Activated charcoal is a highly porous powder that can adsorb toxins in the digestive tract, making it a helpful emergency treatment for drug overdoses or poisoning. It has been used as a “detox” supplement, with its ability to help reduce symptoms such as gas and bloating within the digestive tract. Below I share some of the many health benefits and uses for activated charcoal.
I only learnt about this miraculous powder just this year while looking for a natural toothpaste recipe that could help eliminate bad breath and whiten teeth.
Despite my complete ignorance to the very existence of activated charcoal, it’s actually been around for centuries (with its use dating back to 1550 BC).
This porous, jet-black powder contains an array of health properties, one of which includes its ability to act as a powerful antidote that absorbs most organic poisons, toxins, and chemicals before they can do harm or damage to the body (paramedics use it as an emergency first response treatment for certain kinds of severe poisoning).
It’s also used in water and air filters because of its powerful purifying abilities.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is usually made from either wood, bamboo, coconut shell, or coal, and burned without oxygen to create char. It then goes through an “activation” process where the char is heated to very high temperatures whilst being exposed to certain gases through a multi-step process to make it extremely porous.
Once activated, the molecules in the charcoal have an increased surface area which enables them to bind powerfully to any substance. This is known as adsorption (not absorption) and this process is what makes activated charcoal so powerful. True activated charcoal is tasteless, odourless, and non-toxic.
Please note that activated charcoal is NOT the same thing as the charcoal you find on charred wood from the fire or the charcoal from your grill. So please, do not try to substitute or make your own with these substances.
Before we get started in learning about the many different benefits and uses for activated charcoal, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!
The Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Below are some of the main health benefits of activated charcoal.
A Remedy for Toxins and Poisons
Studies have shown that activated charcoal has the ability to absorb up to 50 to 60% of unwanted substances in the stomach and intestines when administered quickly after ingestion, making it one of the most effective GI tract decontaminants available.
Emergency rooms will often administer large doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisonings (including if an individual is unconscious from an overdose, or showing signs of acute alcohol poisoning). It has been found that activated charcoal will bind to and remove most of the toxic substance even after it has entered the bloodstream!
Please note that anyone who does come into contact with a toxic substance(s) or experiences poisoning should contact a poison control centre or hospital immediately and follow any instructions given.
An Ingredient in Beauty Products
Activated charcoal has become a popular ingredient in many natural beauty products. It is very effective at removing bacteria, dirt, chemicals, and build-up on the skin, and makes a wonderful black pigment for homemade eyeliner and mascara.
Oral Health
While activated charcoal doesn’t neutralise toxins, it does bind them to the many tiny pores on its surface, removing these toxins as its excreted from the body.
It is used by many manufacturers in powders, toothpastes, and oral care rinses, as it can bind to bacteria and other harmful substances and remove them from the mouth. People also use it to help remove stains from their teeth, as it can whiten teeth with only a few uses. Please note that activated charcoal can be quite abrasive on the teeth, so use this powder with caution.
Activated Charcoal Uses
Activated charcoal has many different uses, with some of the most common listed below.
Remove Impurities in Shampoo
Adding a small amount of activated charcoal to a natural shampoo may help to remove impurities found in the hair care product. To do this, simply add 1/2 a teaspoon of activated charcoal to the shampoo before washing your hair. Scrub the solution through the hair gently and then rinse out as normal.
Naturally Whiten Teeth
I was amazed at how quickly my teeth started to whiten after I began using an activated charcoal tooth powder in my oral care routine. This is the process I follow:
- Dip a dry toothbrush into the tooth powder and gently brush my teeth.
- Before spitting out the charcoal, I quickly swish the solution around my mouth, pushing it through all the gaps between my teeth, before spitting and rinsing as normal.
Alternatively, you can swish charcoal water (1/2 a teaspoon of activated charcoal mixed with 1/2 a glass of water) around your mouth for a minute or two (which is a less abrasive option).
Because activated charcoal is mildly abrasive, please be gentle when using it on the teeth, and do not use this tooth powder or mouth wash more than once or twice a week.
As a Toothpaste
Activated charcoal can be used in toothpastes and tooth powders to achieve the same results. As this powder can be abrasive on the enamel of the teeth, it is advised not to use it daily. Adding a little activated charcoal to a homemade toothpaste or tooth powder a couple of times a week can help to whiten teeth and freshen the breath.
There are pre-made toothpastes and tooth powders available now that work really well, too. Just be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing to make sure only natural, clean ingredients have been used.
