Believe it or not activated charcoal has many useful applications. It is commonly used in emergencies when a person has ingested a poisonous substance. This can be done by mistake, or in hospitals activated charcoal will be used for patients who may have attempted to ingest certain drugs for negative effects. Activated charcoal has saved the lives of many who have consumed toxic levels of chemicals (including household cleansers) and drugs (including sedatives, narcotics, and painkillers).
Activated charcoal is a powerfully adsorbent element. Adsorption is the process where the atoms and molecules are moving from their bulk stage (solid, liquid or gas) onto a solid or liquid surface. In other words, the toxic substance attaches to the surface of the charcoal. This substance is not ‘digested’ and therefore will stay in the GI tract until it is eliminated from a person’s body through a bowel movement. Activated charcoal can prevent the absorption of many poisons from a person’s gastrointestinal tract.
It has several other benefits and common uses. Adding to its already known anti-poison first-aid remedy, it as recently been grown in popularity for many non-emergency reasons. Recently it has been discovered that activated charcoal can be used to remove bacteria, fungi and viruses from your system. If you suffer from painful gas in your lower intestines buy activated charcoal and you can relieve the pain as it absorbs these gases.
Let’s look at those annoying stings and bug bites that occur all summer. Try mixing activated charcoal powder with water to make a paste to relieve the itching of insect bites and stings. There are even studies that suggest charcoal can help with your cardiovascular system and lower your cholesterol.
It should be noted that while charcoal has many benefits, there are some minor precautions to keep in mind. While using activated charcoal you will dehydrate faster, be sure to consume plenty of fluids. Do not use with prescription medication because it will nullify the effects of these medications.
You could also experience some side effects. It is possible you could be sick, constipated or have swelling of the stomach. These side effects are rare and usually occur when there is a lack of liquid consumed. Consuming dairy will also limit the benefits of activated charcoal. So while you are taking it, try to steer clear of taking dairy products at the same time.
If you have any questions about this or any of the many beneficial bulk herbs, contact More Than Alive – a trusted source of family health information.
