Category: Herbs and Spices

Chickweed: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects 

Chickweed, or Stellaria media, is a common herb that grows in Europe and has been used as medicine for hundreds of years. It is known to be good for your health in many ways, such as boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping you lose weight. 

The plant got its name from the bunch of white flowers on it. It grows in many places worldwide, like pastures, fields, lawns, gardens, waste areas, coastal areas, and places where the soil has been disturbed. 

The leaves and flowers are used as medicine and as food. Unfortunately, chickens and other livestock also like to eat them. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to forage but ensure nothing you find has been treated with pesticides.

Benefits and uses of chickweed 

Chickweed has many uses and benefits, such as being a great source of vitamins and minerals, helping you lose weight, reducing inflammation, and making your skin healthier. In addition, you can eat it raw in salads or cook it in soups and stews.

Health Benefits

1. High in protein and other nutrients:

Eating protein-rich foods like chickweed regularly can build muscle mass, keep your immune system healthy, and make you feel full and satisfied for longer. It has vitamins A, D, B complex, C, rutin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, copper, iron, and silica. Chickweed holds up much better than spinach and has the same amount of iron and other nutrients. It can be grown as a crop or used as survival food. For example, sailors used to eat it to keep from getting scurvy. It also has a good amount of fiber and a good amount of protein.

2. Aids in digestion:

Chickweed is an excellent addition to any diet because it has a lot of vitamin C and fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps the gut healthy. It also contains antioxidants, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and natural diuretic properties. Greens in your diet can aid in maintaining a healthy gut because they facilitate the absorption of nutrients and waste removal. In addition, chickweed is a mucilaginous plant that can be used as a mild laxative and a change of pace. It may also help you lose weight by blocking digestive enzymes, slowing the absorption of fats and carbs, and stopping you from gaining weight.

3. Helps reduce inflammation: 

The active compounds in this substance have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms of some conditions. Stellaria plants have been used to treat painful conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, PMS, and digestive and lung problems. It can be taken by mouth as a tea or tincture or put on aching joints or skin. It has also been shown to help with coughing.

4. Natural diuretics: 

Chickweed has natural diuretic properties that help make more urine and eliminate extra bodily fluids. It can also help fight bladder infections and problems with the kidneys, and it can reduce swelling and fluid retention. It also makes you feel less hungry, which enables you to eat less and lose weight.

5. Cough and Colds:

The saponins found in chickweed make it a helpful expectorant and demulcent herb. Chickweed contains these saponins. These compounds can help break up mucus and clear the chest during a cold or flu. In addition, it can calm irritated and dry tissues by bringing them moisture, making it beneficial for dry and spasmodic coughing.

6. Treats respiratory problems:

The antioxidants in chickweed, known as saponins, can act as expectorants in the respiratory system. This makes coughing up phlegm and mucus easier, reduces inflammation, and clears infections. Because of this, you will be able to breathe normally.

Skin Benefits

1. Great for minor skin irritations:

Stellaria media has been used for skin health for hundreds of years because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling caused by acne or eczema.

2. Fights acne: 

It is also thought to help fight acne by reducing redness and making less oil. It may also help wounds heal and calm skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis.

3. Aids in wound healing: 

Chickweed is a remedy for dry skin, eczema, rashes, and psoriasis. 

It can cool wounds, reduce their pain, and remove splinters. It can be applied to wounds, brewed tea, or incorporated into a salve such as Baby Balm.

4. Reduces skin irritation: 

Chickweed can be put on irritated skin directly to reduce swelling. Additionally, it can be made into a salve or ointment to treat insect bites, burns, cuts, and itching. It also makes you feel relaxed and dries you out.

Culinary Uses

Because of its subtle flavor and high vitamin and mineral content, chickweed makes a delicious and healthy addition to various dishes.

  • Used in salads
  • Used as a thickener in soups
  • Used as an herb in other dishes
  • Can be juiced

Other Uses

  • Used as animal feed
  • Used in compost
  • Used to make tea
  • Used as a fertilizer

Risks and side effects

It is generally agreed that small amounts of chickweed in food and drink and topical application do not pose any health risks. It is typically grown using organic methods in the wild and rarely treated with pesticides. On the other hand, consuming it in large quantities may cause digestive issues and other effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, cramping, and increased urination. Avoid eating excessive raw greens because they contain saponins; this is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consulting your physician is wise if you plan on using it for an extended period.

