Uses of activated charcoal

September 11, 2021 Grandma's Medicine Valli Sarvani No comments

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from coconut shells, bamboo, olive pits etc. It is used to treat overdoses of chemicals. It has numerous uses.

The benefits and uses of activated charcoal are mentioned as below:

Activated charcoal has toxin-absorbing properties. As a result, it can bind to toxins and thus prevents their entry into the stomach. Since the body cannot absorb charcoal, it is excreted from the body along with toxins.
Due to these toxin-absorbing properties, charcoal is used to treat poisoning.
It filters out undigested toxins and drugs and thus helps improve the function of kidneys.
Activated charcoal can treat the intestinal gas issue. It neutralizes the gas in the intestine while passing through its porous texture. It also improves the odour of the gas. It can be used as a treatment for diarrhoea.
It binds to cholesterol in the gut and thus controls cholesterol levels in the body.
Activated charcoal is widely used in cosmetics as it can cleanse microparticles, dirt, dust, and toxins on the skin. It is also used as a treatment for acne or snake bites. It can treat skin diseases due to its antibacterial effect.
As it can absorb smells and gases, it is used as a deodorant. Many people keep it in shoes, a refrigerator or almirah to remove bad odours.
It is used for water filtration. It can reduce heavy metals and fluoride content in water. It can interact with toxins, chemicals and microbes in water and eliminates them to some extent. Thus water is filtered.
Some people use it as toothpowder. It whitens the teeth by absorbing teeth-staining compounds and plaque.
Some others use it as a hangover cure. If it is consumed with alcohol, it can reduce blood alcohol levels.
Though no adverse reactions have been noted with the use of activated charcoal, people taking medications should consult their physician before consuming it as it may interfere with the absorption of the medication.