Activated charcoal is an effective natural remedy for a wide spectrum of health issues. Activated charcoal is used as a home treatment for digestive problems, infections, insect bites, and pain. It is even useful as a natural deodorant! And that is just the beginning of the usefulness of this simple remedy.
One of the most beautiful features of this jet black substance is that it can be made anywhere on the planet! Activated charcoal is an accessible remedy to the poorest person that can make a fire yet at the same time may save the life of the richest person on earth.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a medical grade of carbon. Carbon is a very basic element which is contained in all living things. When you burn wood slowly with a minimum of oxygen, everything burns off, except for the carbon. (Fires with high availability of oxygen will result in more residual ash and less carbon.) Charcoal that is then crushed into small particles and purified to remove the majority of any remaining ash is what we call activated charcoal. This is what is sold for medical use.
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Charcoal has the amazing ability to adsorb. Note that it is really not absorbed. A sponge absorbs. Charcoal adsorbs. Adsorb is similar to the word adjoin; both have the Latin prefix “ad.” So the mechanism that charcoal uses to remove toxins, bacteria etc. is that it attracts these things electrostatically, safely removing them from the body.
What Does Charcoal Adsorb?
Charcoal adsorbs thousands of substances. Here is a very partial list:
- Acetaminophen
- Arsenic
- Aspirin
- Carbon Dioxide
- Chlorine
- Gasoline
- Hemlock
- Iodine
- Ipecac
- Kerosene
- Mercury
- Methylene Blue
- Morphine
- Narcotics
- Nicotine
- Opium
- Penicillin
- Pesticides
- Selenium
- Silver
What Is Not Adsorbed by Charcoal?
- Cyanide
- Iron
- Lithium
- Mineral Acids
- Caustic Alkalis
- Alcohol
- Boric Acid
Internal Use of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is used internally to treat many conditions including the following:
- Diarrhea
- IBS
- Stomach Flu
- Infections
- Detox
- Herx effect
- Poisoning
- Body Odor
How Much Activated Charcoal Should I Give?
For poisonings, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following for a single dose:
- Adults and teenagers: 25-100 grams
- Children 1 – 12 years old: 25-50 grams
- Children under 1 year: 10-25 grams
The charcoal is mixed in water. 1 Tablespoon of activated charcoal is approximately 10 grams. (14 capsules is approximately 10 grams.)
These amounts may seem quite large, but they are the recommendations for poisonings. Always be in contact with your doctor, emergency room or poison control center in the event of a poisoning.
For most health concerns, much less charcoal is generally useful.
For many health issues even as little as ¼ -1 teaspoon (one teaspoon being about 5 capsules) of activated charcoal will be helpful. Once you have used charcoal some you will begin to get a feel for how much is helpful to you.
Activated Charcoal and Lemon Juice Health Tonic
This activated charcoal and lemon juice tonic prevents hangovers, food poisoning, alkalizes pH, and powerfully detoxes. We highly recommend this beverage before hitting the town at night! But it is also a great pick me up first thing in the morning and will energize you for the day.
Recipe:
1 Tbls. Activated Charcoal
Fresh Juice of 1 Lemon
1 Liter Purified Water
Add ingredients to a glass mason jar and stir well. Consume tonic slowly either two hours after or before eating, and taking any supplements or medications.
External Use of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is also a wonderful gentle remedy for external use. The charcoal is made into a poultice and held onto the area in need with an ace bandage or cohesive tape to draw out poison and toxins, reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Some conditions that have benefited from topical poultices include:
- Insect bites
- Bee stings
- Gas
- Food poisoning
- Gall bladder pain
- Ovarian cysts
- Kidney pain
- Wounds
- Pancreatitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Tooth abscess
- Canker sores
For detailed directions about how to make a charcoal poultice, please see this page.
Activated Charcoal Tincture
Activated charcoal can be made into tincture for certain applications.
- Simply mix 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal into a quarter cup of pure water.
- Shake this up and then strain through a coffee filter.
- Store this solution in a glass jar – a small jar with a dropper lid is ideal.
The resulting liquid will have retained particles from the charcoal. This tincture can be used for the following:
- Pinkeye
- Pterygium
- Ear infections
The tincture can also be used as a gargle for sore throats, mouth infections, and bad breath.
