Ever heard of activated charcoal? If not, it’s about time you did. This is a powerful natural treatment that is used to help remove toxins and chemicals from the body, so it is a great go-to for many in the medical scene.
However, it actually has a number of other great uses, so don’t think that it’s only to be used in serious circumstances. Activated charcoal powder is safe and effective for many different health concerns and other everyday uses.
It works through adsorption, which is a chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface. The surface of activated charcoal powder carries with it a negative electric charge, which then causes positively charged toxins to bond with it.
Let’s take look at some of the many uses of this amazing natural powder.
Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
First, try using it to whiten your teeth. Whether you’ve been drinking coffee, smoking, eating berries, or even having tea, chances are your teeth have been stained. A good dose of activated charcoal powder can help take care of that.
It works to whiten your teeth by adsorbing plaque and other particles that stain the teeth, leaving you with pearly whites.
To use, simply wet a toothbrush and then dip it into activated charcoal powder. Then brush your teeth as per normal and make sure that you pay attention to the teeth that are most stained.
Activated Charcoal for Reducing Bloating & Gas
Another great thing that activated charcoal powder can be used for is reducing gas and bloating. Whether you’re suffering from bloating as a result of eating too large of a meal or because you don’t have enough probiotics in your stomach, rest assured this can help.
Take 500 milligrams about one hour prior to when you plan on eating a ‘gas producing’ meal or anytime you feel there’s a gas build up in your stomach. Keep in mind though, that whilst it works well either way, it does work better as a preventative treatment.
Activated Charcoal for Hangovers
Going out for a night with your friends and want to avoid the hangover that comes with it? Try activated charcoal powder! Because it helps to remove the alcohol from your system, it can lessen the severity of the hangover you experience the next day.
This is why it’s also used in hospitals to prevent alcohol poisoning.
Don’t use this as a means to drink more though – remember that alcohol is always best in moderation.
Activated Charcoal for Cleansing Mould
When you hear the term mould, do you often think about mouldy food? Or maybe you think of mould growing around the house. But did you know that mould can actually grow in your body?
It most certainly can, and when it does it can be very toxic and damaging. It can lead to such problems as depression, kidney malfunction, decreased memory and concentration, vomiting, and a reduced immune system, making you more likely to suffer from just about every other health ailment.
By using activated charcoal, you can help remove mould from within your body and reduce your chances of suffering a plethora of ailments..
Keep in mind though, that mould can grow around the home as well and, if it is, you are being constantly exposed to potential toxins. For this reason it's best you focus on removing the mould from around the house, otherwise you might continually suffer negative effects if you keep breathing in mouldy air.
Activated Charcoal for Improving Skin
If you are suffering from a bad case of acne or eczema, activated charcoal may help. It can work to reduce acne formation and may help to clear up other skin conditions.
You’ll want to mix one teaspoon of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel and spread the mix over your face. Let it dry and then rinse off with a gentle cleanser (or just water if you prefer).
The activated charcoal will bind with the toxins and dirt on the skin that are responsible for your acne in the first place.
You can do this treatment every week if you like until the acne has been cleared. Avoid doing it too much however or you may find that it aggravates your skin. You need to give it time to work after the treatment has been done.
Activated Charcoal for Reducing Joint Pain
If you’re someone who’s suffering from joint pain, the great news is activated charcoal may help treat this as well. As anyone dealing with joint pain knows, it can be very challenging completing even simple everyday activities.
When you remove the toxins from your system using activated charcoal, you also help to reduce the joint pain that typically comes with it.
To really remove any toxins from your body, you’ll want to do a full digestive cleanse. To do this, simply take 10 grams of activated charcoal powder 90 minutes prior to each meal for two days straight. Then watch how much better you feel.
By doing a digestive cleanse, you can also strengthen your immune system, improve the absorption rates of the foods you eat, and you may even help to improve your overall metabolic rate as well, which could eventually lead to superior weight loss results.
So as you can see, there are many great uses for this amazing natural compound, whether you’re making an activated charcoal mask or using activated charcoal toothpaste, it’s a great addition to any pantry or toilet. Today, activated charcoal benefits and its use are becoming more and more mainstream, so don’t overlook it as part of your overall health routine.
...and remember, qualified nutritionists at Healthy Being are available to offer further general advice to help guide you in selecting the right products. So please, feel free to contact us at any time!
Shannon Clark is a qualified nutritionist and a regular contributor to Healthy Being Insights. She specialises in weight control and management as well as optimal fitness performance. She's devoted to helping readers obtain their own personal best health and fitness and stays on top the latest trends in the industry.