Charcoal Cures

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that is odorless, tasteless, non-toxic and completely natural. It is also one of the the most powerful detoxifying agents known. It is used in both western and alternative medicine due to its universal recognition as a safe and effective treatment for several disorders. Many charcoal cures are well known, while some of charcoal's health benefits are just now becoming known.

What It Is

Activated charcoal is typically made by heating the husks of coconut shells in the absence of air. The resulting blackened material is then ground into a fine black powder. Chemically, the material is impure carbon in which water and volatile vegetation substances have been removed. Activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal used for fire grills. Charcoal briquettes are combined with volatile petrol substances and should never be taken internally.

How It Works

Activated charcoal is an extremely porous material. When taken into the body, activated charcoal attracts toxins, gases, heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. The harmful substances are neutralized by the carbon and then excreted out of the body via the intestines. Activated charcoal has the ability to remove substances in amounts many times over its own weight. As the activated charcoal moves through the body, attracting harmful substances into its porous granules, it does not interfere or affect any of the body's natural processes, making it a safe and effective detoxifying treatment.

Common Treatment

The most common use for activated charcoal is for the treatment of poisoning. According to the National Institute of Health, "Activated charcoal is estimated to reduce absorption of poisonous substances up to 60%." The activated charcoal is able to reach all parts of the small and large intestinal tract, ensuring that as much of the toxic substance as possible is removed.

Alternative Treatments

Charcoal has been used to cure a number of ailments, including bad breath and bee stings. It is useful for a host of gastrointestinal disorders, including gas (flatulence), nausea and alleviating diarrhea. It has also been used in combination with other medicines to help treat yeast infections in women.

Warnings

Activated charcoal absorbs food nutrients, vitamins and minerals along with toxic substances as it moves throughout the body. While this should not be a concern in a short-term treatment, such as in treating poisoning, it can be harmful if the charcoal treatment is used long-term. Also, if a person has any sort of intestinal blockage, it is not suggested that activated charcoal be used.