Carbon from burnt wood or vegetation is treated with oxygen to create highly porous activated charcoal with a vast adsorbent surface area. Toxins in the intestinal tract attach to the surface of the charcoal particles (adsorption), and are excreted via the bowels. The digestive system does not absorb any of the charcoal.

The ancient Greeks, Hindus and Egyptians all knew the value of charcoal as a filter to aid digestion, remove odours and relieve intestinal bloating, gas and constipation.

Activated Charcoal Benefits

Activated charcoal can absorb and remove ingested impurities and toxins including chlorine, heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, parasites, food poisoning, drug overdose, pesticides, herbicides, industrial pollutants, insect and snake venom, and toxic gases. It is an effective and gentle intestinal cleanser.

Combine activated charcoal with fibre to enhance elimination.

Activated Charcoal Side Effects and Contraindications

Stools may appear black. Intestinal obstruction or constipation may result unless taken with plenty of water.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea may occur if a poisonous substance is being eliminated. Contraindicated if elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding as there are no studies on humans available to support its safe use in these groups.

Can bind to some medical drugs so consult your health professional before taking it if you are on any medication. Don’t take with other supplements. Allow a 2 hour gap so it does not interfere with absorption of supplements.

Do not use activated charcoal if an accidentally ingested substance is an acid, an alkali or a petroleum product.