How to Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal, once primarily known for its role in emergency medicine to treat poisoning, has now become a popular wellness trend. From skincare to oral hygiene and detoxification, the uses of activated charcoal are diverse and intriguing. In this article, we'll explore the various ways to use activated charcoal effectively and safely for a range of health and beauty benefits. Whether you're a newcomer curious about its potential or a seasoned enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge, this article will equip you with the essential information to make the most of this versatile natural remedy.

Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed at a very high heat. It has been used for decades for a wide variety of ailments. It is considered “activated” when the raw material —which is usually coconut (especially for healthcare products) peat, bone, or sawdust — is processed at a very high heat. This results in an end product that has more surface area and is more porous than regular charcoal.

Activated charcoal helps to trap toxins upon its surface and expel them from the body. Some of its most well-known home uses are digestive health and gas reduction, removing fluoride and heavy metals from water, tooth whitening by absorbing teeth staining compounds, skin treatments, and hangover cures. I originally used activated charcoal when I was traveling, as I would never leave the country without a bagful of capsules in my backpack. I found that it helped me ward off travelers’ tummy, minor indigestion, or full-blown food poisoning but then I started to look into more ways to incorporate it into my life. Here 5 main ways I like to use it.

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Uses of Activated Charcoal

1. Face Mask-

   This recipe is quick and easy and great for your skin! It helps to detoxify and deep cleanse your skin.

   Charcoal Mask Ingredients:

   • 1 tsp Activated Charcoal

   • 1 tsp bentonite clay

   • 2 tsp water

   • 1 tsp raw honey

   • Optional Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, rose hip, or geranium, 2 drops total 

   • Mix all ingredients well, apply to the skin, and let sit for about 5 minutes. Wash away with warm water.

   2. Teeth Whitener-

   Activated charcoal is a great way to naturally brighten teeth. I usually just pop open a capsule pour a bit directly on top of my toothpaste and brush away! It is quite a sight at first as your whole mouth turns black, but after you rinse- you get a glimpse at those new pearly whites.

   3. Internal cleansing/ Food poisoning/ Occasional bloating/ Intestinal gas-

   Activated charcoal has been known to treat diarrhea, indigestion, and flatulence. I like to take 2 capsules if I feel like I have an unsettled stomach after eating something especially if I am traveling. Please check out the dosage with your healthcare practitioner.

   4. Salt scrub/ body cleansing- Charcoal is amazing for healthy skin, and not just your face, but your whole body. I usually make a quick and easy scrub to apply a few times a week - this is a great recipe to help smooth and soften the skin.

   Charcoal Salt Scrub Ingredients:

   1/2 cup sea salt,

   1/8 cup coconut (or Olive oil)

   1 TBSP activated charcoal powder

   Optional essential oils.

   Melt the coconut oil if using and then mix all ingredients well and place into a glass jar.

   5. Lemonade-

   Yum! Black lemonade- doesn't it sound intriguing?! Check out my recipe below.

   Activated Charcoal Lemonade Recipe

   INGREDIENTS

   • Juice from 2 lemons

   • 4 cups of water

   • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey

   • 500-1000mg activated charcoal

     PROCEDURE

     -Place all ingredients into mason jar and shake vigorously, pour over ice and garnish with mint leaves! (you can also throw all ingredients into your blender too)

Not the prettiest thing but sure does leave those teeth pearly white.

Black Lemonade is delicious!

I just open a capsule and pour it directly upon my toothpaste.

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