Activated charcoal has the well-earned reputation of being a universal antidote. It can absorb most organic chemicals, many inorganic chemicals and countless poisonous substances before they can cause harm.

Nowadays, activated charcoal is often used to clear out drugs and intoxicants that can enter the body through the intestinal tract, and even by injection and other routes. The systemic clearance of toxic substances or detoxification by activated charcoal is accomplished by taking multiple daily doses. Activated charcoal detoxifies the body in several manners such as:

Purifies the 6-8 liters of digestive fluids that are secreted daily which in turn helps remove foreign substances from the blood. *
Absorbs the intoxicant substance and its metabolites that are excreted into the small intestine from the biliary (bile) tract, preventing their reabsorption. *
Absorbs drugs that diffuse back into the stomach and intestines. *
Decreases the detoxification work load of the liver. *

Activated charcoal is the best single supplement for enhancing detoxification. Detoxification is an on-going biological process that prevents toxins (from infectious agents, food, air, water, and substances that contact the skin) from destroying health. Chronic exposure to toxins produces cellular damage, diverse diseases, allergic like reactions, compromised immunity and premature aging.

To use activated charcoal in a detoxification plan, take about 20 grams a day of powdered activated charcoal be taken in divided daily doses for several months or the duration of the detoxification program.

In addition to activated charcoal, the ideal detoxification prescription includes sauna baths, exercise, a special diet, and supplements (unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C, niacin, proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes, liver support phytonutrients and a comprehensive multiple nutrient formula.

Activated charcoal differs from the familiar charcoal that is used in barbecue grills. Common charcoal contains other organics, is much less porous, and has a lower surface area. Activated charcoal is pure carbon specially processed to make it highly adsorbent of particles. It is made by heating the charcoal to 900°C, driving off all the material that obstructs the pores of ordinary charcoal. Activated charcoal itself is a fine, black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and of course nontoxic.

In skincare activated charcoal is used to absorb excess oils and impurities, neutralize poisons & toxins from the skin’s surface and serves as an exfoliator.
Usage: Soaps (1-2 Tbs per lb), facial masks, body wraps, detox bath soaks.

Toxicology studies have proven that activated charcoal is basically harmless. Ingesting high dosages does not interfere with sleep, appetite or well being--or cause major problems. There are several undesirable effects of using activated charcoal that can be avoided by complying with the following directions. Activated charcoal is highly adsorbent; when it is ingested at the same time as medication, supplements and foods it may decrease their absorption and utilization. Therefore, always allow 2 hours before and wait 2 hours after using activated charcoal to eat, take supplements or swallow medication. Activated charcoal has a natural tendency to cause constipation. That can be counteracted by taking a mild herbal laxative with the activated charcoal. Finally activated charcoal harmlessly blackens your stools. Although black-gray stools look strange, they can be used to calculate your bowel transit time. Just measure the length of time from taking activated charcoal to the appearance of darkened stools.

Unfortunately, a simple water and charcoal mixture is unpalatable and messy. It tastes like a charcoal briquette, and blackens your teeth, gums and tongue. These problems can be avoided by ingesting a powdered activated charcoal complex that contains a thickening agent like bentonite, with added flavors and mild sweeteners.

Research studies showed that that the addition of bentonite significantly improved the palatability of an activated charcoal and water slurry. Bentonite acts as thickening agent that reduces powdery mouth-feel and improves the taste without reducing the efficacy of activated charcoal. In fact, bentonite is an enterosorption agent and a poison antidote in its own right. For example, bentonite has been shown to bind and reduce the poison paraquat. The addition of chocolate further enhances the palatability of activated charcoal in research studies and practical experience.

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders. The following information includes only the average doses. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Do not take activated charcoal mixed with chocolate syrup, ice cream or sherbet, since they may prevent the medicine from working properly.

For oral dosage form (powder):
For treatment of poisoning:
Treatment with one dose:
Adults and teenagers—Dose is usually 25 to 100 grams mixed with water.
Children 1 through 12 years of age—Dose is usually 25 to 50 grams mixed with water, or the dose may be based on body weight. It may be 0.5 to 1 gram per kilogram (kg) (0.23 to 0.45 gram per pound) of body weight mixed with water.
Children up to 1 year of age—Dose is usually 10 to 25 grams mixed with water, or the dose may be based on body weight. It may be 0.5 to 1 gram per kg (0.23 to 0.45 gram per pound) of body weight mixed with water.

More dosing information from Mayo Health Clinic

Source: Journal Of The Megahealth Society, Vol. 5, No. 3, Issue #23 ISSN 0891-5334. Copyright 1989 by MegaHealth Society, now Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute (CERI), publishers of Smart Life News. CERI explores the latest research and treatment for Alzheimerss, Parkinsons, Downs syndrome and age-associated mental impairment in normal, healthy adults.

This activated charcoal powder is produced from selected grades of USA hardwoods and meets the food-grade quality of activated charcoal as defined in the current edition of the Food Chemicals Codex and is Certified NSF/ANSI Standard 61.

Sieve Size:
% thru 200 mesh (75 μ): 99%

Surface Area (m2/g)   2000 - 2400
Iodine Number (mg/g)  1250 minimum
Moisture   3.4% 
Apparent Density 0.326g/cc 
Ash   2.1% typical
pH  7.8 typical

This information has been gathered from the manufacturer and is assumed to be accurate and reliable.

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