5 health and beauty benefits of activated charcoal

This form of carbon can help prevent a number of health and skin related problems

The secret to good health and beauty is often found in the most natural ingredients. One such ingredient is activated charcoal that comes with a number of health benefits.

Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, however activated charcoal is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is loaded with toxins and chemicals, and should never be consumed!

Below are five health and beauty benefits of activated charcoal:

1. Teeth whitener

It adsorbs plaque and microscopic tidbits that stain teeth. It is cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile.

Here's how: wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as you would, paying special attention to areas containing the most stain. Sip a bit of water, swish through mouth thoroughly and spit. Rinse well, until spit is clear.



For best results, brush your teeth with activated charcoal two-three times per week.

2. Alleviates gas & bloating

Take 500 milligrams one hour prior to a typical gas-producing meal, with a full glass of water. Follow with an additional glass of water immediately thereafter to help get the charcoal into your system, where it can bind with gas-producing elements.



3. Emergency toxin removal

Activated charcoal is also used in the event of an accidental, or purposeful, overdose of many pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter medications. It’s effective for aspirin, opium, cocaine, morphine and acetaminophen. It’s important that the proper amount is administered as quickly as possible — definitely within an hour of ingestion.



It can also 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.

4. Skin and body health

It is also effective in treating body odor and acne and relieving discomfort from insect bites, rashes from poison ivy or poison oak, and snake bites.

After a mosquito bite or bee sting, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone. As activated charcoal stains nearly everything it touches, wrap with a bandage.



To treat acne, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and smooth over face. Let dry and rinse off completely. The activated charcoal binds with environmental toxins and dirt that contribute to acne. It’s also good for spot treatments.

5. Anti-aging

Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, make up, our homes and environment, ingestion of this element is best to prevent pre-mature aging.



For this activated charcoal use, take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact to other toxins. This supports better cognitive function, a reduction in brain fog, healthier kidney and liver function, and a healthier digestive tract.

The article was originally published here.