Activated charcoal has many uses and benefits and is an old yet efficient antidote that  has been used in homes, hospitals around the world. It has been used for beauty treatments, oral hygiene, life-threatening illnesses, and more. It is known as the “universal antidote.”

Activated charcoal can be used both internally and externally. Below we will touch on internal, cosmetic and medical use of this amazing powder.

Uses of Activated Charcoal

In our modern day, we are exposed to more and more toxins which are prevalent in our food, air, water, and environments. The spraying of dangerous pesticides, foods that have been processed, chemical run-offs from our water supply, daily stresses in our bodies, and the list goes on.

The need for detoxing and cleansing our bodies is not only recommended but a necessity. This constant daily assault on our bodies via the ingestion, inhalation, and absorption of these toxins is creating a huge burden and toxic load on our biology, be it mentally or physically.

Internal Use

Activated charcoal has a large and porous surface area that allows it to bind to toxins. When ingested, this binding effect allows all these harmful and inorganic waste to be extracted from our bodies, without the worry of reabsorption. This excretion aids the body’s innate ability to detox by reducing the damage and build up. Our body is naturally designed to excrete and detox, but due to the excess toxins in our world, activated charcoal facilitates the process by lending a hand to an already taxed system.

Activated charcoal capsules are readily available nowadays in natural food stores and online. When shopping for capsules, make sure that they are organic and do not include harmful additives. Make sure this is a food grade version and please do your research.

You can take activated charcoal after exposure to toxins or as a daily supplement. Extended use is not recommended as with all supplements it is a good idea to cycle in and out.

Cosmetic Use

Aside from being used internally, activated charcoal is very much known and used in anti-aging and physical care. Below are some of the more common uses:

Teeth Whitening

The common fear is that brushing with black powder will stain your teeth, but like anything in life, there are always two sides to the story. This is merely a myth, and this black powder actually whitens your teeth and removes toxins from your mouth.

All you have to do is add some powder to your toothbrush if you are using loose powder or open a capsule. Brush as you usually would with toothpaste, swish around and rinse thoroughly.

Again, more is not necessarily better, so stick to using charcoal 2-3 times per week.

Clear Skin

Activated charcoal can be used alone or in combination with your favourite face wash. You can make a mask with it and use it to exfoliate and pull toxins out of your skin and pores. Again use it sparingly as more is not better.

Healthy Hair

Hair, like the skin, has a build-up of toxins, oils, and other debris. You can use activated charcoal alone or in tandem with your shampoo. It is known to not only leave your hair looking fuller and healthier, but can also help ease symptoms of dandruff and itchy scalp.

Medical Use

Doctors have used activated charcoal as their go-to remedy for cases of overdose. As you are aware, activated charcoal can bind to most organic compounds, prescription drugs, pesticides, cocaine, heavy metals such as mercury, inorganic compounds and much more.

Moderation and common sense

Surely we have seen how powerful and versatile activated charcoal can be. It is definitely something you want to keep on hand. However, like everything in life, moderation is the name of the game.

Activated charcoal seems to have an affinity to pretty much everything – that includes the good vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your body. Be mindful of your consumption as it does have a tendency to cause constipation with excess use. Taking a few capsules after a heavy night of drinking or exposure to some toxins is ideal, but not as a daily supplement.