Activated Charcoal is the
world.s strongest absorbent,
its position being unrivalled by any known substitute in industry, chemistry,
toxology, and the military. It is able to take up toxic gases, disease germs,
fluid toxic wastes or heavy metals. It is a miracle substance. Absorbs rapidly
within a minute and has indefinite shelf life. It takes up drugs in the
stomach, small intestine, colon, and from the blood, back into the
gastrointestinal tract. Activated Charcoal may be taken orally (powder mixed in a glass of water, by way of capsules
and tablets) or used as a compress
MEDICAL
USES OF CHARCOAL
(Count
down the medicinal uses of Activated Charcoal in Alphabetic Order)
Acute toxic poisoning - oral
administration
Allergies, products of - oral administration
Anemia of cancer - Administration of charcoal will sometimes cause a reversal
of the anemia since anemia in cancer patients is caused by toxicity from the
cancer itself. May remove toxic substance inhibiting the bone marrow. Oral.
Aspirin overdose - 1-5 tbsp. in water every 10 minutes
Bacteria, bacterial toxins - oral.
Barbiturates, overdoses - oral.
Bean gas, breath hydrogen, and bloating, abdominal discomfort - oral
Bee bites - rub sting with charcoal tablet, cover area in charcoal water,
compress changed at 10 minute intervals, plus charcoal by mouth
Benzpyrene - oral
Bowl, deodorizes - oral
Breath deodorizes - apply with wet finger charcoal around in the mouth or hold
a charcoal tablet in the mouth to stop bad breath immediately.
Cancer-producing compounds - oral
Cancer of the cervix, foul odor of inoperable - can be relieved by a douche
using a solution of 2 tbsp. of charcoal powder in a quart of water stirred
into the douche water.
Carcinogens - oral
Carbamazepine absorption - oral
Caustic agents - oral
Cholera - 2 tsps. In water 4 times daily or with each stool
Cholesterol levels, Lowers - 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.
Activated charcoal lowers the concentration of total lipids,
cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood serum, liver, heart and brain.
(Reduces total cholesterol by 25%, lowers LDL [bad cholesterol] by 41%;
doubles HDL [the good cholesterol].
Charcoal is a valuable part of a total cholesterol-reducing program,
but long-term lifestyle changes must be maintained to permanently reduce high
cholesterol.
Colostomy - 1/2 tsp. of charcoal 4 times a day
Diabetes Mellitus -charcoal absorbs
glucose occurring in the bowel. Reduces signs of blood vessel and nerve
pathology.
Diarrhea -1 tbsp. in water for an adult, 1 tsp. for a child
Diazepam [valium] overdose
- oral
Digestive problems - oral
Digitoxin absorption - oral
P-dimethylaminoazobenzene (azo dye) - oral
Drug overdoses - oral
Eczema with infection and odor -
treatment same as in ulcer. On dry eczema, apply wet charcoal paste.
Enemas
Eye, meningitis and encephalitis - charcoal compress dipped in hot or cold
water.
Flatulence
Fire ants - wet and rub charcoal tablet on an ordinary band-aid
Foot and mouth disease virus in 1% suspension - 10 gms of charcoal per
100 cc of fluid (2 tbsp per 1/2 cup). Bone charcoal is better.
Gasoline
Gastritis
Gastrointestinal dialysis - charcoal attracts drugs from the blood back into
the gastrointestinal tract where it inactivates it.
Heavy metals
Hemoperfusion Applications
Herbicides
Ileostomy - 1/2 tsp. of charcoal 4
times a day
Infections
Inflammation, products of - charcoal compress
Intestinal disorders
Intestinal gas - charcoal works better than medication.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction, chronic - charcoal by mouth; fomentation;
compress
Ipecac [to induce vomiting]
Intoxication
Iron
Jaundice in the newborn or neonatal
jaundice - 1 tsp charcoal in water through nipple every 2-3 hrs
Kerosene (Lighter fluid)
Kidney failure - compresses to the back; charcoal enemas
Kidney, toxins from the blood in - take charcoal internally, or applying it as
a compress or both.
Lead
Lesions caused by Bacillus pyocyanase can be deodorized by the use of
charcoal.
Liver failure - large compresses over back or the abdomen; and also by mouth
Mercury
Methylcholanthrine (this cancer producing agent is formed when meat is grilled
because of scorching fat)
Methylxanthines, overdoses [caffeine, theobromine and theophyllin found in
coffee, tea, colas and chocolate]
Micro dialysis of the blood
Mushroom poisoning [Charcoal can effectively remove the toxins from the blood
even 24 hours after eating Amanita phalloides.]
Naphtha
Nervous indigestion
Orthopedic casts and wounds - open draining wounds bandaged in plaster cast immobilization are a common problem for
the orthopedic surgeon. The odor coming from a draining wound inside a cast makes frequent cast changes necessary. After
the first layer of cast is applied, a slurry of four tablespoons of charcoal mixed with enough water should be applied
over the area of expected drainage. The remainder of the plaster should then be applied over this wet charcoal. Cast
will appear slightly gray, but unacceptable odor of draining wounds will be controlled for much longer periods of time
with no adverse effect on wound or fracture.
Pancreatitis, chronic relapsing -
fomentations to the abdomen; by mouth; and large abdominal compresses at night
Pediatric poisonings - 2 tbsp. of charcoal in water
Phenobarbital - charcoal taken orally absorbs and eliminates intravenous
Phenobarbital
Phenylbutazone absorption
Poison ivy - keep area in solution of charcoal
Rheumatoid arthritis
Skin -oxygen is applied by charcoal
in all its treatments
Skin problems, Skin ulcers
Snake bite - submerge in charcoal water for 1 hr; use compress; by mouth 2
tbsp every 2 hrs 3 doses, 1 tsp every 2 hrs for next 24 hrs.
