Activated charcoal has been used for a long time to help with digestive issues and skin problems. But this powder has many health-promoting uses that aren’t as well known. Here you can find how to use activated charcoal for your beauty and health right at home.
Gas and Bloating
To use activated charcoal to avoid gas and bloating, take 500 to 1000 milligrams of activated charcoal with a large glass of water two hours before a meal. Drink another large glass of water after the meal to avoid flatulence and bloat.
Counteracting Poisons
Activated charcoal is extremely effective in removing some ingested dangerous poisons like bleach, pesticides, mercury, and fertilizer; it also helps counteract overdoses that involve aspirin, acetaminophen, cocaine, morphine, and opium. The adult dosage to counteract poison is 50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal in capsule form or mixed with water. But make sure to call your local poison hotline or your pharmacist for exact amounts.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning with nausea and/or diarrhea will also respond to activated charcoal. For adults, the dose is 25 grams (2 tablespoons), for children it is ten grams. It should be taken if you suspect food poisoning, even if the symptoms have not become full-blown. Take with plenty of water to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated.
Cholesterol
Studies show that activated charcoal reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol and that it can be as effective as prescription medicines. One study results showed that total cholesterol had been lowered by 25%, LDL lowered by 41% and the HDL/LDL ratio doubled. To repeat this study at home, take two tablespoons of activated charcoal three times daily for four weeks. The Lancet
Healthier Teeth
Whiten your teeth and promote good oral health by brushing three times a week with activated charcoal. Simply dip your dampened toothbrush into charcoal powder and use it instead of toothpaste to help prevent gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. A note of caution: Make sure to protect counters, floors, and clothes while brushing, since activated charcoal will stain them.
Bites and Rashes
Activated charcoal relieves the itching and stinging from insect bites from and rashes. In the case of a bee sting or mosquito bite, mix 2 tablespoons of activated charcoal with a ½ tablespoon or more of coconut oil to make a paste and pat on affected areas. Apply the paste every half-hour until the discomfort is gone.
Alcohol Poisoning
Activated charcoal won’t absorb alcohol, but it will help remove the artificial toxins contained in alcohol that contribute to hangovers. And if taken at the same time as consuming alcohol, it can help reduce blood alcohol levels. Take four Activated Charcoal 100 tablets after alcohol consumption or accompany each alcoholic beverage with one capsule concurrently.
Organ Health
Activated charcoal can help support kidney, liver and cognitive function. Take two capsules daily to help promote these organs and, also to help with post-chemo “brain fog.”
Digestive Cleanse
A digestive cleanses with activated charcoal helps remove allergy-causing toxins and strengthen your immune system. Do an at-home cleanse by taking 2 teaspoons of activated charcoal dissolved in water before each meal. If you get constipated during this time, drink a glass of warm water with lemon and honey every half hour until constipation is gone.
Skin and Scalp
Pores: To get rid of unsightly clogged pores, make a face mask by combining 2-3 tablespoons of activated charcoal with just enough water to make a paste. Apply to face and let dry thoroughly before washing off. The mask will pull the dirt out of your pores, making them less visible and giving you a smoother looking complexion.
Oily Skin:
To help reduce oiliness, use this mask recipe no more than twice a week. Combine 2 ½ tablespoons of activated charcoal powder with a ½ teaspoon each of raw honey, bentonite clay and aloe vera gel. Create the mask by adding rosewater slowly until a thick paste has formed. Apply to face, allow to dry and gently rinse off.
Acne:
Activated charcoal is available in soap form that is slightly gritty, but you can make your own anti-acne scrub. Mix 1 tsp of activated charcoal powder with a few drops each of cumin seed oil and lavender oil. This will gently exfoliate your skin while absorbing toxins on and under the skin.
Scalp:
Activated charcoal can help relieve scalp problems such as dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, and redness. To use activated charcoal on your scalp, mix 1 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp activated charcoal into one cup of warm water. Work this into your hair and scalp, then rinse. goldmountainbeauty.com
Activated charcoal has a multitude of uses, all meant to improve your health. Whether it’s your skin, your stomach or your drinking water, this natural product can help you improve how you look and how you feel.