7 Incredible Uses and Health Benefits of Activated Charcoal Powder

     Activated charcoal was once believed to be a universal antidote and today it finds many uses in health care at home and in medical facilities. It is used as an emergency treatment for many kinds of poisons and as a home remedy for beauty and healthcare. Many people use it for whitening their teeth and restoring the shine on their Pearly whites. When using activated charcoal for health purposes, it’s important to keep in mind certain precautions to avoid any ill effects.

7 Incredible Uses and Health Benefits of Activated Charcoal Powder
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What is Activated Charcoal? 

     Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of charcoal. It is made from charcoal derived from wood and other natural materials like peat, coconut shells, bone, coal, olive pits and sawdust. This charcoal is subjected to very high temperatures, which makes it even more porous. Activated charcoal looks like a fine black powder and it is highly absorbent. This means that when it comes into contact with toxins and chemicals, it traps them on its surface and bins them there. 

     This quality makes it very useful in any aspect of health and beauty care, where toxins, poisons and chemicals need to be removed from the body. Activated charcoal is similar to the kind of charcoal we use for fires and barbecues, but it is much more porous and adsorbent. It has also been specially made for medical uses, and cannot be substituted with regular charcoal. For one thing, regular charcoal may contain all kinds of impurities that could be toxic if ingested. 

What Are Some Uses and Health Benefits of Activated Charcoal Powder?

     Activated charcoal is used for many different purposes in healthcare and around the house. Most of these uses are based on the fact that it will absorb toxins and chemicals. It carries a slightly negative electrical charge, which attracts toxins and gases with a positive charge. Because activated charcoal itself is not absorbed by the body, it passes through along with the impurities. 

     Because of its toxin-removing properties, many people keep activated charcoal in their home first aid kits. It is available in both pill and powder form. Besides medical uses, activated charcoal is used for many home remedies for health and beauty care routines. Here are seven ways in which it is used for health and wellness purposes, in homes and in medical settings. 

1. Teeth whitening 

     Activated charcoal powder is used as a natural home treatment for whitening teeth and removing stains and discoloring. It can also promote oral health by changing the pH balance, and preventing bad breath, gum disease and dental cavities. 

2. Treatment for poisoning 

     Activated charcoal is used as an emergency treatment for many kinds of poisons, including overdoses of some common types of drugs. It is most effective when taken immediately after the overdose, and its efficacy declines as more time elapses since the ingestion of the poison. 

3. Cleansing the digestive tract

     Activated charcoal is used as a domestic remedy for cleansing the digestive tract of toxins. This can have many health benefits, like better mental focus, more energy, and reduced joint pain. 

4. Reducing cholesterol 

     As an alternative to prescription medications, activated charcoal can be used to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. 

5. Reduce gas and bloating 

     Activated charcoal took with a glass of water an hour before a meal can help prevent gas and bloating. It should be followed by another full glass of water. 

6. Avoid hangovers 

     Activated charcoal can be taken to reduce blood alcohol and also in cases of alcohol poisoning. 

7. Water filtration

     Activated charcoal is used in water filtration systems because it traps chemical impurities in water such as industrial waste, pesticides and solvents. It does not remove contaminants like bacteria and viruses, or hard water minerals.

Precautions When Using Activated Charcoal Powder 

     As with any medication, especially when it is taken internally, some precautions must be followed when using activated charcoal. 

     When taking activated charcoal, it’s important to drink plenty of water to flush the charcoal out of the body. 

     Activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning, but it’s important to be aware that it does not work on all kinds of poisons. It is ineffective in cases of poisoning due to alcohol, heavy metals, acids and alkalis. Consequently, it should be used to treat poisoning only on a case by case basis. 

    When activated charcoal is used for teeth whitening treatment, it may result in sensitivity. Its use should be discontinued in such cases. 

     Activated charcoal may interact adversely with certain prescription drugs and natural products like probiotics. 

     For those suffering from medical conditions affecting the intestines or digestive tract or recovering from surgery, activated charcoal should be used with care. 

     There may be side effects associated with the use of activated charcoal, such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

     Activated charcoal has many uses and health benefits that can help to remove toxins from the body, purify drinking water, and even whiten teeth by removing stains and discoloration. As with any medical treatments, it should be used with care.