Have you heard of activated charcoal powder? If you're a natural health enthusiast, you've probably spotted it in the aisle of your local health food store. Because even though it's been around since the Egyptians, lately, it seems to be everywhere! Have you noticed? Like me, maybe you've wondered what is activated charcoal powder?… And what's the big deal?
Truth is, there's a lot of contradictory and even outright false information floating around about it.
That's why we rolled up our sleeves and did a bit of research. And what we discovered is that Activated Charcoal Powder is black gold!
It can whiten your teeth and keep your mouth healthy, keep your skin soft, help with digestion, or save the day from accidental poisoning.
Surprised?
In this post, we'll answer the question what is activated charcoal powder.
Plus you'll learn:
- What it's made from
- Why it's so effective
- How to use if for natural health
- The different ways to use it safely
So, let’s get started.
What is Activated Charcoal Powder?
Activated charcoal powder is actually a type of activated carbon processed into a powder substance. Its original purpose was to help trap and absorb any toxins in the body to prevent the body from absorbing them.
In fact, before people used Activated charcoal Powder for natural beauty and health purposes (as it's mostly used for now) hospitals used it for alcohol, drug, and food poisoning. If someone gets food poisoning you'll be happy to have it! It's an alternative to stomach-pumping which is why you should keep it in your first-aid kit.
Activated Charcoal Powder is odorless and tasteless and as long as you take it correctly, it's a safe way to eliminate toxins from your body.
Where Does Activated Charcoal Powder Come From?
It can come from many different sources. But, when it's used to make health and beauty products, it typically comes from natural sources like coconut shells, coconut husk, and other nut shells… Like this one I use, because it's the purest source I've found.
Different Ways to Use Activated Charcoal Powder
1. It Can Whiten Your Teeth
How to Use it for Whitening
Charcoal For Teeth from Mother Of Health on Vimeo.
2. It Helps With Skin and Hair
3. Use it to Detox Your Body
As you probably have guessed, you can use activated charcoal to help detox your body. Its ability to stop toxins from further damaging your body is incredibly useful. If you feel like you're getting sick, activated charcoal is worth a shot because it can help you from getting sick.
There are capsules of activated charcoal that you can take if you get food poisoning or just to help detox your body.
Or you can make a paste with water for use on your skin for burns or bug bites to draw out toxins.
Some people add the powder to juice or lemonade, and calling it black lemonade (like Gwyneth Paltrow's magazine Goop) which reports charcoal lemonade is one of the “best juice cleanses.”
4. Reduce Gas and Bloating
According to the Journal of Gastroenterology, you can also take activated charcoal if you are experiencing gas or bloating
Typically you want to take it before a meal, as opposed to after you already have gas. Whenever you eat something that does not digest properly or that irritates the gut, Activated Charcoal can come in handy. I use it whenever I travel and am forced to eat heavy foods I normally don't eat.
5. Help Prevent a Hangover
There have been several studies, with mixed results, but it can be worth a try. It has been shown to lower blood alcohol levels or the effects of them in some people, as the charcoal helps with alcohol absorption. Others did not see a significant difference.
Personally, whenever I have more than one glass of wine, I feel dehydrated and dull the next morning. I've noticed that if I consume activated charcoal and water within a few hours of a glass of wine, I feel MUCH better than if I didn't take it.
What is the Right Dose?
There are sources that suggest a dosage of up to 25 grams for adults, but I use only about 1 tsp stirred into water. (This is equal to about 4 capsules). But, check with your doctor or health professional.
Tips for Using Activated Charcoal
1. Be Careful With Other Medications
Activated charcoal has not been studied enough with other medications to know if it’s dangerous… So it is best that you practice caution. Not only should your doctor know if you are considering taking it, especially by ingestion, but you don’t want to take it with other medications. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
2. Watch Out for the Mess
3. Don't Ingest it Daily
4. Drink Plenty of Water With it
5. Rinse Your Mouth Well
Precautions and Side Effects
The good news is that the side effects aren’t too extreme. They can also vary by person, and depend on what you used the charcoal for.
Naturally, a risk for using it for whitening your teeth is that it might make your tongue a little black if you don't rinse properly. You can reduce the risk by only brushing your teeth, never your tongue, and rinse well each time.
There are some other side effects and risks:
- Black or darker stools when ingesting the charcoal Having vomiting or diarrhea Constipation
- If you are using it too much, it could lead to gastrointestinal blockages as well. Pay close attention to the proper dosage if you are ingesting the charcoal for health purposes.
- Activated charcoal, when used for health or beauty, is typically from all-natural sources like coconut husks, but you should still practice caution and know the risks.
Things to keep in mind:
- You should not be taking activated charcoal with medications unless directed by your doctor.
- Avoid ingestion of charcoal during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor first.
- Do not give activated charcoal to children without asking your pediatrician.
- Take only small doses first to see how your body reacts.
As long as you follow these simple guidelines, you can avoid any potential risks when ingesting activated charcoal powder
In general, natural remedies are meant to have very few side effects and risks, but you should always be extra careful
I hope I have sufficiently answered the question what is activated charcoal powder, but if you have any questions remaining, please do not hesitate to ask in the box below. I’m here to help you out and I would love nothing more than for you to be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself possible. Let me know if you need anything and I will be sure to get back within “hours” most of the time.
Amazing! All we need to be healthy, straight from Mother Nature. Thanks for sharing.
This stuff sounds like a wonder product. I have only ever heard of it as an ingredient in odour eaters for shoes!
It certainly has many uses. I am going to try the face pack, as I have terrible skin and I feel it might help. If I take it orally do you think that would also help my skin?
Thank you for such a good and helpful article!”
Hi Marcie, It depends. What sort of skin issue to you have? acne? If I know, I can better direct you to some remedies that may be more effective than activated charcoal.
I didn’t realize activated charcoal powder had so many uses and benefits. I come from the medical field so I knew about ingesting to counteract poisons and overdoses. I think I’ve seen it advertised to whiten teeth, but now I know how it does it thanks to you. Being from the medical field I want to say thank you to you too for some of the precautions to take, for example if you’re pregnant. I’ll have to try using activated charcoal powder in order to get some of the benefits you mentioned. Thanks for the information!
Thanks for commenting Jeremy!