Charcoal powder is a fine, black powder that is made by superheating natural sources of carbon, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures. This process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up bonding sites again, reducing the size of the pores in the charcoal and making more holes in each molecule, increasing its overall surface area. Activated charcoal is often used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses, as it can stop toxins from being absorbed in the stomach by binding to them. The body is unable to absorb charcoal, and so the toxins that bind to the charcoal leave the body in the feces.
Activated charcoal is also used in various other ways, such as to reduce flatulence, promote kidney health, lower cholesterol levels, and treat skin infections. However, there is little scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Activated charcoal is also added to various food and non-food products, from ice cream to toothpaste, and is used in industry to remove unwanted substances.
Charcoal powder is generally considered safe, but it may cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It is important to note that activated charcoal should not be used to treat poisoning from certain substances, such as cyanide, lithium, alcohol, or strong acids or bases. If you suspect poisoning, it is important to call your local poison control center immediately and get to an emergency room.
