Why You Need Activated Charcoal in Your Beauty Routine
Despite its recent surge in popularity, activated charcoal has actually been around for centuries and was commonly referred to as “black magic” due to its color and immense therapeutic and healing abilities. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, and considered the father of natural medicine, used activated carbon to cure many patients. However, the activated charcoal of today is most recognized in the beauty industry for its ability to draw out harmful toxins and bacteria, both topically and internally.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a naturally-occurring compound obtained from the carbonization of organic sources like coconut, bamboo, hardwood, olive pits and sawdust. It begins as regular charcoal and is then activated with oxidizing gases, like air and steam at high temperatures, and prepared in loose powder or capsule form. Keep in mind that activated charcoal is not the same charcoal going into your bbq grills!
Why is Charcoal “Activated”?
Charcoal is “activated” in order to have a very small particle size. As a result, this activation increases its overall surface area and absorptive capacity. To give you a deeper perspective of activated charcoal’s strength, it has been said that it is so potent, one gram can absorb enough toxins to fill four tennis courts!
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Activated charcoal has a negative ionic charge that attracts the positive ionic charges of toxins and poisons in your body, similiar to a magnet. As a result, this causes charcoal to adsorb (yes you read that right) to substances such as bacteria and toxins and draw them out. Since charcoal is not absorbed by the body, the toxins and charcoal are then pulled from your body and expelled, leaving you cleaner and more toxin-free.
What Types of Ailments Can Activated Charcoal Alleviate?
Charcoal has the ability to absorb and remove parasites, fungus, bacteria, infection, and is even a medical antidote for food and alcohol poisoning. It is also able to improve the health of your mouth, whiten teeth, prevent cavities and ward off bad breath. It has also been effectively used to promote healing and can relieve pain associated with toothaches, canker sores and abscesses.
Do Not Use Activated Charcoal If…
Do not use activated charcoal if you have intestinal bleeding, slow digestion, post abdomen surgery, or chronic dehydration. If you are taking a prescription medication, consult your doctor prior to incorporating charcoal into your diet.
If ingesting activated charcoal, it is important to drink 12-16 glasses of water per day. Activated charcoal can cause dehydration if adequate amounts of water aren’t consumed. In addition, the water helps to flush out the toxins quickly and prevents constipation experienced by some individuals.
Recommended Product: Charcoal Teeth Whitener
SOURCES
1. Agasti S. Tooth Discoloration: A Nontoxic Approach Towards the Treatment. Department of Life Science. National Institute of Technology 2015. http://ethesis.nitrkl.ac.in/7199/1/Tooth_Agasti_2015.pdf
2. Anyanechi CE. Toothaches and Self-Medication Practices: A Study of Patients Attending a Niger Delta Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research 2014. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/amhsr/article/view/112395/102148
3. Charcoal, Activated (Oral Route) – National Library of Medicine. PubMed Health 2016. PubMed Health