Activated Charcoal

Gaia Garden’s Activated Coconut Charcoal is produced from coconut shells. The activation process occurs when the Charcoal is introduced to steam, drastically increasing the surface area of the carbon molecules within it. Increasing the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions can help capture unwanted impurities, dirt and oils.

The first documented use of Activated Charcoal goes as far back as 3750 BC, when it was first used by the Egyptians for smelting ores to create bronze. By 1500 BC the Egyptians were also using it for intestinal ailments, absorbing unpleasant odours and for writing on papyrus.

In 400 BC, the Ancient Hindus and Phoenicians discovered the antiseptic properties of Zctivated Charcoal and began using it to purify their water. A well-known practice for any long sea voyage was to store water in barrels that had been charred. By 50 AD, leading the way for the use of Activated Charcoal in medicine was Hippocrates and Pliny, who began using it to treat many different ailments such as epilepsy, chlorosis and vertigo.

After the suppression of the sciences through the Dark Ages, Charcoal re-emerged in the 1700s and 1800s within the use of medical treatments – both for its absorbent properties of fluid and gases and for its disinfectant properties. Some popular uses during this time period included poultices made from Charcoal and bread crumbs or yeast (favoured by army and navy surgeons). As well Charcoal powders were used to alleviate fetid ulcers, acidity in the stomach and even nosebleeds where subsulphate of iron had failed to do so. By the 1900s Charcoal was even starting to be sold as lozenges, biscuits and tooth powders!

Properties:

Activated Charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the gut, preventing their absorption. The Charcoal’s porous texture has a negative electrical charge, which causes it to attract positively charged molecules, such as toxins and gases. This helps it trap toxins and chemicals in the gut because Activated Charcoal is not absorbed by your body, it can carry the toxins bound to its surface out of your body in feces.

Activated Charcoal can help to draw impurities out through the permeable top layer of the skin. It can be beneficial to many with mild skin conditions, such as adult acne. Activated Charcoal is also a gentle exfoliator that helps to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin or drying it out by removing beneficial oils.

How to use: 

Detox: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of Activated Charcoal to water or juice as a support for absorbing unwanted impurities during a detox regime or after a night of drinking. Take this at least two hours away from any food or medication.

Tooth whitening: Using Activated Charcoal on your toothbrush is said to whiten teeth by absorbing plaque and other teeth-staining compounds. Brush or rub Charcoal gently on your teeth to not weaken the enamel. Leave on for three to five minutes and rinse.

Skin treatment: Apply Charcoal to the skin as a mask. Combine Charcoal with clay, a small amount of water or Hydrosol and a few drops of Castor Oil as a treatment to cleanse the skin or reduce irritation from insect bites.

Cautions & contraindications:

Adult use only. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery. Do not consume at the same time as any medicines or other dietary supplements, as this may interfere with their effectiveness. This product is not intended as treatment for accidental poisoning. To avoid constipation, make sure you drink lots of water. If you find that you are still constipated try reducing your dose, but make sure to keep up your water intake.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.