Activated charcoal has become a staple in some households due to its many amazing uses. If you’re interested and want to try it out, you need to understand one thing first — activated charcoal is different from regular charcoal.
Regular charcoal is carcinogenic. Activated charcoal is medicinal. That alone is enough reason why you should know which is which. Just to be sure, regular charcoal is the one we use for cooking and roasting. Activated charcoal undergoes a more thorough process that results in it being more adsorbing.
You can make activated charcoal at home. Here’s how.
Activated Charcoal for Health
Detox
The claim to fame of activated charcoal is its ability to adsorb toxins among other substances. This is the main reason why it is used to rid the body of drugs, alcohol and other unwelcome substances. Activated charcoal is also considered a cure for hangover.
Poisoning
People and even animals like dogs are given activated charcoal to prevent poison from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Kidney Health
Activated charcoal is believed to have a positive effect on kidney function. It helps remove or filter out toxins and drugs from the kidney.
In 2014, a study involving rats with chronic kidney disease showed that inflammation and damage in the intestines were greatly reduced after being given activated charcoal each day.
Diarrhea
A 2017 study showed that activated charcoal has the potential to keep bacteria and drugs that are related diarrhea form getting into to the body.
Skin Care
Activated charcoal keeps the toxins, dirt, bacteria, and chemical on the surface of the skin. This makes it easier to clean yourself up.
Skin Infection
Activated charcoal is believed to have antibacterial qualities. While further studies are necessary to prove this, many are already using it on wounds. Apparently, activated charcoal can adsorb the microbe from the wound.
Intestinal Gas and Bloating
Scientists have yet to determine how activated charcoal can ease discomfort due to intestinal gas and bloating.
Fish Odor Syndrome
Trimethylaminuria (TMUA) or fish odor syndrome is a genetic condition that results in the body smelling like rotten fish. This is as bad as it sounds. Fortunately, active charcoal can lessen the foul odor thanks to its porous surface.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Activated charcoal can help keep the body from absorbing cholesterol. According to a study, LDL-cholesterol decreased while the “good” HDL cholesterol increased after giving the test subjects 24 grams of activated charcoal in a period of four weeks.
Activated Charcoal for Beauty and Hygiene
Bar Soap
Activated charcoal soaps are all the rage these days. They can be used on the face and body to get rid of excess oil. They’re also pretty effective against acne and may even work on the facial marks caused by acne.
These activated charcoal soaps also remove dead skin cells, dirt and toxins for a deeper cleanse. They can also reduce pore size, which also helps in ridding of dirt and grime.
Check this out if you wish to make your own activated charcoal soap.
Clarifying Face Mask
Applying activated charcoal mascara has the same effects as using bar soap with the same main ingredient.
Shampoo
Activated charcoal in shampoos adsorbs impurities making your hair as clean and shiny as it can be. The charcoal also gets rid of toxins from your scalp making it healthier and free of dandruff and fungal infections.
Mascara and Eyeliner
Activated charcoal is naturally dark. It also keeps the pH balance, well, balanced. These makes it the perfect ingredient for eye makeup. Make your own activated charcoal mascara by following trhe instructions from Wellness Mama.
Deodorant
Activated charcoal is now commonly used as an ingredient in deodorants. It can adsorb the smell of your underarm.
Toothpaste
Activated charcoal has been used as an ingredient in toothpastes. It is believed that activated charcoal can help whiten teeth and keep them healthy.
Activated Charcoal for the Home
Water Purifier
If you’re out of clean drinking water but happen to have some activated charcoal on you, you’re in luck. Activated charcoal filters water by adsorbing the toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and other things you would want to get in your tummy.
Air Purifier
One of the more popular uses of activated charcoal is to purify the air. In fact it is commonly used in making air filters. Activated charcoal removes odors as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air.
Gardening
Activated charcoal is soil versatile that it can even make soil healthy. Simply add activated charcoal to your garden soil and let it do its work, which is quite a lot. It can improve the soil’s pH level. air circulation, water retention, and nutrient retention.
If we list down all known uses or benefits of activated charcoal, we’d be here all day. Help everyone else by sharing how you use activated charcoal. Follow the Gentleman Pirate Club for more interesting and informational topics such as this.
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