If the idea of cleansing your face with charcoal sounds unusual, then you have landed on the right page to clear up the doubts concerning charcoal, including:
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- What is activated charcoal
- What does activated charcoal do for the skin
- What activated charcoal benefits are
- Activated charcoal side effects
Let’s begin by knowing some common questions about activated charcoal to understand its uses and benefits.
What is activated charcoal?
You have probably seen people chewing on charcoal to achieve a healthy body, and it is not just any charcoal – it’s a special one called activated charcoal. It is extremely beneficial and might be one of the items to include in your emergency kit. However, the activated form might not be used as frequently as vitamin C, but it can be considered a necessary item because it helps improve your overall health.
Charcoal- The activated form
Activated charcoal is a wonderful ingredient which can absorb more toxins than any other component available. It can absorb drugs like iodine, cocaine, aspirin, penicillin, phenobarbital and other substances like mercury, lead, chlorine, DDT, etc. The special type of charcoal has a quality that attracts other substances and holds them to its surface. It can absorb excess acid produced in the intestines and deodorise different types of foul-smelling gases. The activated form is the most effective form of charcoal, and it is two to three times effective than regular charcoal.
What activated charcoal benefits are?
- Activated charcoal benefits for skin
From ancient times, charcoal has been used for medicinal purposes. It has been considered useful for gas pains and skin infections. It is known to ease bruises and inflammation.
Bad odors, caused by health disorders such as skin ulcers, have been eliminated by placing a cloth filled with charcoal over plastic casts. Many people apply it topically on wounds to absorb wound secretions, toxins, and bacteria. It has been added in packs and poultices to treat infections of the facial skin, eyelids, or extremities.
Active charcoal is considered the best substance for poultices in treating insect stings, black widow bites, mushroom poisoning, brown recluse spider bites, and various types of snake bites.
- A special form of charcoal to aid stomach problems
According to a study, activated charcoal is helpful in reducing the amount of gas produced by eating gas-forming food like beans. It is capable of absorbing excess gas produced in the stomach, along with the bacteria responsible for forming gas.
It is useful in relieving symptoms of traveller’s diarrhea, indigestion, peptic ulcers, spastic colon, and nervous diarrhea. For such gastrointestinal problems, it is recommended to take one to one and a half spoonfuls of activated charcoal powder up to three times a day. It is preferable to take it between meals because food can reduce its effectiveness. What all you need to do is mix powdered charcoal in a glass of water and drink it. One can also take it with extra-virgin olive oil and spoon it into the mouth.
- An effective agent for foul smell
Activated charcoal is an amazing substance that cleanses both the mouth and the digestive system. This quality of charcoal makes it an effective substance in eliminating bad breath. Some people may also use it to purify the blood.
- Activated charcoal for therapeutic uses
Charcoal has an impressive and time-tested record as a treatment for various health disorders. According to a recent study, it has been confirmed that the use of charcoal dates back to ancient times. It has been shown that the active form of charcoal can:
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- Relieve stomach issues
- Act against pathogens
- Correct common age-associated issues
- Reduce damage caused by health issues such as coronary disease, arteriosclerosis, and high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
- Act as a counteragent for all chemicals, poisons, and toxins.
Many experts use the activated form of charcoal to treat jaundice in newborns, ivy reactions, poison oak, and various other conditions. Activated charcoal benefits can be found at almost any health food store.
Activated charcoal side effects
Health experts recommend using it in its powdered form, allowing the body to absorb it easily. It has been shown to be harmless when accidentally swallowed or comes into contact with the skin. However, if swallowed in excess amounts, it can cause mild constipation and black stool. To avoid activated charcoal effects, it is best not to use it longer than 12 weeks.
Activated charcoal is generally considered safe for most adults; however, consulting a doctor is always recommended when using activated charcoal as a medicine, remedy, or for any other purpose.
Also Read: Know the Essential Facts about Your Liver