Conclusion

Chickweed, or Stellaria media, is a common herb that grows in Europe and has been used as medicine for hundreds of years. It has a lot of vitamins and minerals that help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and keep your skin healthy. It has antioxidants, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and diuretic properties that come from nature. It is also known for having anti-inflammatory properties that make acne or eczema less red and swollen. Chickweed can be used in many ways, like treating skin irritations, cooking, feeding animals, composting, making tea, and fertilizing.

Where to Buy 

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DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. In addition, the statements and goods on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Alkanet: Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Alkanet is considered a medicinal plant due to its therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and other properties. It is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia and is grown in and imported from Albania, India, Egypt, and Turkey.

The bark of the root contains dying substances, which are aromatic diketones belonging to the classes commonly known as Alkannins and Shikonins. 

Alkanet is the common name for a group of closely related plants in the Boraginaceae Alkanet family, including Alkanna tinctoria, the source of a crimson dye. It is commonly found in loading places, roadsides, yards, wastelands, and fields. It is known for its medicinal properties, including sedative, analgesic, and laxative properties.

Parts of the Alkanet Plant

Roots

The roots of the alkanet plant, specifically planted to produce a natural red dye, are extensively cultivated in Europe. The plant’s roots are dark red, appearing blackish from the outside but -red inside with a whitish central part. 

Root powder used as the dye is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and oils. Alkanet root powder turns oil scarlet, but when applied to wood, it turns dark red-brown and highlights the grain.

Leaves and flowers

The blossoms of the alkanet plant are brilliant blue. Because it produces such lovely flowers, it is sometimes used as an ornamental.

Alkanet is a plant with edible leaves and branches that can be consumed similarly to spinach. Moreover, the plant’s blooms can be cooked or used as an appealing garnish.

The stems

The stems are covered with long white hairs, and the leaves have sparse white hairs on their upper sides, hairs along their margins, and a white “fur” on their undersides. The bright yellow to yellow-orange flowers occur in showy clusters at the ends of the stems. The blossoming period occurs in late spring and lasts for approximately one month.

 Health Benefits of Alkanet

Anti-inflammation effect 

Alkanet root can improve blood circulation and reduce migraine and headache symptoms. In addition, you can use it to treat bone and muscle inflammation by applying alkanet root essential oil to the area. Alkanet root, with its benefit of anti-inflammation, will cure migraines and headaches.

 Scars recovering

 Alkanet root extract is used to help scars heal because it keeps the skin from getting infected by bacteria and reduces inflammation. It is also used to heal scars due to its natural anti-inflammation ability and absorb heat from the skin. It is also helpful as a sunblock and sunburn.

Fever treatment

Alkanet root is used to cool down a fever and induce sweating to speed up the healing process of fever pain. It is natural cooling character helps to cool down the fever, similar to traditional Ayurvedic healing. Additionally, it can induce sweat to speed up the healing process of a fever.

Hair and nail treatment

Alkanet root can make hair stronger and stop hair loss. It can also keep nails from getting damaged. It is a natural hair color that is safe and does not affect health. In addition, alkanet root extracted into oil can be used to cover the hair cuticle and prevent hair fall and the symptoms of baldness.

Nail Treatment

Alkanet root is beneficial for preventing cracking and inflammation of the nail. In addition, regularly using the essential oil of alkanet root can help prevent it from becoming irritated, sore, and infected.

Rheumatic pain relief

Alkanet root is an excellent way to treat rheumatoid arthritis. You can use essential oil or powder to relieve pain and stiffness. The rheumatic disease attacks muscles and nerves and can be overcome by continuously applying essential oil or consuming the powder.

Maintaining skin health

It reduces inflammation, treats acne, reduces dryness and improves skin elasticity. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of alkanet root can help keep the body from getting sick. It can also help keep your skin healthy and looking good by slowing aging and getting rid of wrinkles. Alkanet root powder or oil can help keep your skin healthy and beautiful by reducing signs of aging, wrinkles, and scars. 

It may Promote and supports peak cardiovascular performance.

