Looking for a good detox? Maybe something to whiten your teeth? Chances are you may have seen the recent product trend of activated charcoal. But is it all it claims to be? Is it safe to use and/or consume?
What is it?
Activated charcoal can be made from a variety of ingredients, most commonly from coconut shells, peat or olive pits. According to Healthline.com, to activate the charcoal it’s processed at very high temperatures, changing the structure making it more porous- a big difference between the stuff we use on the grill!
What does it do?
Activated charcoal is used for a variety of purposes including in an emergency to help combat poisoning. When ingested, the charcoal helps absorb the toxins. It can’t be soaked up by our bodies, making it ideal for use this situation.
Another use is at-home detox! Available now in capsule form, many have taken to ingesting activated charcoal as a way of detoxing their bodies. While it can be great on occasion, experts caution on using it too often as it can remove both the beneficial and bad bacteria in our gut with prolonged usage.
One other word of note- activated charcoal has the potential to interact with your medications, rendering them less effective via their strong filtration capacity.
Always use caution if ingesting this supplement. We suggest checking with your healthcare provider or physician to getting the all-clear when taking this product internally.
One of the most popular ways to use activated charcoal is in beauty products. Due to the porous properties, it’s an ideal natural ingredient in Facial Scrubs, masks, and cleansers as it can absorb and remove dirt and impurities from our face and body. It also can help combat skin issues such as acne and blackheads.
Activated charcoal is ideal for deodorant, again for its absorbing powers! I recently tried Meadowlark Botanical's Organic Charcoal Deodorant in Rosemary + Tea Tree and was pleasantly surprised. It feels velvety soft and smooth on my underarms. I also really enjoyed the fresh herbal scent. The deo absorbed any smell and wetness and was very effective!
Another popular use for activated charcoal is teeth whitening. While there is no current scientific evidence to back up this claim, many use activated charcoal for this reason and swear by it. It is said that the porous charcoal will help remove plaque and stains from the teeth.
The power of activated charcoal doesn’t stop there, as it can also be used to filter water and help with gas and bloating!
Is it safe?
While you always check with your physician or healthcare provider first, it is generally considered to be safe.
The biggest danger it may pose is when it is used to treat a poisoning victim, as it can be accidently inhaled. In some very rare cases, charcoal has been linked with bowel blockages which is another reason use caution and care when taken internally.
One thing is clear about activated charcoal, it is highly absorptive and has 100’s of uses. From medical to personal, there are many ways to utilize this powerful natural ingredient in our daily lives.
While I would not recommend ingesting charcoal with any regularity (unless under your medical professional’s care), charcoal is a safe and effective product for cosmetic and beauty purposes!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult your Physician first.