COMMON USES OF CHARCOAL

1. Poisoning or Drug Overdose

Charcoal is the best treatment for poisoning or drug overdose.

·         Induce vomiting unless petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene,) alkali (lye) or strong acids have been swallowed. In these cases do not induce vomiting.

·         Neutralize acids with baking soda in water. Neutralize caustics with vinegar in water.

·         Stir in 1 to 2 large spoonfuls of charcoal in a small amount of water and swallow quickly. (See table 3 page 27 for charcoal dosage schedule)

2. Diarrhea

Charcoal is one of the most effective treatments for diarrhea.

·         Treat severe diarrhea in an adult by adding 2 large spoonfuls of powdered charcoal water plus one glass of pure water 4 times per day. Drink one more glass of charcoal water followed by one glass of clear water for each additional, watery stool. (Use one half of the adult dose of charcoal for a child.)

·         Watch for signs of dehydration: thirst, dry mouth, scant, dark yellow urine, loss of skin elasticity, and a sunken soft spot in infants.

·         If dehydration occurs, a simple rehydration drink can be made by adding half to one small spoonful (teaspoon) of salt to one quart of vegetable broth or rice water. Give fluids in small sips every 5 mins - even if vomiting occurs – until there is a normal output of urine.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Charcoal is very effective for nausea and vomiting.

·         Give the full adult dose – 1 to 2 large spoonfuls in half glass of water ach time vomiting occurs. (For a child use half the adult dose.)

·         If the charcoal is vomited, give another dose immediately. Always follow the dose of charcoal with a full glass of water.

4. Intestinal Gas or Bloating

Charcoal relieves intestinal gas or bloating.

·         Take 1 to 2 large spoonfuls of charcoal in half a glass of water, as needed to control symptoms.

  5. Eye and Ear Infections

Infections of the eyes and ears can be treated with a charcoal poultice. Put the poultice over the infected eye or ear, and leave it in place for at least 4 hours or overnight. Applying heat to the poultice increases its effectiveness.

6. Skin and Joint Infections

Infections of the skin and joints can be treated with a charcoal poultice. Leave the poultice on for several hours or overnight.

7. Bee Stings and Spider Bites

For single bee stings and inflamed mosquito, ants, or chigger bites, apply a charcoal poultice directly over the affected area. For severe allergic reactions to a bee sting, change the poultice every 10 mins for one hour.

Then leave a charcoal poultice in place for 8 hours or until pain and swelling are gone.

Directions for treating multiple Bee Stings and venomous Spider, scorpion, or insect bites;

·         Immediately wash the area of the bite or sting thoroughly with soap and water.

·         Put the bitten area in cool charcoal water for 30mins to 1 hour. Prepare the cool charcoal bath, with half a cup of charcoal in 8 litres (2 Gallons) of water.

·         After soaking on cool charcoal water, apply a charcoal poultice (see table 2 page 27 for bee sting and spider bite treatment.)

  8. Snake Bites

If pain and swelling occur within 10 mins of a poisonous snake bite, venom has entered the body.

·         Immediately wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water.

·         Submerge the bitten area in cool charcoal water for 30mins to 1 hour (half cup of charcoal to 8 litres or 8 gallons of water.)

·         Apply a very large charcoal poultice covering almost the entire extremity that has been bitten. Centre the poultice directly over the bite. Keep the poultice moist by covering it with plastic. Remove the old poultice and place a new poultice over the snake bite every 10 to 15 minutes, until pain and swelling are gone.

·         Take charcoal powder by mouth as well. Take about 2 large spoonfuls in half glass of water every 2 hours for 3 doses, then one small spoonful every 4 hours for the next 24 hours. Each charcoal dose should be followed by 2 glasses of water. (See tab le 2, page 27 for snake bit treatment.)

  9. Jaundice in the New Born

If the new born baby is very yellow, give a small spoon full of charcoal stirred in enough water to pass through a nipple every 2 to 3 hours. Place the undressed baby in the sunlight before 10a.m. or after 3.00p.m. (Avoid hot midday sun to prevent burning of the skin.)

Cover the baby’s eyes to protect them from the sun’s rays. Continue treating the infant until the jaundice decreases or disappears.

10. Liver and Kidney Disease

Charcoal can benefit people with diseases of the liver and kidneys including liver or kidney failure. Give charcoal by mouth to help prevent toxins from accumulating in the body. Apply a large charcoal poultice to the mid back for kidney disorders and to the abdomen for liver disorders.

11 Tooth Aches and Gum Infections

For gum infections, mix charcoal powder with enough water to make a paste. Brush the charcoal paste between the infected gums and the teeth. Leave the charcoal on the gums all night. Rinse the teeth and gums in the morning.

For toothaches, spread the charcoal paste on a piece of gauze; roll up the gauze and place it between the cheek or tongue and the infected tooth.