Activated charcoal has many useful applications. The most common use is in the case of accidental ingestion of a poisonous substance. Activated charcoal powder has been a lifesaver for people who have consumed toxic levels of chemical from household cleaners and well as those who have consumed prescribed medications.

It’s a highly adsorbent substance. Adsorption is the process where the atoms and molecules are moving from their bulk stage (solid, liquid or gas) onto a solid or liquid surface. What happens is the toxic substance actually attaches itself to the surface of the charcoal. Because it is not “digested,” it stays inside the GI tract and eliminates the toxin when the person has a bowel movement. Activated charcoal can prevent the absorption of many poisons from a person’s gastrointestinal tract.

Apart from this function there are other reasons you should buy activated charcoal. In addition to being a natural anti-poison first-aid remedy, many non-emergency uses have recently been discovered. It has shown promise in eliminating fungi, viruses and even bacteria from the body. This simple product has the capability to absorb gases in the lower intestine which can help relieve someone of severe gas pains and flatulence.

Activated charcoal can also be used to help with different stings and insect bites. Try mixing activated charcoal powder with water to make a paste to relieve the itching of insect bites and stings. In addition, current research is showing that charcoal may provide many more potential health benefits like helping lower cholesterol and improving general cardiovascular health.

It should be noted that while charcoal has many benefits, there are some minor precautions to keep in mind. It may dehydrate so you must drink plenty of water when using it. Also, it should not be taken in combination with other medications as its absorption factors may render them ineffective.

Other side effects that should be looked out for are; pain or swelling of the stomach, constipation and vomiting. These side effects are rare and usually occur when there is a lack of liquid consumed. One last point to make is that milk products will also decrease the ability of the charcoal to work, so stay clear of them when using it.

{If you have any questions about this or any of the many beneficial bulk herbs, contact More Than Alive – a trusted source of family health information.}