If you have never heard of charcoal supplements, it is probably not your fault. After all, the only charcoal product you might have come across is inside the barbecue pit! For ages, however, the world has been well acquainted with charcoal as a medicinal product. Charcoal is used for removing toxins from the digestive track, alleviating digestion, and helping to treat cases of poisoning. To those who are already acquainted with charcoal's medicinal properties, it is no less than a wonder drug of nature.



The 'activated charcoal', as it is called in medicinal circle, is not the same product that is found in your barbecue. Therefore, even when charcoal is prescribed in a medical emergency, do not reach out for the charcoal inside the barbecue. Commercial barbecue charcoal is not only unfit for ingestion; it could be lethal.

Powdered charcoal in the pure form or suspended in liquid is used in emergency cases of poisoning. Your pharmacist probably keeps it in the first aid section rather than with the vitamins and the supplements. The powdered form, although abrasive on the throat and the upper digestive tract, has the quickest effect in emergencies.

As food supplements or detoxifying agents, charcoal comes in small, easily digestible tablets or capsules.

Some swear on charcoal effects on chronic flatulence. However, this is still anecdotal and has not been medically proven. Charcoal is mainly used as an absorbent of toxin in the stomach and intestinal tract. However, charcoal also absorbs some nutrients thus, weakening the effect of other food supplements. For this reason, charcoal should only be taken with the approval of your physician.

Activated charcoal lowers cholesterol level and lessens the danger of heart disease by absorbing fat. Users also claim that charcoal cleans the body of environmental toxins, although this fact is yet to be established.

Form wise, activated charcoal comes in pills and powder. Experts advise that if you are using powdered charcoal then mix it with a tall glass of water and drink it with a straw. This will prevent your teeth from getting stained. If your teeth do get stained, there have been some instances, then brush your teeth and rinse with water. The stains will wear off. Do not consume activated charcoal with milk as dairy products lessen the effectiveness of charcoal.

For flatulence, mix two tablespoons of activated charcoal powder in a glass of water and drink with a straw, thirty minutes before a meal. You may also take it by a 500 mg capsule after meals or every two hours; whichever is suitable. Care should be taken not to ingest more than 4,000 mg within the period of 24 hours.

Remember, activated charcoal can hamper the effect of other supplements and medication by absorbing nutrients. So, take it two hours before or after other products. If there is a case of suspected poisoning, consult a poison control center expert before contacting your family physician.

Applying activated charcoal.

Never use activated charcoal at the same time as ipecac syrup, which is a home remedy for poisoning. It is very important to remember that charcoal supplements, taken in excessive amounts, can cause black stool, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.