Although it’s not something you can get from food, activated charcoal (also called activated carbon) can be used for a wide range of health benefits. It is actually a popular source of natural health remedies, with charcoal that comes from sources like coconut shells and wood. Here are some different ways you can use activated charcoal for health.
Oral Care
One of the more popular uses for activated charcoal is to help whiten your teeth. It can take some getting used to, since you are using the charcoal powder to brush your teeth, though it has shown to be very effective. With activated charcoal, it helps to change the pH balance in your mouth, so this not only helps you to lighten your coffee and tea stains on your teeth, but it can also help to fight bad breath and even prevent cavities. It’s kind of messy to use, but the good news is that it won’t stain your sink. Keep in mind this does not replace the use of toothpaste and dental floss.
Removes Toxins
When you take activated charcoal, both drugs and toxins can bind to it. It has been used in cases of some types of poisoning and drug overdoses (but do call your local poison control center before using it to make sure it will be effective for the poison you are dealing with). If you have digestive problems, then it might be due to all those toxins in your digestive track. Activated charcoal can help to remove many of these toxins and help improve your digestion and overall immune health. It has been used to treat excess gas, diarrhea, and indigestion. When you clean out your digestive tract, you are doing more than helping with tummy troubles, you will also improve your energy and can get a boost in mental function.
Charcoal Helps With Anti-Aging
Everyone wants to fight the signs of aging, trying hard to minimize fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Before you turn to medical procedures, try a natural remedy like using activated charcoal. Charcoal can help improve your appearance and reduce the signs of aging by preventing damage to your kidney, liver, and adrenal glands. When this happens, you are getting rid of toxins in your body that often convert to looking older than you are.
Bug Bites and Skin Irritations
Activated charcoal can also work wonders for your skin, but not just with reducing the signs of aging. Any time you have a skin irritation, combine the activated charcoal with a little bit of oil (like coconut oil). It will help reduce the redness and puffiness, and help to ease the itching and pain. For example, if you get a bug bite or spider bite from being outside, you can apply this mixture to the bite and will find it very soothing. Just be careful not to replace first aid treatments for more serious skin conditions.
Activated charcoal has also been used to treat bloating and gas, prevent hangovers, lower cholesterol, and to treat bile flow problems.
Warning!
You definitely DON’T want to breathe any fine-powdered charcoal into your lungs – it could be fatal!
