The Amazing Benefits Activated Charcoal Has For Your Body And Health

Recently a certain substance has been popping up in all sorts of health and beauty practices, from toothpaste to face masks. It’s called activated charcoal and it’s got a whole lot of good uses.

You might’ve wondered why people are rubbing the leftover coals from their braai on their face, but this is activated charcoal, not just regular charcoal. It’s created when you burn a source of carbon (like wood), which takes out the oxygen and produces this material will millions of tiny pores. Because of all of these pores the material is super adsorbent (which means it binds to things, similar to absorbent) and it’s able to adsorb and remove elements such as poison or bacteria. This is why it’s gained a rep for being great for detoxing your body. Here are a few ways you can use activated charcoal, in powder or pill form, to improve your health:

It helps with itchy bites

Mix a bit of activated charcoal with some coconut oil and apply it to any mosquito bites, bug bites or stings you might have. It can ease the super annoying itchy feeling, making you scratch less and letting them heal faster.

It can give you clear skin

The reason activated charcoal is used so often in face masks is because of its adsorbing abilities. When applied to your skin it will draw out any dirt and bacteria and bind to it, so when you wash the activated charcoal off the dirt and bacteria goes with it.

It can help with bloating

Some foods taste delicious but the 3-months-pregnant look you get immediately afterwards is pretty off-putting. You could take away that feeling  of being bloated by taking activated charcoal pills with your meal. The charcoal will bind to the byproducts of food like beans that lead to gas and bloating in your digestive tract and alleviate this discomfort.

It could help with your hangover

Disclaimer: there is no scientific proof for the idea that taking activated charcoal can eliminate your hangovers, however a quick Google search shows loads of people swear by this DIY cure. Maybe it’s yet to be proven or maybe it’s just a powerful placebo effect but it’s worth a shot. Take two pills before your big night out and test it yourself. There’s no harm done if it doesn’t work (well, except for your raging hangover).

It keeps your fridge from smelling bad

Activated charcoal adsorbs all organic molecules, including the ones that smell bad. Place two spoonfuls of the stuff in an open container in your fridge. You’ll find your fridge will smell fresh for way longer so feel free to stock up on those foods that are good for you but stink like kimchi.

It’s generally great for detoxing

Taking activated charcoal pills daily could lead to a long list of health benefits for you. It’s ability to attach itself to toxins means it will remove toxins and detox you as it makes its way through your system. Note that taking too much can lead to constipation so don’t overdo it; two pills a day should do the trick.

…But don’t use it on your teeth

You’ve probably seen videos of people brushing their teeth with black paste and showing off how super white they are afterwards. Charcoal toothpaste has actually been proven to wear down your enamel, something you will never grow back. It definitely makes your teeth whiter but the cost is so not worth it. Read more about how this whitening trend is destroying your teeth.