Activated charcoal is something completely different in compare with regular charcoal which is made from coal or wood. Combined with gas or an activating agent at high temperature, activated charcoal becomes a potent natural ingredient you can use in different kind of situations. It works by absorbing chemicals and reducing toxicity, whether used internally or externally.
Want to learn more? Here is how you can use activated charcoal at home:
- Whitens teeth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but yes, black activated charcoal will make your teeth brighter! Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal powder can improve oral health. It works by changing the pH of the mouth and it should be used 2-3 times a week for best results.
- Exfoliate skin. Your skin will be feeling clean and refreshed after exfoliating your face once or twice a week with activated charcoal scrub.
- Detox. Activated charcoal acts like the best vacuum you’ve ever heard of: it absorbs excess oil and it cleanses the pores in mere minutes. You can use it alone or mix it with even more detoxifying ingredients
- Skin care. Activated charcoal`s pored texture and massive surface are make it ideal to remove toxins and other impurities from the skin. It can be used topically or on the entire face, sucking the toxins out of the skin and helping to get it clearer faster.
- Improves digestion. Activated charcoal can help alleviate cramps, gas, nausea and diarrhea. Activated charcoal is being an excellent absorbent of toxins from straight inside the stomach. When taking activated charcoal, remember to drink more water than usual, as it can cause dehydration. Water will also help flush out the toxins easier and faster.
- Relieve Insect Bites & Stings. Since activated charcoal can pull out the dirt in your skin or mouth, it can also pull out the itch-causing toxins from bee or mosquito bites.
- Make deodorant. Make your own cream deodorant by mixing 4 tablespoons of coconut oil with a combination of 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder, 1/3 cup starch and 1/3 cup baking soda. It might be a little messy, but your armpits will thank you.
- Make eyeliner. Using natural eyeliner is so worth it! There’s no reason to put harmful chemicals around the delicate eye area when you can easily whip up a natural version using activated charcoal, aloe vera, and coconut oil.
- Hair shampoo. To add a detoxifying element to shampoo, add a teaspoon (5 millilitres) to the regular amount of shampoo you use; wash and rinse as usual. For light hair, an extra rinse will remove any discolouration from the charcoal.
- Make soap. Activated charcoal soap can be used on your entire body and even on your face. It’s exfoliating, detoxifying and clarifying, without drying out the skin. Try making a soap with tea tree oil, which adds antifungal and antiseptic properties.