Activated Charcoal Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Activated charcoal is a natural product made from a variety of sources, including coconut. Activated charcoal products have millions of tiny pores, which allow the product to increase its volume and trap chemicals and toxins. When the activated charcoal traps these toxins, it helps to eliminate them from the body, rather than be reabsorbed into the body. ^1,2

Activated charcoal comes in powder, puck or pill form. It’s made from a fine, black, fluffy substance. Activated charcoal products are odorless and tasteless. ²

Activated charcoal uses have been around for thousands of years. It is believed that the Ancient Egyptians used activated charcoal to treat their rotting wounds by absorbing the odor. Today, activated charcoal is used in emergency rooms around the world to help absorb chemicals that have caused overdoses and poisoning. ^1,2

Many people today use activated charcoal to filter their tap water and it is the common product used in water filtration systems. Activated charcoal is a very different product than what is used on a barbeque grill, which is full of toxins and chemicals. ¹

Activated Charcoal Health Uses and Health Benefits

Activated charcoal is a safe, natural and effective treatment for many conditions. Activated charcoal health benefits include safely and effectively removing toxins from the body from situations like:

• Chemical poisoning
• Alcohol poisoning
• Drug overdoses

Other activated charcoal benefits include being a natural deodorizer and being a crucial step in Lyme disease treatment. The benefits of activated charcoal for teeth whitening are also well-known. ¹

Other activated charcoal uses include:

• Common Cold - Activated charcoal uses include being able to trap and bind microbes that can lead to the common cold. By trapping these bad microbes, activated charcoal can help prevent the infection from spreading before it becomes a full-blown cold or flu.
• Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis) - Activated charcoal for teeth protection can help to defend against gum diseases and infections. Brushing activated charcoal onto the gums can help remove impurities that lead to irritation. By using activated charcoal, you can prevent the development of both gingivitis and periodontitis.

Activated Charcoal Side Effects and Precautions

Activated charcoal side effects are limited and it is generally safe to use for most people. Be cautious of using too much activated charcoal as it can prevent the absorption of nutrients and prescription medications. ¹

References

1. https://draxe.com/activated-charcoal-uses/
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/448065-health-benefits-risks-of-activated-charcoal/