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5 Reasons To Start Using Activated Charcoal & How To Use it

April 30, 2019
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Are you reaping any benefits from activated charcoal in your life?  These days you see charcoal products everywhere.  From toothpaste to face masks to water filtration and everything in between.  Charcoal has grown in popularity over the years and for good reason.   It is not a cure all, but it may have some powerful medicinal and cosmetic uses.  However I have been using it in our home for a handful of years now and I cannot wait to share how!

What Is Charcoal?

First let’s get something clear.  The charcoal I am talking about is different than what you will find in your BBQ or on burnt pieces of food.  ACTIVATED charcoal is what you may have heard used in emergency room situations to treat poisoning and drug overdoses.  Charcoal is manufactured from coconut shells and other natural sources.  It’s main purpose is to trap chemicals and toxins in the body.  It is extremely adsorbent and allows molecules, ions, and/or atoms to bind to it.

Absorption vs. Adsorption

“Absorption is the process in which a fluid is dissolved by a liquid or a solid (absorbent). Adsorption is the process in which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance (it could be gas, liquid or dissolved solid) adhere to a surface of the adsorbent.”

Furthermore, this binding process traps chemicals and toxins and then dissolved in its tiny pores.  Think of a sponge which ABSORBS liquid which can then be released.  Activated charcoal holds and binds toxins and are unable to escape.

Reasons To Use Activated Charcoal

1.) Reduce Toxic Load

Due to its unique properties of flushing out toxins, you can see how it can be useful in everyday life.  We are bombarded with toxins and chemicals on a daily basis.  Toxins are in the air we breathe, the products we use, the water we drink, and the food we eat.  Think about herbicides, pesticides, chemicals in plastic, and other pollutants we come in contact with daily.  Activated charcoal limits what our body’s are exposed to.

2.) Can Reduce Gastrointestinal Issues

Activated charcoal can help those suffering from GI problems.  It will gently cleanse the intestines from parasites, candida, and other impurities.  This will alleviate bloating, gas, discomfort, and other symptoms of poor gut health.  Implementing activated charcoal into your routine can help promote a healthy digestive tract.  It will help remove toxins that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage and poor immune system function

3.) May Improve Heart Health

Recent studies have shown that using activated charcoal can help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve overall ratios.  Cholesterol and cholesterol-containing bile acids in the gut are adsorbed by the charcoal.  Therefore it is prevented from being absorbed in the body.

4.) Anti-Aging 

On a cellular level, activated charcoal has numerous positive effects on both the skin and within the body.  One study shows that it can even improve cognitive health and change the body’s sensitivity to toxins.  In addition, activated charcoal can help draw out dirt, dust, chemicals, toxins, and bacteria, to the surface of the skin.  This makes it easier to remove impurities through the largest organ in our body’s, our skin.  In addition, charcoal is used to treat insect and snake bites!  Just mix a little bit with coconut oil and rub it on your bite.  This helps pull toxins to the surface.

5.) Safe & Effective

One of the best reasons I can think of to start using activated charcoal is because it is natural and gentle.  One ingredient, sourced mainly from coconuts, and has a variety of uses.  It is exciting to see charcoal used in beauty and skin care products.

Favorite Uses for Activated Charcoal

1.) Whitens Teeth- this was actually my very first experience with activated charcoal.  In my effort to swap out everyday home products, toothpaste was my first swap.  Charcoal can help whiten & brighten teeth and even change the pH balance in your mouth.  In addition it adsorbs plaque and microscopic things that stain teeth from food, coffee, tea, and wine.  You can either buy an activated charcoal toothpaste or use a powder.  My daughter and I do BOTH!  These are the products  we use:

Magic Mud Toothpaste

Magic Mud Powder

2.) Deodorant- Activated charcoal can help neutralize odor, absorb moisture, and control humidity under your arms.  In addition it will help extract oil, dirt, and other stuff from clogged pores because it is carbon-rich.

Shop Primally Pure and get 10% off your entire order using coupon code “CORINA”

3.) Tummy Aches

My stomach is highly reactive to soy.  Unfortunately it’s found in many food items.  For instance whenever I eat out, I almost always get “soy-d”.  Activated charcoal comes to my rescue.  However I am cautious about the dosage I take, however I find that a few capsules with a huge glass of water helps alleviate the symptoms of a soy reaction.

Divine Bounty Charcoal Pills

4.) Beauty Routine

My absolute FAVORITE and regular use for activated charcoal!  This is my jam! I have found the most results in my skin care routine.  For instance it can remove impurities, absorbs excess oil, detoxes, removes blackheads, and calms skin blemishes.  In other words… charcoal is a MUST for your skin!

Here is how I incorporate charcoal into my beauty routine:

Beautycounter Charcoal Mask

This nutrient-rich kaolin clay mask deep-cleans and balances, absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities. In addition the activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance.  Similarly it also stimulates exfoliation.

Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar

This is ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin. This detoxifying cleansing bar absorbs impurities in your skin without drying it out.  This will leave you with a clearer, smoother, and brighter-looking complexion. It is made with purifying Japanese binchotan charcoal, antioxidant-rich organic green tea, and hydrating organic coconut oil.  In conclusion this gentle formula can be used daily on your face and body.

So when are you going to jump on the activated charcoal band wagon?  What are you waiting for?  Please let me know if you have any questions!

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