Last Updated on June 29, 2022 by Rebecca Huff

Amazing uses for activated charcoal that will blow your mind!

Now, before you run out to your grill to grab some, stop! Activated charcoal is different. This miraculous yet odorless and tasteless powder can actually be found in your local vitamin store.

It works by binding to chemicals to reduce their toxicity and thereby reducing the absorption of a poison.

As it travels through the stomach and large intestines it actually is able to absorb around 60% of toxins. This is why I always keep some in my cabinet. I have used it numerous times when we have eaten out but even more if someone gets a stomach bug.

Here are 15 ways to use activated charcoal you might want to keep in mind:

Teeth Whitening – removes acidic plaque from teeth like nothing else can!

Detox for the skin – can be achieved by using soaps and masks which include charcoal. I love a good Charcoal Mask weekly! It is even possible to stop an allergic reaction to poison ivy, sumac, and oak. This can be achieved by applying charcoal directly to the exposed areas or by washing immediately with charcoal soap.

Acne can be spot treated by simply mixing 1 capsule of activated charcoal with 2 teaspoons of pure aloe vera gel. Allow this paste to dry on the affected area and then rinse off.

I also enjoy using this konjac sponge!

<br>

Scalp Treatment for purifying your scalp, simply open a capsule and mix in with your toxic free shampoo to really purify and cleanse your scalp.

Detoxifying Body Scrub can be made by just adding some into a recipe for sugar scrub.

Eyeliner, yes that is right, you can actually use as an eyeliner, to see a DIY check out this beauty routine!

Better Heart Health: “Activated charcoal helps lower the amount of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood, liver, heart, and brain.” (1)

Ulcerative Colitis can be treated by combining charcoal with psyllium husks, probiotics and aloe vera, see more by clicking here.

Heavy Metal Detoxing is another way to use charcoal, to find out more about the protocol to rid your body of heavy metals.

Food poisoning and Stomach upset can be alleviated by ingesting 25 grams of charcoal as soon as nausea and diarrhea begin to show as symptoms. When my own children get stomach upset, I alternate charcoal and probiotics every other hour, keeping them far enough apart that they do not counteract the effects of each other. (I also like to carry in my bag when I am eating out in case I am forced to eat in a restaurant that I find unsavory or questionable).

I plan to take this “black magic” to China with me when I go! One thing to remember, when you take activated charcoal is to drink plenty of water! This can cause constipation, so follow up measures to make certain that doesn't happen are a good idea.

Filtering Water to remove toxins. I personally use a UV system, but I have had several types over the years, including charcoal filters and reverse osmosis.

Snake and Spider Bites can be treated by packing into the wound. See more by clicking here.

Ingestion of Poisons: reword: accidental ingestion of poison, drugs (legal and illegal), and household chemicals. All you have to do is add a teaspoon of Carbon to a glass of water, stir it up really good, and have the person who ingested the poison to drink the glass full of Carbon water. (2) However, call Poison Control immediately!

Alcohol Poisoning and reducing the effects of hangovers. Hospitals often give charcoal after the stomach is pumped. (3) Dave Asprey recommends charcoal for reducing the effects of alcohol while drinking in step number 5 of his article; to read what he recommends click here.

Drug Addiction: While controversial Carbon is great for people that are addicted to chemical substances. To overcome chemical drug addiction, start by drinking a glass of water with one teaspoon of Carbon added to it twice a day (morning and night).

Some precautions about charcoal:

do not take at the same time as medications, vitamins or supplements.
do not give to a child simultaneously with syrup of ipecac
can make your stools turn black, so don't freak out if you notice this after a bowel movement
keep out of the reach of children
do not spill on grout, while it rinses right off my tile, the grout is another story.