By letting an alkanet root soak in water and then getting its essence, it can be used to keep the heart healthy. It can help eliminate toxins in the body and improve how well the heart pumps blood. It also lowers blood pressure by making the cardiovascular system less sensitive to stress and lowering high blood pressure. Which helps prevent and prohibit heart attacks and reduce the risk of stroke disease. In addition, Alkanna roots have antioxidant activity that assists in neutralizing free radicals and protecting the body from cell damage.

Antifungal and skin healing

Alkane root is good at killing fungi, so it can help treat fungal skin diseases like phlegm, ringworm, and eczema. 

Herpes treatment

Alkanet roots have the power to treat virus-based illnesses like herpes, which is a severe condition. Herpes alkanet root can also be applied to cure herpes, an immunity, and skin disorder caused by a virus. 

Antiaging activity

By preventing wrinkles and aging that can result from external factors, alkanet root oil or powder can help keep skin healthy and beautiful. Applying alkanet root oil or powder can help protect the skin from foreign materials.

Uses of Alkanet

Cosmetic

  1. Lip Balms
  2. Hair Dyes
  3. Soaps
  4. Lotions

Culinary

  1. Used as a Natural Food Coloring: Red dye obtained from the roots is used as a food coloring.
  2. Used as a Natural Flavoring
  3. Used as a Natural Preservative

Side Effects

Alkanet root can cause acute liver failure, cirrhosis, pneumonitis, pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure. It can also cause hepatic or lung toxicity due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloid components. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants that can be used as antibiotics, antitumor agents, antioxidants, and painkillers. For example, Alkanet is a medicinal plant rich in alkane and its derivatives, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other secondary compounds. These secondary metabolites are essential for medicine because they can be used as antibiotics, antitumor drugs, antioxidants, and painkillers. 

 LINKS TO RESEARCH REFERENCES

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DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. In addition, the statements and goods on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Mountain Rose Herbs are dedicated to carrying a diverse range of certified organic and fair trade products.

Amazing Benefits & Uses of Agar Agar {Gelidiella aceros}

Agar agar is a flavorless, colorless, gelatinous material derived from red algae, most typically from Gelidium species.

It is a mixture of the polysaccharides agarose and agaropectin, which are glucose-based polymer agents that give these sea vegetables their shape.

It also has a lot of fiber, protein, iodine, and trace minerals.  

Agar is still commonly used in Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other places today.

Extraction

Agar-agar is a mixture of two polysaccharides, agarose, and agaropectin, extracted from red seaweeds Gracillaria and Gelidium species.

It is extracted using hot, dilute alkali and cooled to form a very brittle gel, either frozen/thawed or compressed under high pressure. After that, the gel is dried and ground into a powder. The artisanal method still makes small amounts of “natural agar.”

Gelidiella doesn’t dissolve in cold water but in 90–100°C water and other solvents. Therefore, the solution and casting surface must be maintained above the agarose gel-setting temperature when making an agar film to avoid premature gelation.

It is more stable than other polymers at low pH and high temperatures. In addition, Gelidiella is a thermoplastic and biocompatible polysaccharide to make substantial, explicit, transparent films with moderate O2 and CO2 barrier properties. Most importantly, these films are edible and break down quickly.

Inhabit

Lives in the shallow water between the high and low tides. It grows in sunny or shady places, attached to coralline rocks, rocks covered with crustose algae, sandstones, or the shells of Mollusca.

Uses of Agar 

Industrial Uses

Besides applications in biotechnology and medicine, it has been widely utilized as a gelling agent in processed foods, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics. 

It is a raw material for the manufacturer, used in pharmaceutical industries, paints, varnishes, electric bulbs, and photographic films; used as a culture medium in bacteriology, agar plates in electrophoresis, and other laboratory uses.

Home Uses

Agar gels are also helpful in producing baked goods, used for baking stable fillings, piping gels, glazes, and icings. In addition, it is utilized for human consumption as food: prepared as a salad, dessert gel, or agar jelly, an ingredient in milk products and jams.

There has also been increased interest in Gelidiella for its health benefits as a dietary fiber source.

Despite its biodegradability and enormous gelling power, Gelidiella has not been widely used due to poor aging due to photodegradation and ambient temperature and humidity fluctuations. 

