Overview
Activated charcoal is a substance often used in areas around the home, such as water filters. More commonly, however, the medication is used by emergency personnel to treat poisoned patients. Still, activated charcoal has a slew of other purported health benefits, and is even touted as a health remedy when taken temporarily. Activated charcoal is not meant to be taken on a daily basis. Recurring health problems should be addressed with a doctor so that a more permanent remedy may be used.
Types
According to Natural Holistic Health, activated charcoal is up to three times more effective than regular coal, because it is ground finely so that the body can absorb it easily. It can be purchased from health food stores or prescribed by a doctor. Activated charcoal is also known as medicinal charcoal, active carbon and carbon active, as reported by PDRhealth.com.
Function
Activated charcoal helps purge the stomach of potentially harmful toxins, and is often recommended by the Poison Control Center for accidental ingestions of poisons. PDRhealth.com states that activated charcoal may also be recommended for patients with gastrointestinal problems and high cholesterol. In such cases, activated charcoal is taken up to three times a day until problems cease.
Directions
Activated charcoal comes in powder form and is readily available over the counter at drugstores for purchase. It turns into a drinkable liquid once water is added. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods like ice cream and sherbet should not be added in place of water, as the medicine will not be as effective. However, olive oil may be added to help the stomach absorb the charcoal easily. Natural Holistic Health recommends that you take activated charcoal in between meals.
Purported Benefits
According to Natural Holistic Health, activated charcoal is used to treat rashes, jaundice, insect bites, snake bites, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, anemia and drug overdoses. The charcoal can also deodorize your skin and breath and remove toxins from the body. However, activated charcoal is not a type of colon cleanse diet.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic advises that you contact a doctor immediately if certain side effects are felt while using activated charcoal. Such side effects may include stomach swelling, vomiting, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. Hives, chest pain and swelling are indicative of an allergic reaction to activated charcoal. Taking other medications within two hours of using activated charcoal may decrease its effectiveness. According to PDRhealth.com, activated charcoal may interact with certain drugs, including miglitol, acarbose, furosemide, olanzapine, digoxin, leflunomide and carbamazepine.
About this Author
Kristeen Mandak is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in communication and a minor in marketing. Her work has been published on Helium.com, Suite101.com, and CUSucceed.net. Mandak is also currently working on a certification in children’s writing.