Activated Charcoal for Pets and Livestock
Animals can benefit from activated charcoal as well. It is useful for wounds, stings, and poisonings in dogs and cats. Farm animals with diarrhea and other health problems can use charcoal internally just like people. You will find detailed information about using charcoal for pets on this page.
Activated Charcoal Cautions
Activated charcoal should not be used within 2 hours of medication or supplements because it can adsorb medications, rendering them ineffective. The exception may be if it is being used to treat poisoning. At that point, weighing the risk of not treating the poisoning must be weighed against the risk of deactivating medication.
Activated charcoal could cause constipation or bowel blockage if large amounts are used and not enough water is taken with it. For this reason, always take charcoal with plenty of water.
The more finely ground activated charcoal powder is quite lightweight and can “poof” into the air when you are using it. Aspiration could be a risk, so handle it carefully to avoid excessive “poofing.”
Where Can I Buy Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal tablets are sold worldwide in local pharmacies and grocery stores. Check the first aid section. Charcoal Powder can be bought online at Amazon here.
Have you used activated charcoal as a natural remedy? We would love to hear from you about it! Continue reading for extensive feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have sent us feedback on this incredible remedy for 15 years!
Sources:
1. charcoalremedies.com
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/charcoal-activated-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20070087
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3285126
I use activated charcoal externally as my natural deodorant. But this takes practice to make sure you don't go out in public with a tank top on a blackened arm pits!
About 20 minutes before I shower I apply a mixture of activated charcoal and water that I keep in a jar (say 1 teaspoon of charcoal to 2 teaspoons of water) to my armpits and let them dry with the charcoal on them. 20 mins later when I shower, I use a MICROFIBER cloth to remove the activated charcoal from my armpits. It doesn't always wash off easily so you must use a microfiber cloth, which is soft and won't scratch your armpits. And voila! No need for deodorant and lasts all day. Try it please in the morning and let me know what you think and don't get mad at me if you forget to wash it off and get weird looks. Me? Never! Heh heh.
I am making some charcoal poultices. I like to keep them on hand for bee stings at this time of year.
I took some pictures to share the process with those of you who like a visual.
1. The charcoal mix.(3 T. charcoal powder, 3 T. flax seed, 2/3 c. water.)
2. A blob of the mix on cotton t shirt.
3. Folding the charcoal mix in. (Two ways to do it.)
4. More folding in.
5. Flip poultice over.
6. Apply to person and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Attach with cohesive tape.
​
I couldn't live without activated charcoal. It is so good for so many things. I buy a box of 100 cheap tea bags, I cut the top off of them and dump out the tea and discard. I then put about a teaspoon of activated charcoal in the empty bag, fold over the top and tape it with scotch tape. I keep them sealed in an air tight container. If I get any tooth or gum pain, sore throat or signs of thrush I wet one of of the charcoal filled bags and place on the sore area, I change it after several hours or even sleep with it in all night. AMAZING!! This stuff really works! I have also wet the bags and put on bee stings etc. Just remember charcoal only works when it is kept wet, so if you are using it for a bite or sting you need to keep the bag moist by covering it with some type of plastic wrap etc.
Hi, I've been doing exactly the same and it's brilliant. I've been suffering with an abcess which I have used the same method on and it really helps. The only thing, which has thrown me a bit, is I've just read that the paper used for the teabags contain plastic in them! Nightmare! I've decided to start using coffee filter paper instead.
I have successfully treated myself and others with activated charcoal. Quickly pulls out toxins and poisons from spider bites and boils. I mix it with high quality clay mask to make a paste which is applied directly to the affected area. Continue to wash off and re apply every few hours until healed. Apply generously and be sure to cover well beyond any swelling or redness. Generally a three inch diameter should be sufficient.
Activated charcoal has amazing power to absorb thousands of times its own weight in gases, heavy metals, poisons, and other chemicals. It has no side effects .
I was very ill with unknown illness 2 years to find the cause. It was a jaw bone infection. I had it after oral surgery, a fistula formed and the infection moved to front of my mouth and my temple was swollen. My MD gave me some stuff but I had a reaction to it. I decided to just mix charcoal with distilled water and pack into the infected areas mouth did this daily for several hours I also went to bed with a poultice in my mouth I put a towel over my pillow I made a poultice for my swollen temple . It was nothing short of miraculous I was healed! I also took a bunch of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), collodial silver, garlic and oregano oil and mega vitamin C.
Hello,
Is there anyone who could tell me where to find Activated Charcoal (preferably granulés) locally in Japan ?
