First off—we aren’t talking about the black rocks thrown on the grill to cook our burgers. Thank goodness! Unlike regular charcoal, which is a well-known carcinogen, activated charcoal is medicinal, commonly known as Carbon. Often in the form of a fine black powder (derived from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust), activated charcoal has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and the Ayurveda millennia.
Recently, it’s been making its debut in the “superfood status” class due to its potent alkalizing detoxification properties and health benefits.
FOSTERS A HEALTHIER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
One of the top uses of activated charcoal is its power to heal and protect our digestive track. There are SO many toxins in our environment, from the chemicals in the water we drink to pesticides on foods and pollutants in the air.
Toxins in your digestive tract can lead to oxidative damage, a weaker immune system, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the gut and preventing their absorption. In doing so, it boosts our energy levels, improves mental function, and relieves joint pain. Bonus fun fact: this process also helps to alleviate gas by eradicating foul odors in the colon or intestinal tract.
WHITENS TEETH
Carbon has a cleansing and brightening function that goes beyond any chemical teeth whitening product on the shelves. It ultimately changes the pH balance in the mouth by absorbing acidic plaque and microscopic compounds that can stain (think: coffee, tea, red wine). So it not only whitens teeth, but also promotes better overall oral health by preventing gum disease, bad breath, and cavities.
To use on your teeth, put a little toothpaste on your toothbrush, dip it in some activated charcoal powder, add a bit of water, and then brush (note: your mouth WILL turn black due to the Carbon—this is normal (and ironic), so don’t panic!
REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Activated charcoal may also help reduce cholesterol levels. How so, you ask? Carbon can bind cholesterol and cholesterol-containing bile acids in the gut, preventing the body from absorbing them. I think it’s safe to say we can add this to the list of its superpowers!
TREATS FOOD POISONING
Activated charcoal can also reduce the effects of several human drugs and other toxins, making it a leading poison and drug overdose antidote since the early 1800s. Who knew?! Its effectiveness is due to a chemical process known as adsorption—which is the reaction of elements like chemicals, toxins, and nutrients that are soaked up and assimilated in the bloodstream—before chemicals and poisons can cause bodily harm.
PROMOTES A GLOWING COMPLEXION
Let’s move from the internal applications of activated charcoal and look at its uses outside of the body—starting with the skin. Activated charcoal is often used to treat rashes, insect bites, acne and even relieve body odor. It’s also used as a “detox” for the face to build more beautiful skin (think: a cheap substitute to costly face masks).
To craft it, mix the ingredients below and gently smooth it across your face. Allow the mixture to dry, and then rinse it off:
The powder of 1 capsule of activated charcoal
2 tsp aloe vera gel (here’s how to make your own)
2 drops tea tree oil
FIGHTS PREMATURE AGING
Our skin is exposed to a lot of toxins on an everyday basis; from the foods we eat to the make-up we wear to the homes we live in. Long story short: the environment inevitably escalates the natural aging process. With that said, activated charcoal can serve as a shield to these harmful effects by supporting healthy adrenal glands and preventing cellular damage to the liver and kidneys.
Detoxing with activated charcoal helps cleanse the body inside and out by flushing out the chemicals and pollutants that can lead to increased risk of illness, disease, and damaging signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.
To use activated charcoal as an anti-aging treatment, simply take two capsules each day to increase overall health and well-being. Take note to add this to your health and beauty routine now!
EXTRA NOTES TO SELF
Keep in mind that not all activated charcoal is created equal. Make sure you look for a food-grade charcoal derived organically. And chit chat with your doc if you have questions or concerns.
Try to drink 10 — 12 glasses of purified water daily when you’re detoxing with activated charcoal. This will ensure you’re flushing out toxins ASAP and will prevent constipation.
Consider taking activated charcoal at least 90 minutes to two hours before meals.
If this charcoal chatter has sparked your thoughts about detox (body and mind), now is the perfect time to check out my latest cleansing courses: New Years Detox and Whole Body Balance. There’s no better time than now to nourish yourself and shift into a deeper, more meaningful life. YOU deserve it!
Learn more and sign up @ https://www.natashawellness.com/healthcoaching/. Limited space available!
Resources:
http://www.naturallivingideas.com
https://www.healthline.com
http://www.foodmatters.com
https://www.shape.com