Activated charcoal is a very fine powder that has tremendous adsorptive* capacities. It's been estimated that one cubic inch of charcoal has the surface area equivalent to a 150,000-square-foot field. That's why a small amount of charcoal can hold on to a large number of molecules, ions, and atoms. It doesn't matter whether they originate from a solid, liquid, or gas.
If your refrigerator or freezer has a persistent odor, you can place three ounces of activated charcoal in an open container. After three to six hours, remove the charcoal and "reactivate" it by heating it in a moderate oven. When used as a deodorizer, the charcoal can be reused indefinitely.
Treatment for Poison
It's believed that ancient Egyptians used charcoal to cure an assortment of ailments. Scientists have been aware of the beneficial properties of charcoal since at least 1813, when a chemist named Bertrand swallowed five grams of arsenic trioxide mixed with charcoal with no adverse effect. It would be unwise to try that sort of experimentation, but Bertrand proved the benefits of activated charcoal as a treatment for accidental poisoning.
Activated charcoal is commonly used in emergency treatment for specific kinds of poisonings and drug overdoses to keep the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body. Researchers have found that activated charcoal is more effective than Syrup of Ipecac, leading to the recommendation that all homes include activated charcoal in their medicine cabinet. Store activated charcoal away from heat, moisture, direct light, and your children.
Be sure to call your doctor or area Poison Control Center before using activated charcoal to treat poisoning. They will take into account the type of poison, allergies, and other medical problems. Charcoal is most successful if used within the first hour of swallowing poison. In severe poisoning cases, several doses of charcoal might be required. Ordinarily, activated charcoal should not be used to treat the ingestion of corrosive poisons (lye, acids, fuel oil, alcohols, et cetera).
Charcoal should be used alone. It loses its effectiveness when mixed with chocolate syrup, ice cream, or sherbet.
Bee Stings, Flatulence, and More
Charcoal has been used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and absorb poisons from your skin caused by infection, chemicals, or insect bites and stings. If you have a minor condition, you might want to try mixing equal parts of flaxseed and activated charcoal with enough hot water to make a paste. Quickly put the paste into a muslin cloth then place on the inflamed area. Cover with plastic, then wrap with a wool cloth (a sock works well). Leave it on at least four hours or overnight. As soon as you remove the poultice, rub the area with ice or a very cold wet cloth. Inspect the area for signs of infection, and apply a new poultice if necessary. If the pain and swelling persist, contact your doctor.
Charcoal alleviates gas and upset stomach. Centuries ago, Native Americans drank powdered charcoal to find relief. Modern research supports its efficacy for this application. If you have gas, take 520-975 mg (as tablets or capsules) after each meal, not to exceed five grams daily. Children should be given smaller amounts, and charcoal should not be given to children under three unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Other common uses, such as to treat diarrhea, constipation, skin wounds, and cramps have not been fully studied. Charcoal may decrease your body's absorption of necessary nutrients. It can also interfere with medications. Because of this, frequent use is not recommended.
Besides being tasteless and odorless, charcoal is (of course) black. Charcoal is messy and can stain. Use caution when making a poultice or if sprinkling the powder over your food.
A Final Word
Activated charcoal may cause abdominal pain or swelling. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of intestinal bleeding or blockage. It's known to cause problems in those instances, as well as in people who have recently had surgery. If you have one of these conditions, do not use activated charcoal without consulting your healthcare provider.
Occasionally, charcoal causes constipation when taken for poisoning. Your doctor may tell you to take a laxative after the crisis is over. Charcoal causes fecal matter to turn black, so don't be alarmed.
* Adsorption is the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules to the surfaces of solids or liquids. This differs from absorption, which involves a taking in and making part of an existent whole, such as when plant roots take in water. |
