering and kidney dialysis machines.

However, there are a few things to consider:

·         Oral AC should always be followed with plenty of water

·         Don’t take AC 90 minutes before medication or other supplements

·         AC stains almost everything. Protect surfaces and your clothes before using.

·         It is not recommended to take AC on a regular basis.

·         Use a high quality, pure form of activated charcoal. I only use this one made from coconut shells.

Meital James