Activated charcoal, sourced from natural materials like wood, coconut shells, and peat, has a wide range of uses in medicine, health, and beauty. Unlike the charcoal used for barbecues, which is a known carcinogen, activated charcoal is created through a process of slow drying, heating, and oxidation with carbon dioxide or steam. This process creates millions of tiny pores that can trap toxins and organic compounds, preventing them from being absorbed by the body or environment. A single gram of activated charcoal can have a surface area of over 32,000 square feet due to its porosity.

This unique property makes activated charcoal useful for cleaning polluted air and water, treating poisonings and overdoses, reducing gas and bloating, and detoxifying the body. It’s also popular in health and beauty products. Here are 17 DIY recipes using activated charcoal:

1. Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil Pulling Tabs: Enhance your oral hygiene by chewing and swishing these tabs to help lift stains and brighten teeth.
2. DIY Toothpaste: Combine coconut oil, activated charcoal, stevia, and essential oils for a natural whitening toothpaste.
3. Homemade Tooth Powder: Use ingredients like bentonite clay, sea salt, baking soda, and activated charcoal for a dry toothpaste.
4. DIY Deodorant: Neutralize body odor with a dry deodorant paste made with activated charcoal.
5. Activated Charcoal Soap: Make soap that pulls out impurities using a shea butter base, bentonite clay, and essential oils.
6. Detoxifying Face Mask: Combine activated charcoal, bentonite clay, honey, and essential oils to detoxify and soften skin.
7. Exfoliating Facial Scrub: Use organic cane sugar, olive oil, and activated charcoal for deep cleansing.
8. Activated Charcoal Facial Cleanser: Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin to remove excess oils while keeping skin moisturized.
9. Activated Charcoal Pore Strips: Clear pores with a mixture of charcoal, water, and unflavored gelatin.
10. Detox Bath: Enjoy a full-body detox with a bath that includes Epsom salts, bentonite clay, and activated charcoal.
11. Scalp Treatment: Clarify your scalp with a paste made from bentonite clay, rose water, activated charcoal, and essential oils.
12. All Natural Mascara: Create darker, thicker lashes with coconut oil, aloe vera gel, beeswax, and activated charcoal.
13. Homemade Eyeliner: Mix activated charcoal with a carrier oil for a simple, natural eyeliner.
14. Anti-Itch Insect Salve: Soothe bug bites with a balm made from activated charcoal and green tea.
15. Activated Charcoal Lemonade With Collagen: Enjoy a digestive cleanse with lemonade and activated charcoal ice cubes.
16. Black Smoothie Bowl: Blend coconut milk, strawberries, banana, peanut butter, charcoal, and protein powder for a nutritious smoothie bowl.
17. Orange Ginger Juice: Make a fresh juice with oranges, apples, ginger, activated charcoal, and sea salt.

Using Activated Charcoal Safely:
While generally safe for topical use, consuming activated charcoal requires caution. It can adsorb not just toxins but also vitamins, nutrients, and medications, potentially causing constipation, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies if overused. To use it safely:
– Drink at least two liters of water on days you consume activated charcoal to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins.
– Wait at least two hours after taking any medication before consuming activated charcoal.
– Consume it in the evenings, at least 3 to 4 hours after your last meal, to avoid nutrient adsorption.

Where to Buy Activated Charcoal:
Look for activated charcoal made from coconut shells without additives, fillers, or sweeteners. Majestic Pure offers a 100% pure coconut shell charcoal that is additive-free, not tested on animals, and vegan.