Natural Cures Using Activated Charcoal

Natural Cures Using Activated Charcoal
Bought at your local pharmacy, activated charcoal is commonly used in emergency treatment for specific kinds of poisonings and drug overdoses to keep the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body. Charcoal is also used to cure gas/flatulence and help an upset stomach. A natural deodorant and disinfectant, Activated Charcoal is one of the finest absorptive and adsorptive agents known. Orally administered, these fine black granules have an amazing ability to extract and neutralize many more times their own weight in gases, heavy metals, toxins, poisons and other chemicals. Activated Charcoal is made by heating coconut shells in the absence of air. The partly burned shells are then granulated to a size that provides for optimum absorption. This vegetable form of carbon (an element found in all living matter), is completely safe for human consumption. Long recognized as being particularly helpful in providing relief for trapped gas in the lower intestine, physicians and regulatory agencies also acknowledge charcoal's cleansing properties. Known universally, it is used in hospital emergency rooms to neutralize drugs and poisons.

Since 1813, when a chemist swallowed five grams of arsenic trioxide mixed with charcoal with no adverse effect, charcoal has been commonly used as a household remedy for accidental poisoning. Research has shown that one cubic inch of charcoal has the surface area equivalent to a 150,000-square-foot field! Thus a tiny amount of charcoal can hold adhere to a large number of molecules, ions, and atoms and absorb poison quickly.

How it works:
Activated charcoal keeps the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body.

Charcoal is most successful if used within the first hour of swallowing poison. In severe poisoning cases, several doses of charcoal might be required. Ordinarily, activated charcoal should not be used to treat the ingestion of corrosive poisons (lye, acids, fuel oil, alcohols, et cetera). In the event of accidental poisoning, please call your doctor or area Poison Control Center before using activated charcoal. They will advise as to the use of charcoal after taking info on the the type of poison, allergies, and other medical problems.

Warning: Charcoal can decrease your body's absorption of certain nutrients and also interfere with medications. Because of this, frequent use is not recommended. Activated charcoal may also cause abdominal pain or swelling. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately -- it could be an indication of intestinal bleeding or blockage.

Other Cures Using Activated Charcoal
Charcoal has been used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and absorb poisons from your skin caused by infection, chemicals, or insect bites and stings.

Poultice Recipe:
Mix equal parts of flaxseed and activated charcoal with enough hot water to make a paste. Quickly put the paste into a muslin cloth then place on the inflamed area. Cover with plastic, then wrap with a wool cloth or wool sock. Leave on at least four hours. Upon removal of the poultice, rub the inflamed area with ice and check for signs of infection. Apply another poultice if necessary.

Charcoal alleviates gas and helps an upset stomach
For gas, take 520-975 mg (as tablets or capsules) after each meal, not to exceed five grams daily. Children should be given smaller amounts. Charcoal is one of the most popular remedies for travellers to developing countries as it reportedly helps diarahhea.

Digestive System Cleanse
Activated charcoal can be used as for a digestive system cleanse. It is suited for first-timers, as a pre-cleanse before a fast, for people with mild digestive symptoms, or as a general preventative measure. This duration of this cleanse is usually two to three weeks.

How charcoal works to detox your system: Activated charcoal binds intestinal toxins and unfriendly microbial growth and excretes them in the stools.

Recipe: 500-600 mg tablets three times per day 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals and medication.