Activated charcoal tablets have a variety of uses in the health care field. Activated charcoal is charcoal, a form of carbon, treated with oxygen. This creates a chemical reaction that opens up spaces between the pores of carbon. These openings make activated charcoal porous. Activated charcoal attaches to many different types of impurities, particularly carbon-based ones. Its high rate of absorption is what makes activated charcoal so valuable in the health field. Of the various uses for activated charcoal, the most common is to treat poisoning and overdoses.
Poisoning and Overdoses
According to the Mayo Clinic, activated charcoal is widely used as a treatment in cases of poisoning. Activated charcoal tablets attach to the poison and prevent the absorption of the poison in the stomach. Activated charcoal does not work on all types of poisons, so it is important to know what the affected person ingested before calling poison control or heading to the emergency room. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that activated charcoal tablets are an effective treatment for overdoses of certain drugs, such as aspirin and Phenobarbital. Whether used for a treatment for poisoning or overdose, it may be necessary to administer multiple doses of activated charcoal.
Indigestion and Diarrhea
People who suffer from diarrhea or indigestion may notice a reduction in their symptoms if they take activated charcoal tablets, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic recommends lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on fried and fatty foods and drinking peppermint tea, along with taking activated charcoal tablets, for best results.
Skin Problems
Survival Scoop recommends using activated charcoal tablets to treat abrasions and other skin conditions. Start by crushing several activated charcoal tablets and adding enough clean water to create a paste. Apply the paste to a cloth and place the cloth over the affected area. Finally, top the cloth with a piece of plastic wrap to hold in heat and enhance absorption. Change the paste and covering several times a day.
Dog Breath
One novel use for activated charcoal tablets is to treat your dog's less-than-stellar breath. You may be able to convince your pup that the activated charcoal tablets are a treat and get him to gobble them out of your hand. For more finicky eaters, homemade dog biscuits are an easy fix. Use one of the many dog biscuit recipes found online (see Resources for one example) and mix up a batch of treats for your pet.
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