Activated charcoal has been around for thousands of years and has been used in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine dating back to 1550 BC. It is now up front and taking center stage because of its many uses.
This fine black powder is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial.
Activated charcoal is created by burning substances such as coal, wood, coconut shell or bamboo to create char.
This char is heated at high temperatures and exposed to certain gasses through a multi-step process.
After which, this will cause millions of tiny pores to form, making it extremely porous and therefore causing it to be ‘activated’.
Once activated, the increased surface molecules can bind powerfully to any substance. Activated charcoal is tasteless, odorless and non-toxic.
Just so you know, activated charcoal is not the same as the regular charcoal you use on the grill for barbecues.
The thing is, activated charcoal has tons of uses that you might not be aware of. If you would like to give it a test drive, then some of these tips might help you make acquaintance with activated charcoal.
Teeth Whitening
If you’re anything like me and like to have a bright smile but hate to use the whitening strips or don’t want the chemicals involved in the professional process, then give activated charcoal a chance.
If you have coffee, tea, wine or cigarette stains on your teeth then this natural product, activated charcoal, can be used to gently remove those stains and whiten your teeth.
You can either just dip your wet toothbrush in the activated charcoal and brush your teeth. Or, add toothpaste to your toothbrush as you usually would. Then dip it in the activated charcoal and proceed to brush your teeth as you normally would.
You can also mix two (2) activated charcoal tablets with two (2) tablespoons of water and swish it around in your mouth for at least five minutes, after you have done your regular brushing.
Then after five minutes of swishing, spit out and rinse with water. You can do these treatments 2-3 times per week.
One thing to be mindful of though, is that this stuff is messy. It can stain grout and fabric so be careful when you are handling it.
Face Mask
Because of its antibacterial properties, activated charcoal is being used in so many beauty products on the market today.
It is a great exfoliant and is very effective in detoxifying the skin. It removes dirt, bacteria, debris and build up on the skin and balances the skin’s PH level.
To make your face mask, get a tablespoon of activated charcoal. Then add a little water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your face using your fingers or a brush.
Leave it on for about half an hour or until it dries completely. Rinse and bask in clean, smooth, oh so soft skin.
Digestive Supplement
Toxins are everywhere. Activated charcoal can help to eliminate toxins that are passed on to the body through pesticides in foods, products that we use for the body that contains chemicals as well as air pollutants.
According to studies, when taken internally, activated charcoal can improve your digestive function. It helps you to prevent intestinal gas following a gas-producing meal.
It also protects your body’s immune system by helping to remove viruses, parasites, heavy metals. These toxins can cause allergic reactions and oxidative damages.
Air Purifier
Clean air is extremely important, to say the least. Because of the porous structure of activated charcoal, it has the ability to remove toxic gases and chemical odors in the air. So it is a fantastic candidate for purifying the air naturally in and around your home.
It helps to remove harmful chemicals and funky smells in your refrigerator, in the garbage bin, in the bathroom just about anywhere that grabs odors.
The amount of activated charcoal used to the number of contaminants present determines the effectiveness of activated charcoal as an air purifier.
Store-bought air fresheners may just mask the odors in and around your home.
So, in order to keep the air around your home clean you can use activated charcoal because it actually draws pollutants to it.
To make your very own activated charcoal air filter, you will need activated charcoal (of course ), fabric pouches (use breathable tightly woven fabric in whatever size you like).
You will also need nylon paint filter paper ( to prevent the fine activated charcoal dust from penetrating your bag) and ties for your bag or even a sock will do the trick.
Line your bags or socks with the filter paper. Then add the activated charcoal to your bag or socks and tie them, voila!
You have your very own activated charcoal air filter, it’s as easy as that. You can even dress these bags up and give them as gifts.
Relieves Gas and Bloating
If you have stomach discomfort from gas and bloating, then activated charcoal could be an option for you. You can take it in the form of a capsule or the regular powder form.
Take a teaspoon of the activated charcoal powder and mix it with 8 ounces of water. Stir well and drink.
Then have a glass of water afterward to help get the activated charcoal in your system to bind with gas elements.
Be aware that you need to drink a lot of water when you are taking activated charcoal. Whether it’s in capsule or regular powder form, you should only take as needed.
How do you use Activated Charcoal?
