Activated Charcoal, 1 oz.

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust.*

The charcoal is activated by processing it at very high temperatures. The high temperatures change its internal structure, reducing the size of its pores and increasing its surface area. Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the gut, preventing their absorption. Because activated charcoal is not absorbed by your body, it can carry the toxins bound to its surface out of your body in feces.*

• Gas reduction: Some studies report that activated charcoal may help reduce gas production following a gas-producing meal. It may also help improve the odor of gas.*
• Water filtration: Activated charcoal is a popular way to reduce heavy metal and fluoride content in water. However, it doesn't appear to be very effective at removing viruses, bacteria or hard water minerals.*
• Tooth whitening: Using activated charcoal to brush your teeth is anecdotally said to whiten them. It's said to do so by absorbing plaque and other teeth-staining compounds.*
• Hangover prevention: Activated charcoal is sometimes used as a hangover cure. While consuming it with alcohol may reduce blood alcohol levels, its effects on hangovers haven't been studied.*
• Skin treatment: Applying this charcoal to the skin is touted as an effective treatment for acne and insect or snake bites. However, only anecdotal reports could be found on this topic.*