How to use Activated Charcoal

What it is

Charcoal is a by-product of burning wood, coconut shells, bone or other material. “Activated” charcoal is produced when a substance is burned in air or steam at high temperature. This “activation” increases the “adsorptive” properties of charcoal

What it does

Charcoal is an adsorptive* substance. It has a network of fine pores on its surface. These pores will will quickly bind up to 17 times the charcoal weight in substances such as liquids and gasses. This is why charcoal is effectively used to remove moisture from supplement and pharmaceutical bottles. It will also adsorb gases, odors and a wide variety of substances.

*as opposed to absorptive, where a substance is taken in by a cell across the cell membrane. Adsorption is instantaneous; absorption is a much slower process.

When and Why to Use Charcoal

Charcoal is effective in adsorbing many poisons from the stomach. It also adsorbs gas. Because of this, it is effective at binding food and chemical poisons in the stomach and gas from the intestinal tract. It will also adsorb excess bowel fluid and halt diarrhea.

Used externally, charcoal is unequalled for pulling pus, toxins, venom and infective material from skin wounds.

How to Make a CHARCOAL POULTICE

You will need:

• Charcoal (powder or capsules) material: gauze, underpad, bandage, paper towel, sheet pieces or teabag
• water (if available)

To Make:

Mix charcoal and water (sufficient amount to cover area being treated) in a disposable cup. If you have capsules, open them up into the cup. Tablets are not as effective. I do not recommend them except in a “pinch.” Add a small amount of water to make a “slurry” (Suspension of charcoal and water). Place charcoal slurry on gauze or other material, spreading an area sufficient to cover area being treated. Place material so there is one thin layer of material between charcoal and flesh.

To Use:

Apply to infected area. Hold in place with ace bandage, athletic tape, safety pins - whatever suits the area being treated. leave in place for 3-6 hours. Apply a fresh poultice if needed, until all signs of infection are gone.