10 Impressive Charcoal Uses That May Just Change Your Life

#1 It Helps Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that activated charcoal can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels. One study found that LDL cholesterol decreased by 41% while HDL increased by 8% when participants took three doses of eight grams each for a period of four weeks. It’s important to note: do not take activated charcoal within 90 minutes to two hours of taking any prescription medication or supplements.

#2 Body Detox

Since charcoal does such an amazing job ridding your body of toxins, some people also use it to rid their body of built-up toxins. The length of these cleanses can vary, but they often last a week or two. There are many different recipes for using activated charcoal as a cleansing/detox agent, and it’s important that you find a recipe that works for your lifestyle and body weight. If you take too much charcoal, you could become constipated and sluggish. If you take too little, it won’t be effective. Keep in mind that if you do use charcoal several times weekly as part of a cleanse, you must increase your water consumption, or you could quickly become constipated.

#3 Relieve bloating and gas discomfort

If you’re taking activated charcoal to straighten out your stomach discomfort, you have a few options. You can take activated charcoal in pill, liquid and or powder form’the latter you’d mix into a non-acidic juice. Your best bet is taking activated charcoal in tablet form or in capsules. The tablets may be cheaper, but keep in mind that you can open the capsules and use the powdered charcoal for other purposes. It’s suggested that you drink lots of water when taking activated charcoal supplements, in order to avoid constipation. Take them between meals, when your stomach is emptier’and staying that way for a while’so that the supplements aren’t depleting vitamins and nutrients you do want. Activated charcoal supplements aren’t to be taken daily as a vitamin, only as needed. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully, typically they’ll advise two capsules between meals.

# Whitens Teeth

Have your teeth become stained from coffee, tea, wine or berries? Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health by changing the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease. It works to whiten teeth by adsorbing plaque and microscopic tidbits that stain teeth. This activated charcoal use is cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile. BE CAREFUL, it can (and will) stain grout and fabrics. Protect counters, floors and clothing before using.

To whiten your teeth naturally, wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as normal, paying special attention to areas showing the most staining. Sip a bit of water, swish through mouth thoroughly and spit. Rinse well, until spit is clear. For best results, brush your teeth with activated charcoal two-three times per week.

#5 Filtering water impurities

You may have noticed that many water filtration systems use activated charcoal to help eliminate impurities in the water, as it traps solvents, industrial waste, pesticides and other chemicals. While it doesn’t trap hard water minerals, bacteria or viruses, systems that use activated carbon filters, activated charcoal, can remove some fluoride from your water. Avoiding this substance, and detoxing, helps support your immune system, oral health, and your kidneys and liver. You probably know that most tap water comes laden with toxins, chemicals, and fluoride, things you don’t want to ingest a whole lot of, which is why activated charcoal filters can be so beneficial to your health. Not only is pure water essential for all body systems, but by drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day, it will help ensure that your organs work as they should while also soothing the digestive tract, fighting fatigue and providing lubrication to tissues and joints.

#6 Helps Prevent Hangovers

Some studies show that if a person consumes activated charcoal at the same time as alcohol, it can significantly reduce a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and help prevent those painful hangovers we all dread. Activated charcoal is considered safe to consume and can either be taken in pill or liquid form. It’s important to note that while many people and researchers swear by this hangover hack, not all studies are conclusive. Next time you go celebrate a big event with some drinks, though, it’s worth a try!

#7 In Shampoo

Charcoal has been showing up in shampoos for the same reason people love it in facial products. It removes build up and impurities. The easiest way to try this is to add a tiny amount (1/2 teaspoon) to shampoo before washing hair. Scrub gently and wash out.

#8 Activated Charcoal Air Purifier

Activated charcoal is proven to clear out nasty odors and toxins from the air. Consider getting an activated charcoal air filter for neutralizing the stinkiest parts of your home, be it your garbage, fridge or bathroom, or for when you’re repainting a room or polishing silverware.

#9 Make Cut Flowers Last Longer


Put a lump of charcoal beneath the cut stems in 
a vase to help the water stay clean and clear.

#10 Armpit Deodorizer

Activated charcoal is fabulous at absorbing odors, which is one reason it’s used in air filters and even in certain wound care situations where odor becomes an issue. Just dump 4-5 capsules into a small bowl, mix with water until you reach a spreadable consistency, apply and let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse.