Why We Love Activated Charcoal

Exploring the many uses and health benefits of nature’s dextox. More than just a dietary supplement, activated charcoal can be incorporated in cooking, skincare, and sustainability. This is why we love activated charcoal.

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What is Activated Charcoal?

In short, it is the burned form of bamboo, peat, wood, and coal. The charcoal then becomes activated with ultra high heats in the presence of gas until the surface expands, creating microscopic pores that absorb toxins.

It comes in an intense jet black superfine powder that has many uses due to its natural pigmentation and detoxing properties.

Over the years, activated charcoal has gained immense popularity as a versatile ingredient from cooking to skincare. It has also been used in medicine due to its natural purifying abilities. From the hospital to your home, activated charcoal offers many benefits such as deep-cleansing and natural remedies.

In this article, we will dive into the many uses of activated charcoal.

Table of Contents

Nature’s Detox

According to the National Library of Medicine, activated charcoal absorbs toxins from your system by ingesting it or applying it via skincare.

This detox is so powerful that it used in medicine to treat poisonings and drug overdoses.

It is often not suggested to be taken with certain medications, as it can potentially deactivate them. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 2 hours between taking them to ensure the medication is properly absorbed.

Available in charcoal tablets, a natural pain relief for stomach pain. It naturally relieves gas and bloating.

Skincare

When made with bamboo, activated charcoal becomes a sustainable alternative for many different sustainable swaps around the house.

It naturally draws out impurities, making it great for skincare. Charcoal-infused products are idea for those with oily skin and acne.

Best Activated Charcoal Skincare Products

As someone who struggles with oily skin, activated charcoal skincare products leave my skin feeling refreshed and my pores tight.

Whitens Teeth

Many oral care brands make activated charcoal toothpastes and teeth-whitening powders that are specifically designed to whiten teeth.

What you may not know is there is a DIY method that costs pennies on the dollar.

Simply crack open a charcoal tablet onto a toothbrush with a toothpaste of your choice (or even just water.) You don’t even need the whole capsule, as the charcoal is highly pigmented.

Believe me, too much can get everywhere! It’s like glitter but worse!

Brush for up to five minutes and rinse. Results are visible, even after the first session. Do this twice a week for a brighter, whiter smile over time.

Best Activated Charcoal Toothpastes and Powders

For a quicker and cleaner method of whitening your chompers, there are affordable and effective AC toothpastes that are minty fresh.

I always keep a pack of charcoal-bristle bamboo toothbrushes at home for houseguests and traveling. I also carry one in my gym bag and my work locker. They are biodegradable and last forever. Even when they’re falling apart, I repurpose them for cleaning shoes or smaller projects.

Cooking and Baking

Best known for its dramatic role in the 2018 Goth Foods Trend on Instagram, activated charcoal is a naturally high-pigmented black dye that is virtually tasteless, adding a moody hue to food, baked goods, and cocktails.

Be Warned: A little goes a long way.

Due to its detoxing nature, adding activated charcoal to your alcholic beverages is said to help alleviate future hangovers.

Home

Activated charcoal is great for the home, as it absorbs odors in the air and acts as a natural purifier.

These Odor Absorbing Air Purifying Bags are a lifesaver, especially as a petowner. Simply hang them anywhere that can reek over time: bathrooms, gym bags, car, and the fridge or freezer.

Designed to last years, these charcoal bags are durable and made with strong material.

I use one for over the litter box, my 1960’s bathroom, my car, and my bedroom. They alleviate any mustiness and odor from wherever you hang them.

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