Currently, researchers are looking into new ways to get around these problems, such as nanocrystalline cellulose, native and alkali-modified agars mixed with locust bean gum, and multilayer films with blended carbohydrate nanocomposite films.

Conclusion

Agar agar is a gelatinous material derived from red algae, typically from Gelidium species. It is extracted using hot, watered-down alkali and letting it cool until a complex gel forms. It is more stable than other polymers at low pH and high temperatures. It makes substantial, clear, transparent films with moderate O2 and CO2 barrier properties. Agar films can be eaten and fall apart quickly. They live near coralline rocks in shallow water between high and low tides.

In the industrial world, gelling agents are used in processed foods, medicines, and cosmetics. At home, it can be used to make durable fillings, gels for piping, glazes, and icings. In addition, as a source of dietary fiber, It is becoming more popular because it is good for your health.

Where to Buy 

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LINKS TO RESEARCH REFERENCES

DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. In addition, the statements and goods on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

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9 Best Herbs and Spices High in Zinc

Zinc can be found throughout cells, muscles, and bones; however, the body cannot create zinc, so it must be acquired through diet. Taking herbs high in zinc is a great way to add extra zinc to your diet. It is an essential trace element contributing to immune function, tissue repair, and gene synthesis. Since zinc is involved in many health aspects, maintaining adequate zinc levels is essential for the body to function at its peak capacity.  

Zinc is a naturally abundant trace mineral essential for numerous physiological processes in animals, plants, and humans. Animals and humans receive zinc from water, plants, food, and natural supplements. Zinc is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestines and is primarily carried throughout the body by three proteins: albumin (60%), α-macroglobulin (30%), and transferrin (10%).   

The body requires zinc to carry out many aspects of cellular metabolism. For example, along with protein and DNA synthesis, zinc is essential for the optimal activation of hundreds of enzymes.

Zinc is also crucial for the beginning stages of human growth, from pregnancy to adolescence. It commonly works with vitamin C to support and enhance immune system functioning, possibly reducing the risk of numerous infections.  

In this article, we’ll review a list of herbs high in zinc as well as the health benefits of zinc.

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) 

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a perennial herb popular in Ayurvedic medicine and revered for its effects on the brain. Research has shown that it may improve brain function and mood and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. It is also known for its anti-cancer properties and is one of the vital zinc herbs. 100g of dried bacopa contains 11mg of zinc, around half a cup. It is best taken as a supplement or extract.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) 

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a popular culinary herb in French cuisine, used as a flavoring and therapeutic herb for thousands of years. It has been used to soothe stomach conditions, reduce blood pressure, provide antioxidants, and decrease the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies during the winter. It is estimated that 100g of dried chervil contains 8.8 mg of zinc. Chervil leaves can be used as flavoring for soups, butter, poultry dishes, and salad and can also be consumed as tea or extract. Its zinc content helps prevent trace mineral deficiencies while promoting benefits for stomach conditions, blood pressure, and skin health.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is one of the most popular herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a clove-like aroma and is not used in culinary dishes. Traditional and modern uses of tulsi leaves are similar, and it is known to support stress, improve brain function, and improve immune functioning. It is estimated to contain 4.8 mg of zinc and is best enjoyed as a tea, extract, or capsule supplement. Its zinc levels and adaptogenic properties indicate health benefits for stress, cognition, and immune system function.

Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds, often known as hemp hearts, have a high nutritional profile and complement most diets. They do not include cannabis, but their benefits include relief from arthritic and joint pain, improved heart and digestive health, improved hair, skin, and nail health, and immune system support. It goes well in smoothies, breakfast bowls, nut butter, hemp milk, and protein powder. Zinc content per 100g is calculated to be (11.5mg, 77% DV). See your doctor if you are concerned about any potential medicine interactions or hemp seed side effects.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb in the Lamiaceae or mint family popular in various cuisines, especially Mediterranean foods. It is eaten fresh or dried and has a more potent, peppery flavor. It is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties and its antioxidant effects. 100g of dried oregano is estimated to contain 2.7 mg of zinc, making it one of the best herbs high in zinc. It is a flavoring for sauces, bread crumbs, marinades, and vinaigrettes and can be taken as a capsule supplement or extract. It may also promote antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a Lamiaceae family herb native to the Mediterranean region and is one of the most common zinc-rich foods in the kitchen. It is derived from “thymos,” meaning “courage and strength,” and has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is estimated that 100g of fresh thyme contains 1.8mg of zinc. It is most commonly used as a culinary flavoring or garnish but can be administered as a tea, extract, or supplement in capsule form.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an adaptogenic herb for its therapeutic root. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Southwest Asia. Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is known for its rejuvenating properties, anti-aging effects, hormone balance, and ulcer healing. It is estimated to contain 0.54mg of zinc and is best consumed as a decoction, tincture, or capsule.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds provide fiber, protein, copper, manganese, zinc, calcium, and other vital vitamins and minerals produced from the sesame plant. They may offer health benefits such as improved food absorption, increased fat burning, improved hormone levels, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer cell proliferation.

