In this article, we bring you various activated charcoal benefits and uses, properties, and side effects.

Activated charcoal, derived from charcoal is usually used for soil amendment. Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a form of carbon. Well-processed activated charcoal forms small and low-volume pores on its surface. These pores expand the surface area for chemical reaction and adsorption.

Activated charcoal has many industrial and medicinal uses. It’s used in air and water purification, sewage treatment, metal extraction, air filters, and compressors. Apart from that, activated charcoal benefits many health and beauty problems.

Activated Charcoal Benefits and Uses for Health and Beauty and its Side Effects

Before knowing its benefits and uses, let’s know what is the difference between Normal charcoal and Activated  Charcoal

Normal Charcoal

Normal Charcoal is obtained by heating wood or any organic matter in the absence of air. This type of charcoal is found around an extinguished campfire. It is the raw coal that makes your hands black on touching.

Activated  Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a processed form of charcoal produced by adding oxygen to charcoal to increase its porosity. It is a non-hazardous form of carbon. Activated charcoal has a porous structure and has a large surface area.  It is used for industrial processes like filtration, and also in a detoxifier, cleanser, face masks, scrubs, and in soap manufacturing industries.

How Activated Charcoal Works?

Activated charcoal imprisons the toxins and chemicals in its little pores. It does not absorb any toxins, but adsorption occurs on its surface. It penetrates deep and pulls out the toxic elements.

Activated Charcoal Benefits And Uses for Health

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• Healthy Digestive System

As indicated by experts, the surface area present in activated charcoal adsorbs. the toxins benefiting your digestive health. It comforts in indigestion & acid reflux. The activated charcoal promotes intestinal health and digestive health. That is particularly involved in the absorption of nutrients that we take from our food. Taking an activated charcoal supplement under the doctor’s advice helps to maintain your digestive system healthy.

• Provide Relief from Bloating and Gas

Activated Charcoal, additionally prevents & provides relief from bloating and gas. It is available in the market as a pill, or powder form and should be taken under your specialist’s guidance. It is advisable to drink a lot of water after taking activated charcoal supplements to avoid constipation. These supplements aren’t for daily basis intake & should be consumed only when needed. 

• Cholesterol

There are two unique kinds of cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDP, good cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (LDP, bad cholesterol). Our body produces both good and bad cholesterol at its ideal healthy level. But, the diet we take has an immediate effect on your cholesterol level. Processed foods & drinks contribute to an unhealthy cholesterol level. They are high in sugar and alcohol content.

Activated charcoal promotes and supports the healthy cholesterol level in your body. Activated charcoal battles with the chemicals that contribute to bad cholesterol formation in your bloodstream. This takes place because of the ability of activated charcoal to absorb harmful toxins.

• Detoxifying

Activated charcoal cleanses your system and boosts your heart health and thyroid gland. It also improves the cognitive mechanism of your body and motivates it to function better. It keeps the kidneys & liver healthy and clean and protects them from any severe damage.

Activated charcoal juices function best when consumed as an occasional detox drink. It is also used to treat poisoning and drug overdose. Many also find it to be the best hangover cure.

Activated Charcoal Benefits And Uses for Beauty

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• Protects the Skin and Keeps it Healthy

If you live in the most polluted city, activated charcoal can shield your skin from pollution & harmful sun rays. It cleanses the face by expelling toxins from the skin. It works like a magnet to end toxicity.

Wash your face with activated charcoal-based face wash before going to sleep. The next morning, your skin will be fresh and rejuvenated. Use the activated charcoal face mask once a week for deep cleansing of your facial skin. Those having oily skin benefit greatly from an activated charcoal face mask. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after its every use.

DIY FACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FACEMASK

Combining activated charcoal powder, with rose water and aloe vera gel, and applying it once a week will get you fair and smooth skin.

• Removes Acne Scars and Reduces Skin Pores

The detoxifying and phenomenal cleansing properties present in the activated charcoal remove acne scars in a few days. It deep cleanses the skin and keeps it glowing all day. It eliminates toxic chemicals & extra oil from your face and treats acne & pimples. Likewise Activated charcoal reduces the skin pore which makes your face look dull. It cleans all the open skin pores and prevents further formation.

• Eliminates Blackheads

Annoyed with blackheads on your face? Try activated charcoal-based blackhead removal strips. It will remove blackheads from your face. It goes deep into the face and eliminates the blackheads from its root.

• Reduce Dark Circles

If you have dark circles under your eyes, then mix the activated charcoal powder with 1 tablespoon of raw honey and apply it under your eyes. Let it remain under your eyes for 10 -15 minutes then wash it out.

• Teeth Whitening

This is strange how a black substance is helpful to make your teeth glow, but it is true. Besides, it also strengthens the gums. The activated charcoal powder removes dirt, bad breath, & stains on teeth, giving you a fresh and bright smile. It is a 100% vegan tooth whitening product.

Sprinkle some activated charcoal powder on your daily toothpaste and brush with it. Activated charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste is also available in the market. However, activated charcoal is not suitable for sensitive teeth. So take an expert’s guidance before using it.

Activated Charcoal Benefits And Uses For Hair

• Makes Hair Thick

With the help of activated charcoal, you can make your hair strong and thick. Activated Charcoal eliminates toxic substances from your scalp and hairs. Wash your hair with little-activated charcoal powder added to your shampoo. You can also use activated charcoal shampoos available in the market.

• Eliminates Dandruff

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You can end dandruff from your scalp by using activated charcoal. For this, you have to massage your scalp with your regular oil mixed with a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder. After this, you can wash your hair.

• Keeps Scalp Healthy

Activated Charcoal decreases the greasiness of hair and keeps your hair and scalp healthy. It eliminates all the major hair problems and gives volume to your hair.

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Activated Charcoal Side-effects

• There are several benefits of activated charcoal, but once you have to use it, consult your doctor first.
• Activated charcoal is safe for teenagers and adults for its transient use.
• Pregnant women and children should not use it without a Doctor’s advice.
• For Children, its dose differs with age. So its intake isn’t recommended without consulting a specialist.
• The Side effects of the activated charcoal initiate with vomiting then can lead to black excreta or constipation.
• Severe other side effects may include dehydration and blockage of the gastrointestinal tract.
• These side effects may be possible, yet, they’re not generally faced. If you notice these side effects, consult your doctor.

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