Derived from wood, coconut shells, peat, or other natural sources, activated charcoal has numerous applications in medicine, health, beauty, and beyond.

Activated charcoal is slowly dried, heated, and then oxidized with carbon dioxide or steam. This process causes the formation of millions of small pores across its surface that are able to trap organic compounds and foreign toxins within. This phenomenon, known as adsorption, prevents chemicals from being absorbed by the body or the environment, allowing them to be flushed away. Because activated charcoal is so porous, a single gram of it has the equivalent surface area of over 32,000 square feet!

This unique property of activated charcoal has been used to clean up polluted air and waterways, treat poisonings and overdoses, alleviate gas and bloating, and detoxify the body. There are plenty of applications for health and beauty too – here are 3 DIY recipes for activated charcoal:

DIY Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Recipe

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of Majestic Pure Activated Charcoal Powder
1.5 tablespoons of raw coconut oil 
7 drops liquid stevia 
5 drops of Lemon Essential Oil 
2 oz glass jar
Bowl for mixing

Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl till well combined into a paste. If you have activated charcoal capsules, first break apart the capsules and measure out 2 tablespoons.
Store in a small glass jar.

Tips
When using, just take a pea-sized amount and rub it all over your gums with your finger. (This is how I like to do it, and I find it convenient). Then use your wet brush to brush all your teeth, as you normally would. Rinse out your mouth and brush again with another pea-sized amount. Brush for at least 2 minutes every day.
You can use peppermint essential oil instead of lemon essential oil, if you wish.

DIY Charcoal Face Mask Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tsp Majestic Pure Bentonite Clay
1 tsp Majestic Pure Activated Charcoal Powder
2 tsp water
½ tsp raw honey 
1 drop each tea tree and lavender essential oil (optional) 

Method:

In a small glass bowl add the water and essential oil. Sprinkle the bentonite clay over the top of the water mixture in the bow. Allow it to absorb for a about 10 seconds before adding the rest of the ingredients. This makes the mixture easier to combine. Use a small rubber spatula to mash and mix everything together. The clay will want to stay lumpy, so this takes a few minutes to mix thoroughly. You’ll have enough mixture here for 2 face masks. Once your mask is mixed, apply it liberally to your face. Allow it to dry, about 10 minutes, before washing off with soap and warm water.

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