Activated charcoal, derived from natural sources like wood, coconut shells, and peat, has a variety of uses in medicine, health, and beauty. Unlike the charcoal used for barbecues, which is a known carcinogen, activated charcoal is created by slowly drying, heating, and then oxidizing it with carbon dioxide or steam. This process creates millions of tiny pores that can trap organic compounds and toxins, preventing them from being absorbed by the body or environment. Just one gram of activated charcoal has a surface area of over 32,000 square feet!
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 routines. Here are 17 DIY recipes using activated charcoal:
1. Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil Pulling Tabs: Enhance your oral hygiene by adding activated charcoal to coconut oil pulling tabs for teeth whitening. Chew until melted, swish, and spit.
2. DIY Toothpaste: Mix coconut oil, activated charcoal, stevia, and essential oils like lemon or peppermint for a simple, natural toothpaste.
3. Homemade Tooth Powder: A dry toothpaste using bentonite clay, sea salt, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, mint leaves, stevia, and activated charcoal. Sprinkle on a wet toothbrush.
4. DIY Deodorant: Neutralize body odor with a dry deodorant paste made from activated charcoal.
5. Activated Charcoal Soap: Make soap that pulls out oil, bacteria, and impurities using a shea butter soap base, bentonite clay, and essential oils.
6. Detoxifying Face Mask: Combine activated charcoal, bentonite clay, raw honey, and essential oils to detoxify and soften your skin.
7. Exfoliating Facial Scrub: Use organic cane sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and activated charcoal to remove dead skin cells and cleanse deeply.
8. Activated Charcoal Facial Cleanser: Ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, this cleanser removes excess oils while keeping skin moisturized.
9. Activated Charcoal Pore Strips: Clear your pores with a mix of charcoal, water, and unflavored gelatin.
10. Detox Bath: Enjoy a full-body detox with a hot bath containing Epsom salts, bentonite clay, salt, and activated charcoal.
11. Scalp Treatment: Remove flaky residue from your scalp with a paste made from bentonite clay, rose water, activated charcoal, and essential oils.
12. All Natural Mascara: Create darker, thicker lashes using coconut oil, aloe vera gel, beeswax pellets, and activated charcoal.
13. Homemade Eyeliner: A simple mix of activated charcoal and carrier oil for a natural eyeliner.
14. Anti-Itch Insect Salve: Soothe bug bites and stings with a balm made from powdered activated charcoal and green tea.
15. Activated Charcoal Lemonade With Collagen: Cleanse your digestive system with lemonade that includes beef collagen 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 tangy juice with oranges, Granny Smith apples, ginger, activated charcoal, and sea salt.
Using Activated Charcoal Safely:
While activated charcoal is generally safe for topical use, be cautious when adding it to food or drinks. It doesn’t differentiate between toxins and essential nutrients, so consuming too much can interfere with medications and cause constipation, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Here are some tips for safe consumption:
– Drink at least two liters of water to help flush out toxins and stay hydrated.
– Wait at least two hours after taking any medication before consuming activated charcoal.
– Consume activated charcoal in the evenings, at least 3 to 4 hours after your last meal, to avoid nutrient absorption issues.
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 product that is additive-free, not tested on animals, and vegan.