Spider bites, brown recluse - compress with frequent changes
Theophylline Intoxication/absorption
in the blood - orally every 2-4 hours.
Tylenol poisoning - 1-5 tbsp. of charcoal in water
Toxins
Tricyclic Antidepressants [Triavil, Ativan, etc.]
Ulcer, foul smelling - put charcoal
powder in a saltshaker with a few grains of rice. Shake the powdered charcoal
on the wound with every bandage change. The foul odor is dissipated in one
treatment.
Vericose leg ulcers - apply charcoal
cloth.
Veterinary use - see below
Wound secretions, discharging,
infected and malodorous: charcoal cloth
X-ray overdose, ulcer due to:
sprinkle charcoal from a saltshaker and apply gauze
Yellow Jackets sting - person in tub
of 1/2 cup charcoal water
General Non-medical
uses of Charcoal
Absorption of pesticides
and herbicides
Coloring candy (jelly beans)
Fertilizer and insecticide for roses
Foundry work
Fuel savings in blast furnaces
Gas masks, filters in - charcoal removes poison
Household
Making licorice
candy
Making medicines
Potting and bedding compounds
Prevention of water pollution
Soot clearance
Sweeteners of the soil, mulch
Submarine Industry is entirely dependent on charcoal as charcoal is effective
in removing carbon dioxide from water.
Top dressings for gardens, bowling greens and lawns
Water filter - in times of natural disasters, filter contaminated water
through layers of gravel, charcoal and sand.
VETERINARY USE OF CHARCOAL
Infected eye - charcoal
poultices to the eye or oral (charcoal in milk or water)
Lantana poisoning - Lantana is a poisonous plant - charcoal in milk
Maggots due to open wound - dust bed and body heavily with black powder plus
add in feed and water
Snake bites - oral, do it as for humans
Wounds - sprinkle charcoal from a saltshaker into the infected area
Wasp stings
SUBSTANCES NOT ABSORBED
BY CHARCOAL:
Carbonate
Caustic substances
Cyanide
DDT.
It's miraculous medicinal value
Activated Charcoal is a very fine powder that has tremendous absorptive 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.
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 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 health care 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
health care 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.
Sources:
1. Charcoal, MEDLINE plus, National Institutes of Health, 1999.
2. Tran M. Charcoal, activated, Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 2001. Available online at:
http://www.findarticles.com/ cf_dls/g2603/0000/2603000027/p1/
article.jhtml Accessed January 23, 2005.
3. Tkac D, editor. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, Prevention Magazine Health Books, Rodale Press, Emmaus,
Pennsylvania, 1990.
4. Disaster Preparedness: Which foods and medicines are safe after a flood disaster, King County Public Health, 2000.
Available online at:
http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/disaster/medicines.htm Accessed January 23, 2005.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not take charcoal?
. Do not take charcoal if diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever. See
your doctor.
. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease,
have any type of serious illness, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
. You may not be able to take charcoal, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have
any of the conditions listed above.
. Do not used charcoal to treat a child younger than 3 years of age.
How should I take charcoal?
. Take charcoal exactly as directed in the package instructions or as directed by your doctor. If you do
not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.
. Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at the first sign of discomfort.
. Do not take more than 4.16 grams of charcoal in a day (16 capsules of 260 mg each).
. Call your doctor if diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever.
. Store charcoal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose.
What happens if I overdose?
. An overdose with this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that an overdose of charcoal
has occurred, call an emergency room or a poison control left for advice.
What should I avoid while taking charcoal?
. Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1
hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could
become dangerous.
What are the possible side effects of charcoal?
. No side effects are known to be associated with the use of charcoal.
. Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects.
What other drugs will affect charcoal?
. Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1
hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could
become dangerous.
Is the activated carbon used as charcoal (medicine for diarrhea) the same as the activated carbon in air filters?
If it is true then can charcoal be used to absorb unwanted odour by just exposing it to
air?
Activated carbon is made by heating inactive carbon in steam (or other gases). Animal charcoal or bone charcoal,
also called bone black, results from heating bones without exposing them to air. Wood charcoal results from heating wood
without enough air to burn it completely. The various kinds of charcoal are used as an adsorbent in industry, in
medicine, and in the home. They are used to remove the brown colour from sugar and to filter impurities and odours from
the air. Activated charcoal is an inert substance with great adsorption powers. Its enormous adsorptive capacity comes
in large part from its highly porous, honeycomb-like internal structure. It is here that gas molecules and colour
particles become stuck and entrapped. Unbelievable as it may seem, the internal surface area of a standard 1 gram dose
of activated charcoal is 930 square metres. The charcoals (sugar charcoal, wood charcoal, and animal charcoal or bone
black, etc.) are very porous, and consequently their specific gravity is apparently only about 0.25, but when the air is
pumped out of the pores this becomes 1.4-1.9. Many noxious substances can be
neutralized by adsorption -- a process which is effective in reliving bloating and other intestinal distress symptoms.
Hence activated charcoal is a valuable antidote for poisoning. Strictly speaking, activated charcoal is not an antidote
-- that is, it does not act specifically against any poison or group of poisons. Rather, it acts by binding to, holding,
and thus
neutralizing many toxic substances by adsorption. When charcoal is exposed to the air, unwanted odour in the room
could be adsorbed. In fact, charcoal could be placed in car booth to rid the car of any unwanted odour left behind by
goods such as durian. When the charcoal is burnt, the odour would be released.
Few Reference websites:
http://www.drugs.com/cons/Charcoal__Activated.html
http://vanderbiltowc.wellsource.com/dh/Content.asp?ID=572
http://www.science.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=2319&type=6&root=5&parent=5&cat=53
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