Activated Charcoal for Health and Wellness

Activated charcoal is an absolute must on any farm -- whether rural or urban -- and in any natural-living home.   On the Urban Homestead project, we keep it on hand for many things as it has so many uses.  It is the best antidote for poisoning and can actually save one's  life! However, call Poison Control or a hospital for a recommended dose for the type of poison ingested. The great thing about activated charcoal is that it can be used safely by infants for colic and seniors for diabetic ulcers.  It is an absolute must have when traveling overseas and we recommend that you don't "leave home without it"!

As a paste applied topically, it can draw out poisons from an insect bite lie spiders, bees or wasps.  It is also good to apply whenever you have an attack of gout. But be careful when applying activated charcoal to broken skin as it may leave a tattoo effect on the skin.  To play it safe, apply  activated charcoal as a poultice,  if in doubt, to the skin.  Additionally, it is the BEST thing to use to whiten your teeth.  Simply put your regular natural toothpaste on your brush and dip it in some powdered activated charcoal, slightly moisten it and brush as usual,  Within a short amount of time it will substantially whiten your teeth and even help remove long standing plaque.  It is great for booth teeth and gums and will not harm either.  We personally recommend activated charcoal for tooth whitening over over the counter whitening strips and even baking soda which can be somewhat hard on teeth and the delicate tissues of both mouth and gums.  Sometimes we use a Q-tip with activated charcoal on it to scrub the teeth seriously and to avoid the potential of damaging the gums with the tooth brush bristles. Ir is also used as a facial to help oily skin.

Taken internally, it can also remove the uric acid build up which causes gout and remove some  heavy metals like mercury and lead.   It will help whenever you overeat or over drink and adsorb the toxins and aid in controlling acid reflux and other gastrointestinal distresses.  It can eliminate gas, vomiting and diarrhea. Simply take the charcoal until the symptoms disappear.  Sometimes you have to experiment to see how much works for you.  There is no danger of overdosing on charcoal.  The only thing we would recommend is the the amount of water intake be increased to help prevent constipation when taking activated charcoal.  There is no evidence that activated charcoal interferes with your body's ability to use  vitamins and minerals from food. However, it is best taken away from foods as food in the stomach will slow down the effectiveness of the charcoal.

It is safe for pets and livestock too .  it is advised that you contact your vet before administering a dose to check on the amount needed.  The usual recommended dose of activated charcoal for all species of animals is 1-3 grams of charcoal per 1 kg body weight.

It is great to destroy household odors.  The best way is to make sachets filled with activated charcoal or punch holes in a car or jar and fill with charcoal.  For such intensive use, it would be beneficial to buy activated charcoal in bulk powdered form

We have personally administered charcoal to ourselves here on the homestead for many reasons and can personally attest to its effectiveness.  And our resident vet, Jordanne, has successfully administered charcoal to our menagerie of animals to relieve their suffering for many illnesses..

If you are interested in buying some charcoal, this link may help you
http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Way-Charcoal-Activated-280-mg-100-Capsules/1846?at=0

Use Our code JUL 275 for $5 off your first purchase at iherb.com.

 NOTE:  Please note -- Charcoal may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. Consult a physician before taking this product with other medications.