The Secret Uses of Activated Charcoal

The Secret Uses of Activated Charcoal

To the untrained eye, activated charcoal is not usually something you’d associate with health or nutrition. However, there is a lot to learn about activated charcoal and why it should be a regular in your beauty regime.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is produced from bone char, coal or coconut shells. The charcoal powder is exhumed of its oxygen through very high temperature and gasses. Through this process, the highly-absorbent charcoal powder retains tiny pores that entrap and rid poisons, heavy metals, chemicals and intestinal gases from the body. The charcoal simply draws in molecules which allow toxins to be flushed out from the body a lot easier.

What is activated charcoal used for?

Beauty

Partnered with coconut oil, activated charcoal has various benefits for your hair and skin. Some of those are listed below.

• Body mask: helps to reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. An activated charcoal mask is great for helping to flush out impurities over your entire body.
• Activated charcoal toothpaste: leaves teeth polished and squeaky clean. Safe for enamel and no harmful additives.

Health and Wellbeing

• Insect bites and rashes: mix a charcoal capsule with a half tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the affected area. You can reapply every 30 minutes if necessary.
• Activated charcoal detox: with regular use, you may experience a refreshed feeling. Activated charcoal can help to remove bacteria long before it spreads, and flush out toxins and heavy metals from your body.

Cooking

• No toxic fumes: coconut charcoal briquettes meet international standards and don’t have any un-carbonized

What are the side effects to activated charcoal use?

Like most things when you are given good news, there can be some negative factors to spoil the fun. Activated charcoal has been known to cause dehydration or constipation if you don’t consume enough water. It’s important to keep up with your recommended dose of 12-16 glasses of water per day when using activated charcoal. Remember, good-quality herbal teas can also count towards your water intake.

Activated charcoal also has a potential to disrupt the regular absorption of nutrients. To help with this, it is recommended you take your charcoal supplements at least 90 minutes to two hours prior to meals.

Activated charcoal may also reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Ensure you consult your doctor if you’re currently taking any medication.

Activated charcoal can be a good arsenal for bites and rashes, help to reduce bloating and remove toxins, a natural teeth whitener, and a body mask to remove impurities. Medical use has also seen activated charcoal administered when poisons have been swallowed. Do make sure you check first with an emergency specialist if you are considering this approach.

Who would have thought the humble black ash could contain so much power?

If you want to be surprised further, check out our range of Bondi Beach Tea Co. herbal tea blends. Containing nature’s goodness in each bag, our teas offer an abundance of benefits for your health and beauty regime too.