Activated charcoal is made from a few different sources but the best is produced from bamboo or coconut shell. (Note to self: don’t head to the backyard BBQ to get your charcoal! This is toxic charcoal and best left for the garbage bin). The process of heating charcoal at high temperatures in the presence of gas causes the charcoal to develop small holes or pores and thereby ‘activating’ it. Activated charcoal traps toxins and chemicals in these pores preventing the body from reabsorbing these nasties. Traditionally, charcoal was used to treat poisonings and for bloating and flatulence but with its ability to remove toxins from the body, it is now the go-to product for detoxing.
Top 3 Ways to Use Activated Charcoal
1. Teeth whitening. Activated charcoal whitens teeth by absorbing plaque and tiny food remnants that stain your teeth. Just dip your wet toothbrush into powdered activated charcoal and brush normally. Focus on those areas with staining. Spit out and rinse mouth until water is clear. Beware if you have crowns, caps or veneers as the activated charcoal could stain them. It can get messy so make sure you have some paper towel ready to clean up so it doesn’t stain your grout! For best results use twice a week. Try My Magic Mud which also contains bentonite clay for a deeper cleanse.