Activated Charcoal Uses

Activated charcoal is not the same kind of charcoal as the remains of burned firewood or barbecue charcoal.

Activated charcoal is the byproduct of burning certain substances such as coal, wood, coconut shells/husks, wood, peat, bamboo, and/or other materials without oxygen; this creates a char, or a blackened surface.

Once you have the char, it’s heated to a very high temperature and exposed to activating agents. This makes it very porous (having many pores and small spaces) and activated.

When it becomes activated, it can then bind to any substance, deactivate harmful substances and flush them out of your body.

Home Remedies Using Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal can be used to help with stomach pains, gas, and diarrhea. It will bind and remove toxins and poisons from your body, clean and whiten your teeth, it’s used in skin care products and much more.

Toxic Mold Treatment

Mold can be invisible to the naked eye and can thrive anywhere when the conditions are right – indoors or outdoors. Mold is not always visible either and if you’re not looking for it, it can go undetected.

If you have been exposed to mold for a long period of time, mold spores can live in your body and make you sick. Your doctor may have you take activated charcoal for a period of time (as well as other items) as a way to rid the body of unwanted toxins and help purify the blood from these toxic materials.

Activated charcoal deactivates harmful substances and allows them to be flushed out of the body.

Oral Hygiene/Toothpaste/Mouthwash

Because activated charcoal is a powerful binding agent it can bind to bacteria and remove it from your mouth. Not only can it remove harmful bacteria it can help remove stains (such as coffee stains) from your teeth when using toothpaste.

Activated charcoal can be abrasive and possibly damage enamel if used on a regular basis. It should not be used on a daily basis and should be used carefully. If you have stains on your teeth, check with your dentist about the possible use of a charcoal toothpaste.

Activated charcoal mouthwash can freshen your breath and help with whitening your teeth. It’s a great way to follow up after brushing.

Side Effects of Using Activated Charcoal

Prior to use, check with your doctor. Activated charcoal is typically taken on a short-term basis. Do not take medications or supplements within two hours when using activated charcoal as it will bind those up as well and your body will not be able to absorb them.

Some common side effects are constipation, diarrhea and black stool. There is a possibility of dehydration as well.