5 Surprising Activated Charcoal Uses and Reasons to Have It on Hand

In recent years, we’ve begun to discover more of the many activated charcoal uses. This product has some interesting properties that make it stand out in natural medicine.

Its main effectiveness has to do with the micro-pores that make up its surface. These act as filters to trap any compounds that are present in a gas or liquid.

Today, activated charcoal is still referred to as one of the most powerful “natural detox agents”. This is because it’s capable of absorbing harmful toxins and other particles that can wreak havoc on your health.

However, it also has some interesting properties you can use at home.

Are you ready to find out more?

Activated Charcoal Uses and Benefits

Believe it or not, alternative medicine has taken advantage of the multiple activated charcoal uses for centuries. Today, many of them have returned to fame and are good as remedies for common ailments and problems.

Cleansing the body remains the primary use of this substance. However, thanks to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties, activated charcoal is now used as a base for other treatments.

Next, we’ll take a look at how to use it.

1. Treatment for bloating and gas

Consuming activated charcoal can prevent the unpleasant symptoms of bloating and gas after an irritating meal. Its compounds absorb any particles that interfere with your digestion, thus preventing inflammatory reactions.

Ingredients:

1 tsp. of activated charcoal powder (5 g)
1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation:

Just add a teaspoon of activated charcoal to a cup of water and dilute it well.
Mode of consumption:
Simply drink this mixture before eating a large meal.

2. A hangover treatment

Activated charcoal won’t absorb any alcohol present in your bloodstream. However, consuming it with plenty of water will speed up your metabolism and promote the elimination of toxins you ingested with all those drinks.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. of activated charcoal powder (10 g)
2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation:

Add the activated charcoal powder to the water and mix well.

Mode of consumption:

Drink this whenever you have a hangover.
Try to consume it in sips to give it time to act.

3. Treatment for gout

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, activated charcoal reduces the pain associated with gout. Its direct use improves circulation in the affected areas and reduces swelling significantly.

Ingredients:

5 tbsp. of activated charcoal (50 g)
4 cups of water (1 liter)

Preparation:

Mix the activated charcoal and water in a large bowl.

Mode of application:

First, soak a cloth in this liquid and apply it to the affected areas.
Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse.
Repeat this process two to three times a week, as needed.

4. Treatment for insect bites

Activated charcoal is typically taken internally. However, it can also be used externally for minor insect bites. The anti-inflammatory compounds will reduce swelling and prevent allergic reactions.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. of activated charcoal powder (10 g)
½ tbsp. of organic coconut oil (8 g)

Preparation:

Combine the activated charcoal with the coconut oil until you have a paste.

Mode of application:

Apply this product to the bite and let it dry.
Rinse with plenty of cold water.
Repeat this process until you notice an improvement.

5. Mask for blackheads

This is one of the activated charcoal uses that may be the most surprising for many. Because of its capacity for absorption, activated charcoal is ideal for cleansing your skin and eliminating blackheads that clog your pores.

Ingredients: