Activated charcoal is a fine, black, odorless, and
tasteless powder. It is made from wood or other materials that have
been exposed to very high temperatures in an airless environment. It is
then treated, or activated, to increase its ability to adsorb by
reheating with oxidizing gas or other chemicals to break it into a very
fine powder. Activated charcoal is pure carbon specially processed to
make it highly adsorbent of particles and gases in the body’s digestive
system.
Activated charcoal has often been used since ancient times to cure a
variety of ailments including poisoning. Its healing effects have been
well documented since as early as 1550 B.C. by the Egyptians. However,
charcoal was almost forgotten until 15 years ago when it was
rediscovered as a wonderful oral agent to treat most overdoses and
toxins.
Description
Activated charcoal’s most important use is for treatment of poisoning.
It helps prevent the absorption of most poisons or drugs by the
stomach and intestines. In addition to being used for most swallowed
poisons in humans, charcoal has been effectively used in dogs, rabbits,
rats, and other animals, as well. It can also adsorb gas in the bowels
and has been used for the treatment of gas or diarrhea. Charcoal’s
other uses such as treatment of viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxic
byproducts, snake venoms and other substances by adsorption have not
been supported by clinical studies. By adding water to the powder to
make a paste, activated charcoal can be used as an external application
to alleviate pain and itching from bites and stings.
Poisons and drug overdoses
It is estimated that one million children accidentally overdose on
drugs mistaken as candies or eat, drink, or inhale poisonous household
products each year. Infants and toddlers are at the greatest risk for
accidental poisoning. Activated charcoal is one of the agents most
commonly used for these cases. It can absorb large amounts of poisons
quickly. In addition, it is non-toxic, may be stored for a long time,
and can be conveniently administered at home. Charcoal works by binding
to irritating or toxic substances in the stomach and intestines. This
prevents the toxic drug or chemical from spreading throughout the body.
The activated charcoal with the toxic substance bound to it is then
excreted in the stool without harm to the body. When poisoning is
suspected the local poison control center should be contacted for
instructions. They may recommend using activated charcoal, which should
be available at home so that it can be given to the poisoned child or
pet immediately. For severe poisoning, several doses of activated
charcoal may be needed.
Intestinal disorders
In the past, activated charcoal was a popular remedy for gas. Even
before the discovery of America by Europeans, Native Americans used
powdered charcoal mixed with water to treat an upset stomach. Now
charcoal is being rediscovered as an alternative treatment for this
condition. Activated charcoal works like a sponge. Its huge surface
area is ideal for soaking up different substances, including gas. In
one study, people taking activated charcoal after eating a meal with
high gas-producing foods did not produce more gas than those who did
not have these foods. Charcoal has also been used to treat other
intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. There
are few studies to support these uses and there are also concerns that
frequent use of charcoal may decrease absorption of essential
nutrients, especially in children.
Other uses
Besides being a general antidote for poisons or remedy for gas,
activated charcoal has been used to treat other conditions as well.
Based on its ability to adsorb or bind to other substances, charcoal
has been effectively used to clean skin wounds and to adsorb waste
materials from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it has been
used to adsorb snake venoms, viruses, bacteria, and harmful materials
excreted by bacteria or fungi. However, because of lack of scientific
studies, these uses are not recommended. Activated charcoal, when used
together with other remedies such as aloe vera, acidophilus, and
psyllium, helps to keep symptoms of ulcerative colitis under control.
While charcoal shows some anti-aging activity in rats, it is doubtful
if it can do the same for humans
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