Activated Charcoal – The Wonder ingredient you need to know about!
Here Is Everything You Need To Know About!
What is Charcoal?
Burning the natural sources of carbon like wood, charred bones, coal, coconut shells, petroleum shells etc. at a higher temperature gives a fine, odorless, black powder called Activated Charcoal.
Activated charcoal contains many free carbon sites so that atoms, ions and molecules can bind to it easily, hence used for filtration, detoxifying and remove poisons from the body.
Activated Charcoal is considered as a natural treatment and an universal antidote.
Activated Charcoal is the best detox supplement which detoxify the body and treat many ailments like diarrhea, gas, hangovers, kidney problems, yellowed teeth, removal of toxins and skin problems.
How Does Activated Charcoal Work?
Charcoal when activated leaves carbon sites free, so that molecules, ions or atoms can bind easily .
The main mechanism is trapping the chemicals or unwanted material and preventing its absorption.
By heating the charcoal gets activated, which develops lots of internal spaces or pores to trap chemicals or other substances.
Activated Charcoal As Detox?
Activated charcoal prevents the absorption of poison in the stomach and get it removed from the body through feces or vomiting.
Activated Charcoal acts as an adsorbent that is the molecules of it are dissolved or diffused into the body completely and hence gives healing or detoxification power.
Activated Charcoal attracts and holds organic chemicals from vapors and liquid streams to clean unwanted chemicals.
Also it contains lots of interconnected pores where in unwanted chemicals is bind and removed, thus acts as detoxifier.
Differences Between Charcoal and An Activated Charcoal.
It is believed that Charcoal and an Activated Charcoal are same. But it is not.
There is a difference between Charcoal and an Activated Charcoal.
- Activated Charcoal is prepared at a higher temperature making it much porous than a charcoal.
- Activated Charcoal is having higher efficiency for filtration and is more effective adsorbent than Charcoal.
- For Medical purpose, Activated charcoal is used and not Charcoal, that is as a medicine and for removal of toxins.
- While Charcoal is used for cooking, filtration, odor removal and metallurgy.
How To Make Activated Charcoal At Home?
Yes, Activated Charcoal can be prepared at home.
Well, its not easy, but little complicated than you think.
Basic ingredients and materials for the preparation are:
- Hard Woods
- Lemon Juice
- Water
- Hot fire
- Closed Jar
- Motor Pestle
Method For preparation:
- The simplest way to make charcoal is putting a lumps of wood like coconut shells, bamboo, etc. in a large pot or container having a lid which id loosely fitted and then provide heat or fire.
- While providing heat or fire, organic materials, smoke ,gas and cellulose are released which gives pure carbon.
- Typically it takes 3 to 6 hours for a charcoal to be prepared.
- After burning, stir the charcoal chunks and even break some pieces to ensure complete carbonization.
- After complete carbonization, rinse the charcoal with water and dry it.
- This is the only Charcoal and not Activated Charcoal.
- In order to produce Activated Charcoal, lemon juice is added.
- The citric acid present in lemon juice will activate the charcoal.
- Even you can use chemicals like calcium chloride or zinc chloride , but lemon juice is of best choice.
- The charcoal powder is allowed to soak in a lemon juice for 24 hours in a closed jar.
- Soaking must be such that a little liquid is left above the surface of the solution.
- After activation, the activated charcoal is rinsed with water and then completely dried.
Why To Use Activated Charcoal?
Activated Charcoal is generally used for the emergency treatment of Overdose or Poisonings.
It has a powerful toxin clearing properties.
Health benefits and uses:
- It filters out the undigested toxins, material or drug derived from urea in the kidney and maintains healthy kidney.
- Deep cleans and purify the skin by absorbing oils and sebum leaving a clear and less susceptible breakouts. It exfoliates the skin and reduces the appearance of pores by tightening.
- Deep cleans and purify the hair by reducing itching and dandruff.
- Through lot of tiny holes or pores, liquids and gases are trapped which helps in treating intestinal gas, by process called neutralization.
- Activated charcoal can absorb a large range of toxins, drugs, virus, bacteria, fungus and chemicals found in water. It is best used for filtration process.
- Activated Charcoal acts as adsorbent and hence used in the treatment of diarrhea.
- Charcoal is having various benefits as antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungus and detoxifying.
- It acts as teeth whitening products.
- Many dirt, dust, chemicals, toxins and bacteria are removed from the surface of the skin by activated charcoal. It can be used for various skin infection.
- Activated Charcoal absorbs unwanted smell and harmful gases, hence used as deodorant.
Activated Charcoal
Medical Benefits and Uses:
- Activated Charcoal helps to clear toxins and drugs like NSAIDS and OTC anti-inflammatory, carbamazepine, sedatives, malaria medications.
- Reduce cholesterol levels.
- Effective for skin acne and snake bites.
- Used as a hangover cure.
- Activated Charcoal helps to reduce gas production following a gas producing meal. Also improves the odor of gas.
- Helps in wound healing.
Side Effects Of Charcoal.
Activated Charcoal is generally considered safe to consume with only rare and less severe side effects like:
- Nausea and Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Black Stools.
How And When To Use Activated Charcoal?
For Overdose And Poisoning.
Adults By Mouth: 50-100 grams at first, followed by charcoal every 2-4 hours at a dose equal to 12.5 grams per hours.
Children By Mouth: 10-25 grams up to one year of age. 25-50 grams for 1-12 years of age.
For skin problems, it is effective when applied topically.
Consuming Charcoal is riskier than applying it topically.
If you are consuming, make sure to consume those made from coconut shells or bamboos.
Activated Charcoal can bind to certain chemicals and interact with medication, reducing its effects.
Activated Charcoal must be stored in a tight-fitting container.
It should not be exposed to air or chemicals as it can degrade the powder by absorbing whatever chemicals or substances when exposed to it.
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