It is estimated to contain (11.16mg, 117% DV) of zinc per 100g. They can be consumed as is or made into tahini or sesame oil and added to stir-fries, dips, dressings, and salads. However, be careful with consuming sesame as it is on the FDA’s list of major allergens in 2023.

Cardamom

Cardamom is an old medicine with numerous therapeutic effects. It may aid in the fight against cancers, reduce anxiety, fight infections, and protect the liver. It is calculated that each 100g contains 7.47 milligrams of zinc. Cooking with cardamom may be a safe and effective approach to enhancing health, but it should be done with caution and under the guidance of a doctor.

Where to Buy 

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DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. In addition, the statements and goods on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Activated charcoal: Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, flavorless black powder used since ancient times to treat various ailments. For example, it is used to safely and effectively treat poisoning and drug overdoses. It is derived from natural sources and traps toxins and poisons in the body, allowing them to be flushed out and not reabsorbed by the body. It can also help with flatulence, kidney health, and cholesterol levels.

Activated charcoal is produced through the controlled decomposition of carbon-based substances such as coconut shells or peat, which are then “activated” with gases at high temperatures.

This process removes previously absorbed molecules from the charcoal and reopens bonding sites, lowering the size of the pores in the charcoal and creating additional holes in each molecule.

It is sold in supplement and powder form and can be added to various food and household products. It is not charcoal used in your barbecue grill, as it contains many toxins and chemicals. 

Benefits and Uses

1. Kidney Health

Activated charcoal may improve kidney function by lowering the waste the kidneys must filter, especially in persons with chronic kidney disease. It may also bind to urea and other toxins, helping them pass from the bloodstream into the gut and be excreted in the stool. 

Furthermore, animal studies have demonstrated that activated charcoal may aid in the improvement of renal function as well as the reduction of gastrointestinal damage and inflammation.

2. Teeth Whitening and Oral Health

Activated charcoal whitens teeth and promotes good oral health by changing the pH balance and absorbing plaque and microscopic tidbits. It is cost-effective and an all-natural solution for a bright smile. However, no significant research supports its use for teeth whitening or oral health. Therefore, when using charcoal toothpaste, it is vital to check the ingredients for unwanted additives and only work on surface stains that can bind to them.

3. Water Filtration.

Activated charcoal is a natural water filter that can absorb and absorb various toxins, drugs, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and chemicals in the water. It effectively traps impurities in water but cannot trap viruses, bacteria, and hard-water minerals. 

According to a 2015 study, carbon-based water filtration systems eliminated up to 100 percent of fluoride from 32 unfiltered water samples following six months of installation. Fluoride avoidance and detoxification are critical for oral health, immune system function, and kidney and liver health. As a result, restricting ingestion and utilizing an activated charcoal water filter is vital.

4. Overdose and Anti-poison Treatment

Because of its capacity to bind to many medications and reduce their effects, activated charcoal has been utilized as an emergency anti-poison treatment since the early 1800s. According to research, consuming 50-100 grams of activated charcoal within 5 minutes of taking medicine can limit an adult’s ability to absorb that drug by up to 74%. 

As a result, it is most effective in the first hour following an overdose or poisoning.

It does not adsorb alcohol but can quickly remove other toxins from the body. In addition, when taken at the same time as alcohol, it can reduce blood alcohol concentrations.

5. Reduction of Gas and Bloating

To relieve painful gas and bloating, take activated charcoal pills or powder. According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, activated charcoal decreases intestinal gas following a typical gas-producing meal. In addition, according to a study published in UCLA Health, when charcoal is coupled with simethicone, it becomes even more effective. 

