5 WAYS ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CAN HELP YOUR SELF-CARE REGIMEN
Article By: Heather Jadus
Photo Credit: Dasha and Mari
If we are talking charcoal, then I am thinking of my Grandma. She used to sketch with it and taught me how to sketch with it too!
Do you know the difference between charcoal and activated charcoal? Both are derived from carbon. Activated charcoal is much more porous than charcoal. Because of its larger surface area, activated carbon's ability to filter out more than charcoal can; is making it a better choice.
Here’s how YOU can use activated charcoal every day for both your health and beauty….
1. Brush Your Teeth With It!
Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health by changing the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
It actually absorbing plaque and microscopic tidbits that can stain teeth and cause bad breath. This activated charcoal use is cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile.
The capsules are very easy to find. Click HERE and you can get 100 capsules for under $10.
You can get 2-4 brushings per capsule by breaking the capsule open into a small dish. Just dip your toothbrush in and brush like normal. The charcoal has no taste and does look a bit creepy when you see your mouth turning black but trust me it REALLY works! My teeth have never felt so clean! Don’t forget to use it on your tongue too! And be careful, it can get messy and will stain your clothing/vanity etc.
2. It Can Prevent a Hangover!
Yep! You read that right! While activated charcoal does not adsorb alcohol, it does help quickly remove other toxins from the body that contribute to poisoning. Because the charcoal is taking care of these “other” toxins the alcohol toxins can be processed through the liver quicker and more efficiently. In addition, when activated charcoal is taken at the same time as alcohol it has been shown to significantly reduce blood alcohol concentrations. Seriously try it! You’re welcome!
3. Uses For The Skin
For external treatments, activated charcoal is effective at treating acne and relieving discomfort from insect bites, rashes from poison ivy or poison oak, and snake bites.
To treat acne, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, and smooth over face. Let dry and rinse off completely. The activated charcoal binds with environmental toxins and dirt that contribute to acne. It’s also good for spot treatments.
After bites stings and rashes, mix one capsule of activated charcoal with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil, and dab on affected area. Reapply every 30 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone.
The bottom line is that this stuff actually lifts toxins out of your skin! Here is a MASK and bar of facial SOAP that I love and they work wonders! And they are less mess than the capsules. Win/Win.
4. Uses for the Body
Activated charcoal uses include helping prevent cellular damage to kidneys and liver, as well as supporting healthy adrenal glands. It’s imperative to cleanse toxins and chemicals routinely from the body. Activated charcoal benefits major organs by helping the body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause the damage.
Aging is a natural part of life, but due to the toxic load we are exposed to through food, our homes and workplaces, and our environment, to prevent pre-mature aging we must get rid of them.
For this activated charcoal use, take two capsules per day after exposure to nonorganic foods, heavy meals or after contact to other toxins. This supports better cognitive function, a reduction in brain fog, healthier kidney and liver function, and a healthier digestive tract.
5. Digestive Cleanse
Activated charcoal uses help promote a healthy digestive tract by removing toxins that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function. By removing the toxins from your system, you can reduce joint pain, increase energy and increase mental function.
To complete a digestive cleanse with activated charcoal, take 10 grams 90 minutes prior to each meal, for two days. Eating clean and drinking plenty of water will make this activity that much more effective!
These are just for our skin and body. Charcoal can do wonders for cleaning mold and toxins as well. We are just scratching the surface with this stuff.
I hope you try at least one of these tips and let us know how it worked!
Be Informed. Be Safe. Be Healthy.
Charcoal
Charcoal is commonly used in the home. It's used in water treatment systems, reduce odors, in vacuum cleaners, for creating works of art (with Grandma), and for cooking on outdoor grills.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, has oxygen added to it to increase its porosity, thereby, adding to its surface area. It's normally used to remove chemicals, toxins, and gases. Activated carbon has proven to be more successful when it comes to removing toxins! Yay!
