Activated carbon, also called activated and medicinal, has been used for years as an effective remedy for diarrhea. Thanks to its properties, it is also increasingly used in cosmetics, as an ingredient in face, body, hair and teeth products. Its characteristic black color distinguishes it from other preparations, and thus arouses consumer interest. How is activated carbon obtained and what properties can be attributed to it?

What is activated carbon?

What is most often emphasized by the proponents of activated carbon is its natural origin. Medicinal carbon is made from raw materials such as wood, peat, fossil coals or nut shells. It is most often obtained from wood pulp subjected to the carbonization process at 400-800°C. Then this pulp is activated, which gives the carbon strong adsorption properties. Activated carbon usually comes in the form of a black powder, and medicinal products are usually available in the form of tablets or capsules.

Activated carbon - properties and applications

Medicinal charcoal is particularly valued for its adsorption properties. This means that it is an adsorbent that has the ability to absorb toxins and impurities - for example from the digestive system. This is why it is so effective in treating diarrhea, flatulence and food poisoning. Intestinal peristalsis disorders can lead to increased frequency of bowel movements and loosening of stool consistency - this occurs, among other things, as a result of bacterial and viral intestinal infections. Medicinal charcoal binds undesirable substances in the digestive tract, such as bacterial toxins, poisons, intestinal gases, protein, some medications and factors that affect intestinal peristalsis.

Preparations containing this ingredient can also be used in cases of poisoning with certain drugs – however, this requires consultation with a doctor. When it comes to medical use, activated carbon is also effective for cuts, wounds and abrasions, as it effectively absorbs wound exudate, eliminates unpleasant odour and binds bacterial endotoxins.

Activated carbon is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. Toothpastes with activated carbon are very popular, which also has a whitening effect - this is possible thanks to its ability to adsorb other substances and abrasive properties. As an ingredient in toothpastes, carbon soothes wounds on the gums, and at the same time removes discoloration from teeth and eliminates unpleasant odor from the mouth.

It can also be found in soaps, shampoos, scrubs and face masks. Activated charcoal has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent ingredient in cosmetics for oily and acne-prone skin.

How to dose activated carbon?

When using medicinal charcoal, follow the instructions in the package leaflet. To detoxify the body and get rid of heavy metals, usually 1-2 capsules a day are used - just 1 g of activated charcoal can absorb 1.8 g of mercuric chloride. Charcoal can also be helpful in removing pesticides from the intestines, which are contained in food, such as lettuce, which easily accumulates lead and cadmium.

It is important to note that the body does not absorb activated carbon from the digestive tract, but rather it is excreted in the feces. After taking a supplement with activated carbon, the feces may turn black – this is a completely natural phenomenon that should not be worried about.

Activated carbon - contraindications

Although medicinal charcoal is a natural substance, in some cases its use is not recommended or should be consulted with a doctor. This applies especially to people with gastrointestinal obstruction, paralysis of intestinal peristalsis or suffering from persistent vomiting. Due to its adsorption properties, medicinal charcoal should not be used with other medications, as it may reduce their effect - it is best to take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the medication. It is also worth noting that activated charcoal taken with a meal has a weaker effect. Before giving a charcoal supplement to a child, read the leaflet to see if the preparation is intended for children.

What to look for when choosing activated carbon?

Activated carbon supplementation should be considered – it is therefore worth paying attention to the composition of products from different manufacturers. Oleofarm activated carbon is a supplement containing carbon from natural raw materials, which is distinguished by its simple composition, without unnecessary fillers. In addition to activated carbon itself, our product contains ingredients such as cellulose (filler), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (shell component) and magnesium salts of fatty acids and silicon dioxide (anti-caking agents). Our supplement is available without a prescription and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it does not contain animal ingredients.