It’s made from a variety of sources, but when used for natural healing, it’s important to select activated charcoal made from coconut shells or other natural sources. Activated charcoal is used both internally and externally, and treats anything from food poisoning, nausea, gas, and may even help to prevent hangovers.

Activated charcoal is like a magnet binding strongly to the surface and attracting substances, grabbing onto them firmly so they can’t escape. Imagine that the magnet had one million micropores that made it able to grab hold on to a lot of stuff, including many types of poisons, bacterias and other substances, that’s activated charcoal. Charcoal is “activated” when it is reduced to a tiny particle size, which increases the surface area, along with its absorptive capacity. The porous surface has a negative electric charge which positively charged toxins bond to. A gram of active charcoal has the surface area of roughly 5400 square feet.

Charcoal is odorless, tasteless and nontoxic.

7 Home Uses of Activated Charcoal

1. Emergency Toxin Removal

The most common activated charcoal uses is to remove toxin and chemicals in the event of ingestion. Most organic compounds, pesticides, mercury, fertilizer and bleach bind to activated charcoal’s surface, allowing for quicker elimination, while preventing the absorption in the body. Research shows that activated charcoal works better than stomach pumping (gastric lavage) in some situations. Activated charcoal can be used in cases of food poisoning when nausea and diarrhea are present. Adults take 25 grams at onset of symptoms or when food poisoning is suspected, and children should be given 10 grams. Increase dosage as necessary. Remember, it’s essential that adequate water is consumed when activated charcoal is taken.

2. Reduce Gas and Bloating

Activated charcoal binds to gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort and alleviate gas and bloating. You can even take it an hour before a meal that causes you gastric discomfort and then after eating to bind up all of the gas-causing chemicals. Since activated charcoal can trap gas as well as liquid toxins, it’s effective in alleviating gas caused by foods, like beans.

3. Lowers Cholesterol

Medical studies around the world, show that activated charcoal has been proven effective in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) as much as many prescription medications. In one study, participants saw a total decrease of 25 % of their total cholesterol, while their LDL decreased by a whooping 41% and HDL increased by 8% in just four weeks.

4. Prevent a Hangover

Taking 1 to 1.5 grams of activated charcoal after an evening of drinking alcohol can help prevent a hangover in the next morning. And of course drink a water. Activated charcoal does not help in cases of alcohol poisoning.

5. Cleanses digestive tract

Cleanse your digestive tract with regular use of a capsule of activated charcoal, as well as a whole foods diet that includes fruits, veggies and organic lean meats. Activated charcoal removes the poisons in the digestive tract that cause oxidation, allergies and poor immune health. Detoxifying your digestive tract can do such things as improve energy levels, improve mental function and alleviate joint pain. To complete a digestive cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grams 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days. During the cleanse, eat only organic vegetables and fruits and wild fish.

6. Relieve Bites and Bee Stings

Whether they are from ants, mosquitoes, bee stings, or spiders activated charcoal will bind to the toxins and draw them out of the body injected by bug bites and stings. It can relieve pain, itching and swelling. Reapply as often as needed until feeling better. The charcoal adsorbs harmful substances from your bloodstream so they won’t cause harm to your body.

7. Fights Aging

Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, our homes and workplaces, and our environment, to prevent pre-mature aging we must get rid of them. Activated charcoal fights by detoxing the body of chemicals that cause cellular damage and oxidation which contributes to the aging process, reduce brain fog, and support a healthy digestive system. Take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact to other toxins.

Where to Buy Activated Charcoal

It is quite easy to order activated charcoal online and it is not even that expensive. Look for activated charcoal made from coconut shells or identified wood species that have ultra-fine grains. In the activated charcoal powdered form, many products have added artificial sweeteners to make them more palatable, avoid these.