Have You Heard of Activated Charcoal? Here are 6 Reasons Why You Should Give it a Try.

Activated charcoal is made by heating common charcoal that is made from coal, coconut shells, bamboo, and other woods. The temperature increases the charcoal area and creates small pores. When we ingest charcoal, these pores help trap toxins and chemicals and flush them out of the body.

Here are 6 reasons why you should give it a try:

1- Detoxifies the body from chemicals

Activated charcoal is typically used in emergency situations when someone has had a high dose of substances such as toxins from pesticides, mercury, lead or big quantities of pharmaceutical drugs.

It is also a recommended remedy to treat food poisoning but needs to be ingested within one hour of the intoxication. All you have to do is add a teaspoon of carbon to a glass of water, stir it really good and drink!

2- Prevents gas and bloating

Activated charcoal has also been shown to alleviate gas and bloating since the gas-producing factors bind to the charcoal and are eliminated. This helps reduce abdominal cramping as well. Keep in mind you should drink a lot of water with it to help the process.

3- Relieves bites and rashes

After a bee sting, mosquito or even a snake bite, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the affected areas.

4- Whitens your teeth

If you have food or coffee stains on your teeth, you can brush them with a mix of activated charcoal and water two to three times a week. This will remove plaque and fight bad breath and gum disease.

5- Purifies your water

Use activated water filters to remove carbon-based impurities such as pesticides, fluoride, industrial waste and other chemicals. However, remember to change them regularly because they stop being effective once all the pores have been filled. You can also add activated charcoal pieces in your drinking water.

6- Reduces high cholesterol

Studies have shown that activated charcoal decreases the concentration of total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. This promotes a healthy cardiovascular system and help in the prevention of heart disease.

Activated charcoal is safe but make sure not to take it within 2 hours of vitamins or medications because it will prevent your body from absorbing them. Please check with your naturopath before starting a charcoal treatment.

You can find activated charcoal in the form of tablets, capsules or fine powder at your natural food store.

Resources:

http://naturallysavvy.com/care/9-health-benefits-of-activated-charcoal

http://www.foodmatters.com/article/black-magic-the-benefits-and-uses-of-activated-charcoal