I have seen Kremezin but it is a specialty and not OTC product and used for renal conditions.
I am a now retired Vet Tech yet will be opening a Pet Rehab in NJ I pray. I also run a 501(c)(3) Animal Rescue. We save all B& S, yet many Dobermans that are very gassy and prone to bloat.
I am a huge fan from my work at a Vet of the use of Activated Charcoal (AC). I always had it on hand. Issue until I open my Business/Clinic I am looking for any OTC compatible AC. The AC at stores has dyes and other ingredients not good for our furkids.
Has anyone found a brand OTC as I am not a fan of ordering, and now will NOT order any online meds that is NOT a VIP Approved Pharmacy.
Yes sidenote other non VIP Online Pharmacies have had many reports of tampered meds or not even the correct medication….so PLEASE make sure you utilize a VIP Pharmacy. I.E. Dr. Foster & Smith is VIP. JW any specific brands to add to my first aid kit for my furkids and our Rescues? Grazie.
Dear Italiandobergirl,
Well, my charcoal source is not a VIP approved pharmacy, as far as I know. But I have used them for years and have always been very happy with the service and products. We use charcoal to treat our people, our farm animals and our pets.
http://www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com/
~Mama to Many~
I've had good success with starwest activated charcoal. They should have 1lb bulk bags. Not sure about the VIP labs that sell this.
The brand KAL charcoal activated seems pure and only has charcoal and gelatin due to the capsule. U can find it on vitacost.com
I only learned about activated charcoal here and knowing what it can do convinced me to store some in the house in addition to apple cider, baking soda, turmeric, and honey. I'm so glad that I found this site as the remedies I got here easy to prepare and very effective! This is now my to go site for various ailments. Thank you all!!
For food poisoning and all sorts of other issues,
Here is where I get my activated charcoal –
http://www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com/
I actually get two different types.
Hardwood Charcoal Powder is what I use for poultices. It is not quite so fine and "poofy" when I am mixing it up.
Coconut Shell Charcoal Powder is what I use for internal use. It is finer and less gritty when you mix it in water.
Both can be used internally and externally.
This company does sell charcoal tablets. They do have some fillers that I wish were not included, but sometimes a tablet is what is most convenient. (To lay against a sore tooth or for a toddler.) I have never had any trouble with them, though.
I have also bought charcoal capsules for convenience, which the only concern for some would be what is in the capsule itself. The only filling is the charcoal.
I have made some attempts to make my own charcoal tablets. They are really much more expensive than the powder. But so far my efforts have been futile! Perhaps I will try again. In my attempts though, I did find that charcoal adsorbs essential oils! I added some peppermint essential oil to my mix and when I cam back to my dry (but dreadfully crumbly) charcoal tablets, there was NO smell at all!
~Mama~
EC's contributing writer, Mama to Many, explains how to use Activated Charcoal for Internal Use in this recently uploaded video.
If you haven't seen Mama's first video on the subject, How to Make a Charcoal Poultice, please click here.
Thank you, Mama!
Dear Mama to Many, I am an avid reader of earthclinic and all the helpful comments from everyone and am so grateful to all for their input and general advice.
I want to know your thoughts on using a charcoal poultice in my mouth. I have had an infection in the gum for years; painless unless touched, it is a lump high above the gum line, and oozes out through the gum in tiny lesions at times; hence, no pain.
I have tried swishing with iodine, turmeric, oregano oil, turpentine and currently colloidal silver. Everything helps and the gum looks pink again as long as I keep it up, but the lump remains.
Reading about the charcoal poultice makes me wonder if it would draw out the infection once and for all. My general health is not the greatest and I am sure the infection does not help.
Dentist would suggest oral surgery etc., root canals, and I do not want to go that route. There must be a way to overcome this and I would appreciate any advice you might have. I am now 73, not young, but will not give up on trying to restore my health as far as possible. Thank you so much for your wisdom and experience.
Dear Meg,
I appreciate your tenacity!
I think charcoal would be a great thing to try. It may take some persistence on your part, but you seem to be well researched and persistent!