Remove Mould Spores from the Body
Some of the symptoms of mould exposure include wheezing, rashes, watery eyes, coughing, and headaches (and these symptoms usually cannot be linked to other health issues). Mould can thrive behind drywall, under floors and in ventilation ducts, and can be an issue even if no visible signs of mould can be seen.
Toxic mould can cause depression, vomiting, kidney and liver failure, impact brain function, cause headaches, heart disease, irritate the eyes, prevent proper immune system function, and cause severe respiratory distress.
When cleaning mould from the home, wearing gloves and a protective mask may help prevent the inhalation of these toxic mould spores.
To clean mould, use a mixture of activated charcoal, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and borax to clean mould off hard surfaces and prevent it from growing back in the future.
Cleanse the Digestive Tract
Activated charcoal can be used to assist with detoxification in the digestive tract. It is advised to drink 10 grams of charcoal diluted in filtered water, around 90 minutes before each meal, over the course of two days. If you take it too close to meals or other nutritional supplements, it can bind to other nutrients and prevent absorption.
While cleansing, eat only organic fruits and vegetables, organic grass-fed meat and wild-caught fish. If you experience any constipation during the cleanse, this is a sign that you’re not consuming enough water, so drink a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon every half hour until the constipation subsides.
As a Water Purifier
Activated charcoal can remove contaminants and other impurities from the water. Look for a water purifier that uses activated charcoal in its filtration system, or activated charcoal sticks which can be placed into jugs of tap water, and will help to filter and purify the water over the course of 8 hours.
As an Air Purifier
Due to activated charcoal’s porous structure, it works as a natural air purifier, removing odours, harmful allergens and chemicals in the air.
As a Face Mask
Activated charcoal, when used on the skin, may prove to be helpful for conditions such as acne as it helps to absorb toxins and impurities.
To make a natural skin care mask, mix together two tablespoons of bentonite clay, one teaspoon of activated charcoal, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. The mask should develop a paste-like consistency.
Apply the mask to the face and leave it on for 10 minutes, then gently wash it off with lukewarm water (be careful not to get it all over the sink). If any irritation occurs, remove the mask immediately and cease use.
As a Treatment for Toxic Overload or Overdose
If food poisoning is suspected, or diarrhoea and nausea symptoms occur, it is recommended that adults take 25 grams of activated charcoal and children be given 10 grams. This dosage can be increased as necessary. Ensure that water is consumed when taking activated charcoal, as it can be very dehydrating. For poisoning of any sort, call emergency services.
Consuming proper dosage levels is crucial when using activated charcoal for poisoning. In one of Dr. Axe‘s articles, it was stated by the University of Michigan Health that ’50 to 100 grams (not milligrams) is used in cases of poisoning in adults and 10 to 25 grams for children. Activated charcoal for dogs is sometimes given to absorb poison under the care of a veterinarian.’
The proper dosage for activated charcoal really depends on the condition that is being treated.
To Treat Insect Bites
After a mosquito bite or a bee sting, mix one teaspoon of activated charcoal with 1/2 a tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab this solution onto the affected area. Reapply this paste every 30 minutes until the itching and discomfort have gone. Activated charcoal stains easily so be careful not to get any on your clothes. Wrapping a bandage around the area will help prevent the charcoal from staining any clothing.
Treating Snake and Spider Bites
Charcoal alone has been shown to help draw out venom. To treat bites from snakes and spiders, create a wrap of fabric that is big enough to go around the affected area twice. Dab the mixture of charcoal and coconut oil on the fabric and wrap this around the injured site. Secure the wrap with bandages. Reapply this solution every two to three hours, rinsing the site well between applications.
Seek medical professional help along with this treatment as soon as possible.
Where to Source Activated Charcoal?
I prefer to purchase activated charcoal from my local health food store (I select one made from coconut shell), and usually store it in a glass jar in my pantry.
Please be mindful that activated charcoal makes a huge mess if spilled. It will easily wash off a sink or a bathroom counter, but it is very difficult to remove from rough surfaces like tile grout. Storing this powder in a secure location, out of harms way, may help to reduce the risk of it potentially being spilt or knocked over.
Activated charcoal should not be taken within two hours of medications or supplements as it will prevent proper absorption. Charcoal does not need to be taken on a regular basis, only as needed.
Charcoal-infused beverages and foods are not recommended, as charcoal can bind to nutrients in these products, preventing proper absorption.
Always check with your medical professional or doctor before taking internally, especially in emergencies or life-threatening situations, or if there are any other underlying health problems.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
What’s your favourite use for activated charcoal? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
