Believe it or not activated charcoal has many useful applications. The most common use is in the case of accidental ingestion of a poisonous substance. Activated charcoal has been a lifesaver for people who have consumed toxic levels of chemical from household cleaners and well as those who have consumed prescribed medications.

It is the highest adsorbent substance found naturally. Adsorption is the process where the atoms and molecules are moving from their bulk stage (solid, liquid or gas) onto a solid or liquid surface. What happens is the toxic substance actually attaches itself to the surface of the charcoal. Because it is not “digested,” it stays inside the GI tract and eliminates the toxin when the person has a bowel movement. Activated charcoal can prevent the absorption of many poisons from a person’s gastrointestinal tract.

Apart from this function there are other reasons you should buy activated charcoal. There are more benefits to activated charcoal than simply being used for emergencies. Recently it has been discovered that activated charcoal can be used to remove bacteria, fungi and viruses from your system. This simple product has the capability to absorb gases in the lower intestine which can help relieve someone of severe gas pains and flatulence.

What about all those stings and bug bites your kids get? Try mixing activated charcoal powder with water to make a paste to relieve the itching of insect bites and stings. In addition, current research is showing that charcoal may provide many more potential health benefits like helping lower cholesterol and improving general cardiovascular health.

As with any product one needs to look at the benefits as well as the precautions it has for its uses. While using activated charcoal you will dehydrate faster, be sure to consume plenty of fluids. Do not use with prescription medication because it will nullify the effects of these medications.

Some less common side effects may include pain or swelling of stomach, constipation, and vomiting. If you experience any of these it will probably be because you failed to stay hydrated. One last point to make is that milk products will also decrease the ability of the charcoal to work, so stay clear of them when using it.

If you have any questions about this or any of the many beneficial bulk herbs, contact More Than Alive – a trusted source of family health information.