You could make small poultices (I would make a week's worth at a time and keep them in the refrigerator) and use them daily. One way to make poultices that aren't so bulky in the mouth are to empty a tea bag (or buy empty tea bags if you have a source for this, though really, it may be cheaper to just empty some.) and replace the tea with activated charcoal powder (about 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon). Moisten and hold this in the affected area in your mouth. You could keep in in your mouth for an hour or two during the day, even a couple of times a day. Or, you could buy charcoal tablets (not capsules) and each night, put one against the area and let it sit between the gum and cheek all night. It will slowly dissolve. I have done this and still have remnants of the tablet in my mouth when I wake up in the morning. I would try this daily for at least a month. I have read about charcoal drawing out deep infections over quite a number of days. It can seem like nothing is happening for a while.
You could also continue with some of the other things you have tried at other times a day. You have tried several excellent remedies.
I look forward to hearing how this works for you.
~Mama to Many~
Mama to Many, the teabag is a very good idea, but I use a trick I've seen here on EC: cut a small square out of a coffee filter paper. Put a small mound of activated charcoal (or green clay) and fold up. Wet it. When wet, it works like a piece of cloth! One coffee filter lasts for many one- time -use applications.
Dear Mama to Many,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I will begin your suggestions for either a charcoal poultice or tablets immediately. I am so grateful. Thank you again, and I will keep in touch.
My three year old came into the house with a really bad fire ant bite on his foot. (It crawled into his shoe! ) I didn't have any poultices pre-made (my bad, especially this time of year! ) and I needed a poultice for him super fast!
I put a paper towel on the counter, put a spoonful of charcoal into it, folded the towel over to enclose the charcoal (like an envelope) and wet it at the sink. I was able to get this onto his foot in less than a minute. I put plastic wrap and a cohesive bandage on it. He stopped crying.
While the method I have described in the past in writing and in my video are ideal (less messy and will hold moisture longer) this method is easier to execute and quicker to make in a hurry.
~Mama to Many~
Can activated charcoal be used for small child of 4 who is having diarrhea. He had it all day yesterday, twice during night, woke up from it today. So it seems it continues..
When I called the company for the activated charcoal we have, he said it's only for 12 and above. Didn't explain why. I thought it would be fine for 4 year old just smaller amount?
Hello!
I have used activated charcoal for children as young as 9 months. I give little ones one tablet to suck on or 1/4 tsp. of the powder in juice or applesauce. I repeat in 2 hours if needed.
I actually find turmeric to be even stronger (though still very safe.). I give little ones 1/4 teaspoon turmeric in applesauce and repeat in two hours If needed.
I am guessing the company doesn't want to worry about liability, so they say not to give it to little ones.
I hope your little guy feels better soon!!
~Mama to Many~
I'm originally from the Philippines. My family are living there. Can I ask where can I buy activated charcoal in the Philippines?
Judith,
Try Healthy Options at SM malls.
you can also find activated charcoal at Health Express here in bacolod and in manila
I had a bad kidney infection, I went antibiotics. My ND suggested charcoal poultice over my kidneys to help with inflammation and told me to keep the poultice pretty wet. I made a charcoal poutice into thick paste put on my kidneys and put plastic wrap over it and bandaged in place and put two towels down on my bed and went to sleep the next day the inflammation was gone, but I continued doing this for few hours a day for two weeks.
I had kidney inflammation, it was kidney infection my MD prescribes antiobiotics for two weeks, sometimes one just must take it. My ND told me to make a thick wet charcoal poultice keep it wet all night and keep in on my kidney to decrease inflammation, I put the charcoal poultice on my skin thick wet and put saran wrap plastic over that and secured it with medical tape. I put a big piece of plastic on my bed and towel over it just in case , put my pajamas on went to bed . In the morning I would just took the plastic wrap off in the shower and gently wash the charcoal off my kidney area this was the easiest, and mess free way. I did this for a few nights.
Interested in learning how to make a charcoal poultice? Mama to Many shows us how. Just posted on Earth Clinic's YouTube channel. Thank you, Mama!
http://youtu.be/AW25-KKYhO4
Thanks for the video, Mama to Many (you're so young! ) and thanks to your son for volunteering his arm. I'll have to keep some charcoal poultices in the fridge from now on. (Good way to use up all of those sock tops I've collected throughout the years! ). Cheers, Bess
Thank you, Mama to Many…your demonstration cleared up some things for me! The idea of cutting off part of the sock was great.
Hi Mama,
I just watched your video and enjoyed it very much. It is so helpful to actually see how you do this! Thank you for the excellent and useful advice and thoughtful suggestions you give on Earth Clinic. Many blessings to you and your family.
