The benefits of charcoal as an antidote have been known for a long time. In addition, there are actually many health benefits of charcoal that you can get. Check out the explanation in this article.
Charcoal or more precisely activated charcoal is a fine black powder that has high absorption. Charcoal can come from wood, peat, coal, or coconut shells that are heated at high temperatures. From this heating process, charcoal has its properties in absorbing toxins.
Benefits of Charcoal for Health
The following are various benefits of charcoal that are good for general health:
1. Overcome poisoning and drug overdose
Charcoal is often used as an antidote since ancient times. Now not only as an antidote, charcoal is also used for the first treatment of drug overdose. Charcoal is able to bind to various types of drugs and toxins so as to prevent these toxins from being absorbed by the body.
2. Overcoming diarrhea
A study says that charcoal can also help with diarrhea. Charcoal is able to bind toxins from bacteria that cause diarrhea in the intestines and prevent these toxins from being absorbed by the body, so diarrhea symptoms can subside.
However, more research is still needed to confirm the benefits of this one charcoal.
3. Overcome flatulence
Charcoal is also often used as an alternative medicine to treat flatulence and stomach cramps. Charcoal is able to bind substances that have the potential to produce excess gas in the digestive system. Generally, these substances come from the food and drinks consumed.
4. Lowering cholesterol levels
Although it is still being researched, charcoal is believed to have properties for lowering total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body by binding to cholesterol in the intestines. With this ability, less cholesterol is absorbed from food, so blood cholesterol levels are better maintained.
5. Maintain kidney function
Charcoal is also said to help maintain and improve kidney function, especially in people with chronic kidney failure. Charcoal works by helping the kidneys filter toxins in the blood, so that the work of the kidneys becomes lighter.
6. Accelerate wound healing
Charcoal is also believed to accelerate wound healing, especially wounds such as diabetic ulcers that are difficult to heal. Charcoal powder placed over an open wound and wrapped with gauze can help wash away pus and toxins, thus helping the wound heal faster.
7. Become a face mask
In the world of beauty, charcoal is also used as an ingredient for facial masks. Charcoal is believed to be able to absorb bacteria and dirt from the skin. That way, your skin will be healthier, cleaner, and free of acne.
After knowing the benefits of charcoal, you can start using this powder in your daily life. There are already charcoal products that are packaged in the form of tablets, pills, or directly in the form of face masks.
However, the use of charcoal still cannot be arbitrary. If consumed in excess, charcoal can cause side effects. One of them is a change in the way the body absorbs food and drugs.
So, before you take charcoal supplements or drugs to treat certain health conditions, it's a good idea to consult with your doctor first.