Carbo Vegitabilis and activated charcoal are both charcoal supplements. Charcoal is not only used in medicine but also in the filtering of environmental wastes such as sewage treatment and water purification. Charcoal supplements are utilized mainly in homeopathic medicine for digestive disturbances, but also can be used in traditional medicine.
Charcoal
Charcoal has been used for centuries in homeopathic medicine and traditional western medicine as a method of removing poisons. It can only be used for oral ingestion, and has no effect on poisons in the blood. Several forms of charcoal supplements are available on the market in pill and powdered form. The powdered form is not recommended due to its difficulty to work with and probability of aspiration.
Carbo Vegitabilis
Carbo Vegitabilis claims to remove toxins from the body, but contains no actual charcoal. The process of making this supplement includes heating wood to extreme temperatures and then placing it in an air-tight container. The ash that results from this process is titrated and diluted to form Carbo Vegitabilis. This supplement is used in homeopathic treatment of chronic fatigue, indigestion, circulation, and breathing difficulty.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is produced by adding acid or steam to a carbon material and finely grinding to increase the surface area of absorption. Activated charcoal is most commonly utilized in the treatment of poisonings and overdoses in oral ingestion. It works because the activated charcoal binds to the toxin and does not allow for absorption in the digestive tract. It is also used as a bowel preparation before gastrointestinal tests.
Expected Results
There is clinical evidence that shows charcoal supplements aid in decreasing the absorption of poisons in oral ingestion. There is insufficient evidence in the supplements being used for lowering cholesterol, decreasing gas, and preventing a hangover.
Considerations
Because charcoal-based products can interfere with absorption and do not work on all poisons, they should not be used without consulting a medical professional. Some brands also include sorbitol and may result in severe vomiting and diarrhea. Charcoal products can also inhibit the absorption of nutrients and cause intestinal blockages.
