best uses activated charcoal must know

Treats Acne

Blocked skin pores are one of the key causes of acne breakouts. Due to the adsorption property of activated charcoal, it can help draw out impurities and toxins from the skin pores. This in turn reduces the instances of acne, pimples and other skin blemishes.

treats acne

Combine 1 tablet of activated charcoal and 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel, mixing them until you have an even consistency.
Apply a thin layer of this paste over your face.
Allow it to air dry.
Finally, rinse it off completely with lukewarm water.
If needed, repeat again after a couple of days.
Note: This black-colored mask can stain your clothing and countertops (but not your skin), so take necessary precautions.

Whitens Teeth

To fight undesirable stains and plaque on your teeth, activated charcoal is highly beneficial.

The microporous charcoal can successfully adsorb plaque and other substances that create stains. Plus, it improves the pH balance in your mouth.

whitens teeth

Activated charcoal can even prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

Wet your toothbrush and dip it into powdered activated charcoal.
Brush your teeth as you normally do.
When you are done brushing, sip some water and swish it around your mouth, then spit it out.
Repeat the rinsing process until all of the black in your mouth is gone.
Do this once or twice a week to enjoy pearly white teeth.

Relieves Insect Bites and Bee Stings

Activated charcoal is also effective at relieving discomfort from insect bites, bee stings and even rashes from poison ivy or poison oak. Its adsorption property helps draw out and remove toxic substances from the body.

activated charcoal can relieve insect bites and stings

When used immediately, it can prevent swelling as well as pain.

Moisten activated charcoal powder with coconut oil.
Apply it on the affected area.
Cover the area with a cloth wrap.
Reapply every few hours, rinsing well between applications.
Repeat until the itching and discomfort are gone.
4. Alleviates Gas and Bloating

If you’re suffering from bloating and gas, the answer to your problem is activated charcoal.

With its ability to absorb most poisons, activated charcoal can even soak up the less harmful but uncomfortable acids and gases that accumulate in your gut. This in turn provides relief from indigestion, acid reflux and a bloated stomach.

Treats Poisoning

Whether it is food poisoning, a drug overdose or ingestion of chemicals, activated charcoal could be a lifesaver.

As an antidote, activated charcoal acts to purify and cleanse the body due to its amazing ability to attract poisons to itself. Once consumed, activated charcoal will stay inside the gastrointestinal tract until the person passes a bowel movement and all of the harmful substances are eliminated from the body.

treats poisoning

Proper dosage of activated charcoal is imperative. 25 to 100 grams of activated charcoal for adults and 25 to 50 grams for children should be given in case of poisoning. The dosage is usually based on body weight, 0.5 to 1 gram per kg of body weight. Remember, it’s essential that adequate water is consumed when taking activated charcoal.

A 1988 study published in Medical Toxicology and Adverse Drug Experience analyzed the role of single and repeated doses of the oral activated charcoal in the treatment of intoxication. The researchers do not recommend administration of repeated doses in chronic intoxication.

A 2008 study published in Lancet reports that early charcoal administration might be useful, but still it does not recommend routine use of multiple doses of activated charcoal in intentional self-poisoning cases. For such cases, effective and affordable treatments are urgently needed.