WTF Is Activated Charcoal & Why I Use It

I’ve had friends ask me what the fluff is activated charcoal and why I use it. Activated charcoal is another one of those things that has multiple advantages including beauty benefits. Over the counter activated charcoal is primarily used as a natural dietary supplement because it’s quite effective at trapping unwanted materials like toxins and kicking those bad boys out of the digestive system. This folks is thanks to absorption. Science.

If you ate something interesting and have gas issues, activated charcoal could help bind-up the gas so you don’t stink up the joint! Nobody likes to hang with the one who booty sings at the table and spreads the fragrance of old donkey breath. Or maybe you got excited about happy hour specials and built a beyond friendly relationship with tequila, give activated charcoal a spin ( more on this below). I haven’t tried it myself but I know people who swear by digesting this stuff and a little birdie told me it can turn your “junk” black so be prepared when you hit the porcelain fish tank. If you take activated charcoal it’s important to drink plenty of water, drink all the water! Okay, at least 12 glasses per day. Here is what I use activated charcoal for…

Yes, that is activated charcoal in my mouth and I’m not just trying to scare my brother into thinking I’m a walker from an awesome The Walking Dead episode. Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal can help maintain a brighter smile as it gently helps lift stains from your teeth. It also helps prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath by changing the pH balance in your mouth. I highly suggest using a separate toothbrush (soft) just for brushing with activated charcoal because it will stain the bristles. You can get it in a jar but I prefer capsules just in case I decide to ever try it as a supplement or guests need any. I simply open the capsule and pour the powder onto my toothbrush. It can be a messy process while getting the hang of it so be prepared to clean your sink with soap or another cleanser. It has no taste at all so even though it looks crazy there is really no reason to be nervous. It’s really simple:

• Put activated charcoal on toothbrush (I use a soft one)
• Brush those chompers
• Rinse with water
• Brush with toothpaste using your regular toothbrush (optional)

I only brush with activated charcoal twice weekly since I also oil pull once a week but you could do this 3 times a week for the best results. A few other uses for activated charcoal are:

• Alleviate bloating – Period wine is enough drama on it’s own, bloating is so extra! Same concept as the gas example mentioned above. Try it if you want to break up with bloating!
• Skincare – Activated charcoal can help treat acne plus remove toxins and dirt from the skin. Make a simple mixture of one capsule with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel to create a mask. Just let it dry then rinse it away!
• Hangovers & alcohol poisoning – Activated charcoal cannot absorb alcohol but it does help remove toxins from the chemicals and sweeteners alcohol is typically mixed with. plus it helps reduce blood alcohol a bit which can help prevent hangovers and alcohol poisoning. (NOTE: If you suspect you have alcohol poisoning get yourself professional medical attention, because duh!)
• Insect battle wounds – Pesky mosquito bites and bee stings can be helped naturally! Mix 1 capsule of activated charcoal with 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil. Reapply as needed.
• Reduce high cholesterol – Taking activated charcoal can help reduce high cholesterol but I’m not going to say how or when it should be used because you should consult your doctor about treatment options for your situation.

Don’t go grabbing a chunk of charcoal out of the grill, that’s not even how this works! That is full of toxins and the point is to remove toxins from your body. I buy Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal but if you want to buy in-store you can find it at most drugstores in the health aisles typically where you’d find vitamins and upset tummy stuffs!