To Mama To Many from Tennessee:
My wife is currently on dialysis, does activated charcoal filter out the toxin with the kidney also ? How do you do it ? Plus she received some blood transfusion also. She is currently on liquid restriction diet with potassium and phorphorus restriction and has a high blood pressure. Do you have guidance on diet? Their guidance is white flour diet mainly. Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks.
Dear Anon from Chicago,
Yes, charcoal will filter toxins from the kidneys. Here is a very encouraging story about the use of charcoal for kidneys.
http://www.charcoalremedies.com/kidney_disease
Also, on that website, if you type in the search box "kidney dialysis" you will get a number of other pages that mention it. You may have to scroll down to find the part about kidney problems on each page, but there are many exciting stories of charcoal being used to treat kidney problems.
Basically, your wife can take charcoal internally and use poultices over the kidneys. Internally, she would want to take charcoal 2 hours after or before prescription medication. You can get charcoal capsules or tablets, or just put 1 t. Of activated charcoal powder into a glass of water. If you can time it properly, you would do this twice a day. But once a day is good to start and see how that goes.
I know a man who used a charcoal poultice over his kidneys overnight and by morning the poultice was soaked with urine! it was definitely drawing out from the kidneys. And I believe the charcoal helped him, but I can't recall the details – it was a long time ago.
To make a charcoal poultice, you will mix 3 T. activated charcoal powder with 3 T. ground flaxseed (you can also use cornstarch, but I prefer the flaxseed. ) Mix this in a paper cup. Add about 2/3 cup of water and mix with a plastic spoon. (You don't have to use disposable, it is just easier than cleaning up the charcoal. ) Let it sit a few minutes and it kind of gels up. You may need to add a little more charcoal or water to get a good consistency. You will get the hang of it quickly. Spread the charcoal over a paper towel. Top with another paper towel. (Try not to let it get to the edges–it is messy if it comes out. ) This will make about 4 poultices. (Not sure if you will need one or two at a time. Keep extras in the refrigerator for a week or two. ) Place a poultice on the back over the kidney area. Cover with plastic wrap. Use an ace bandage to attach to the body. If you could do this over night, that would be ideal. You can do this as often as you like. You may need to do it very often – maybe 4 nights a week.
Be aware that charcoal has been used to lower blood pressure. (I believe charcoal baths were used for this. ) Anyway, it is something to be aware of.
Regarding diet, I am assuming the "white flour diet" is to keep it a low protein diet as protein is hard on the kidneys? I don't want to suggest anything that would counteract what your doctor suggests. You might ask him about fruits and vegetables that would be okay for her to use. I think the nutrients in those would be important. Also, plenty of water is important.
Also, read through Earth Clinic's kidney page and you may find some ideas for diet and other things to help your wife. She is blessed to have you as her advocate!
http://earthclinic.com/cures/kidney_disease.html
Please keep us posted and let us know what helps your wife!
~Mama to Many~
Anon,
I realized I suggested plenty of water for your wife and you had said she was on a fluid restricted diet. I had thought you meant she was restricted about types of fluid and not quantity. So, scratch that recommendation as I realize you mean quantity.
If she is allowed to have fats, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is an excellent fat to have. It is very good for the body and nutritious. If apples and berries are okay for her, organic apples are an excellent food (The old adage, An apple a day keeps the doctor away really does have some truth in it! ) and berries are antioxidant.
~Mama to Many~
Mama to Many: Thank you Mama for your response.
Currently she has high blood pressure 150, it will be great if activate charcoal could help since she already on medication.
Should I put the poultice on both kidneys?
The reason I asked about the diet guidance because to see if anyone you know from practical experience what diet do they follow that been helpful?
Anon,
Yes, you can put a poultice over each kidney. Even if one isn't as affected, it is fine to use two and may have extra benefit.
Hopefully someone who has been through this will have some thoughts regarding diet. Otherwise, if you read around on Earth Clinic, you will probaby get some ideas for good items in the diet that are within your wife's diet that will be helpful to maximize her nutrition and health.
May God give you great wisdom in taking care of your wife!
~Mama to Many~
I have been using activated charcoal for a few years and I always by mine on Ebay. You can get any size in powder form. My dog likes to eat Deer droppings (yuck) and it makes her sick, but when I see her licking her lips after being outside I know, if I get the charcoal in her she won't be sick, I use an empty syringe by sticking it in the side of her mouth between the teeth. I have used it for the flu and it stopped the vomiting.