Also, consuming activated charcoal 8 hours before an abdominal ultrasound minimizes the quantity of gas in your intestines, making obtaining a clear ultrasound image easier. The EFSA recommends consuming at least 1 mg three times daily for ten days to treat intestinal gas.

6. Cleansing of the Digestive Tract

By eliminating pollutants that cause allergic reactions, oxidative damage, and poor immune system function, activated charcoal can help promote a healthy digestive tract.

It may also be able to differentiate between what should and should not adsorb, as one study found that toxin-producing strains of E. coli were more likely to be adsorbed by activated charcoal than normal bacterial flora.

7. Diarrhea Relief 

Activated charcoal has been proposed as a treatment for diarrhea due to its potential to prevent bacteria and drugs from being absorbed into the body by trapping them on its porous, textured surface. A 2017 review of recent studies found that it had few side effects, and one case study suggests it may help treat diarrhea, but higher-quality studies are needed.

8. Skin and Body Health

Activated charcoal treats body odor and acne, relieving discomfort from insect bites, poison ivy or oak rashes, and snake bites. Nevertheless, when used topically as an activated charcoal mask or combined with other components such as aloe vera, it can bind to poison, toxins, or dirt, causing skin problems or bite reactions.

It can also reduce foul odors when combined with baking soda. In addition, skincare researchers have reported that activated charcoal can help draw microparticles, such as dirt, dust, chemicals, toxins, and bacteria, to the skin’s surface, making removing them easier. However, almost no evidence supports these claims.

9. Reduces High Cholesterol

Activated charcoal may help reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol and cholesterol-containing bile acids in the gut, preventing them from being absorbed. According to studies, ingesting 24 grams of activated charcoal daily for four weeks reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 25% while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol by 8%.

Activated charcoal may also help treat poisoning, drug overdoses, and a condition called TMAU.

10. Mold Removal

Mold exposure can lead to significant health problems such as depression, kidney and liver failure, diminished brain function, heart disease, eye irritation, migraines, vomiting, poor immune system function, and severe respiratory distress. In addition, houses that have flooded or have tiny leaks can produce a climate conducive to mold growth, and poor ventilation exacerbates the problem.

Using activated charcoal can help mitigate areas of mold overgrowth in your home, as it has an adequate binding capacity and can significantly reduce mold absorption. However, be sure to look out for symptoms of mold exposure, such as wheezing, rashes, watery eyes, coughing, or headaches, and evaluate for mold spore levels.

Side Effects

When used in moderation, activated charcoal is generally safe for most adults. However, it may cause constipation, dark feces, lung regurgitation, slowing or blocking the intestinal tract, and dehydration. 

So, the best thing to do in case of an overdose or poisoning is to call emergency services or the local poison control center. 

In addition, activated charcoal can help detox the digestive tract but can also interfere with absorbing nutrients, vitamins, and other supplements.

It is critical to understand the source of the charcoal and look for activated charcoal generated from coconut shells or recognized wood species with ultra-fine grains. Avoid artificial sweeteners because they are high in chemicals.

Conclusion

Activated charcoal is a natural medicine that can cure toxic overload or poisoning, reduce gas, remove mold, improve skin health, and lower cholesterol levels. It is safe to eat and use topically but buy a high-quality product free of fillers and additives. Also, it may interact with other medications, so consult your doctor before using it.

Where to Buy 

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LINKS TO RESEARCH REFERENCES

bmj00002-0006.pdf (nih.gov)

Combination of oral activated charcoal plus low protein diet as a new alternative for handling in the old end-stage renal disease patients – PubMed (nih.gov)

Effect of adding a capsule with activated charcoal to abdominal ultrasound preparation on image quality – PubMed (nih.gov)

Is there a role for charcoal in palliative diarrhea management? – PubMed (nih.gov)

Charcoal-based mouthwashes: a literature review – PubMed (nih.gov)

A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins – PMC (nih.gov)

DISCLAIMER OF MEDICINE

This information is not meant to provide medical advice or replace a personal physician’s advice or treatment. All readers of this information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should check with their doctors before initiating any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the information or commodities on this website.