Five Ways to Detox with Activated Charcoal

Category: Raw Food

I once came across an online article that mentioned using activated charcoal, which you can buy at pharmacies in capsules or compressed tablets. You can simply open a capsule or crush a tablet, then brush your teeth.

Activated charcoal is one of the least toxic and most adsorptive substances we know. I am not entirely sure this is the neatest grammatical choice, so please pardon the term, as it best serves the purpose here. It binds and removes harmful substances and toxins from the body while at the same time supporting the health of the digestive tract. All of this happens through a simple process called "adsorption". Put simply, this process is more about binding than absorbing. Activated charcoal is used in hospitals and by conventional physicians for many difficulties and in cases of overdose.

Its uses are varied. Here are several practical examples:

1. TEETH WHITENING

If you intended to use whitening strips to achieve that pearly white look, you may wish to reconsider. While they help remove dark stains caused by heavy coffee or tea consumption and by smoking, your teeth may become more sensitive afterward.
I came across an online article that mentioned using activated charcoal, available in pharmacies as capsules or compressed tablets. Simply open a capsule or crush a tablet and brush your teeth. Use it for a few days. The process can feel unappealing, since brushing can get quite messy, yet your teeth will definitely look whiter. If you are put off by the cleanup or simply prefer to avoid it, you can always prepare your own toothpaste or buy a ready made one.

TIP: Brush before bedtime. If you get some charcoal on yourself, it will matter less because you are going to sleep.

2. AIR PURIFICATION

Activated charcoal also captures toxins in the environment where you spend time. It naturally helps remove unpleasant odours, bacteria, mould, harmful pollutants, and allergens.
Small sachets filled with activated charcoal placed in your bathroom, bedroom, other rooms in your home, or even in your car can last for up to two years before they need to be replaced.

TIP: After those two years, empty the sachets and sprinkle the charcoal in your garden. It will help the soil retain moisture.

3. FACE MASK

Activated charcoal is ideal for skincare because it quite literally draws impurities out of the pores and cleanses the skin. A brief word of caution. During your first use for this purpose, you may notice a rash or even a few breakouts. This can last a few days. In the end, you will enjoy smoother skin after each new application and your pores will visibly appear smaller.

TIP: Apply the mask three times a week and leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes. Once you notice your skin is clearer, reduce use to twice a week.

4. SHAMPOO

If you have tried many shampoos without being satisfied and still wish to avoid the heavy chemicals found in most commercial products, consider the following option. Try to source or make a solid shampoo with activated charcoal. It will lather well, cleanse thoroughly, and do so without harsh chemicals.

TIP: Choose a solid shampoo with activated charcoal that remains black after use. Some can turn grey as the hair nourishing compounds leach from the product during each wash. The colour is not the issue. It indicates that these compounds are no longer transferring from the product to your hair, which is what you want with every use.

5. INTERNAL DETOXIFICATION

Activated charcoal is the oldest known detoxifying substance.
The quality of the food we consume today is often questionable. Unless you grow every ingredient yourself, there is no reliable way to know exactly what you are putting into your body. If you eat a dish that contains gluten or if you drink alcohol, it may be helpful to take a small amount of activated charcoal. This can reduce the likelihood of bloating or diarrhoea.
However, do not overdo it, since excessive intake, especially without additional magnesium and generous amounts of water, can lead to constipation.

TIP: Consult your personal physician before taking activated charcoal in combination with other supplements or medications so that you do not negate their effect.