The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Diarrhea
Posted by Cameron (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 12/14/2011
★★★★★
Yes, works very fast. Mix some Activated Charcoal in some juice, about a Teaspoon, let it fall to the bottom before mixing and drinking because it floats and any vigorous mixing bfore it sinks will have it all over the place. Also works for stomach upsets, gas and vomiting. Vomiting may take up to 3 doses but it will work, be prepared as black Charcoal Vomit is awful if you miss the bag or toilet.
Diarrhea
Posted by Lisa (Kevil, Ky) on 11/28/2011
★★★★★
Those with negative effects probably took too much, didn't drink enough water, didn't counter with extra fiber from veggies, fruits or fiber supplements. I had a little constipation. Stools were a little dry and hard to pass. So I backed down from a teaspoon 2 or 3 times a day, to 1/2 a tsp. 2 or 3 times a day, and made sure to drink plenty of water and eat enough fiber from foods and I also followed the charcoal with slippery elm, about a tablespoon in a pint of water, which makes a thin mucilaginous drink that is soothing to the gi tract and moves things on through it. I have had great results. Totally stopped the bout of gas and diarrhea that I had hit me, I guess from a bug or food poisoning.
Food Poisoning
Posted by Mitsue (Wishart, Queensland Australia) on 11/06/2008
★★★★★
One late afternoon I bought Sushi with raw salmon in it, it must have been sitting there all day, after eating it I had very bad case of vomiting and diarrhea for almost 3 weeks. I remembered that charcoal helps with the poison, and I had charcoal my mother sent me for purifying water. I just was so desperate I just cracked a small piece and ate it. Surprising as it is, my vomiting and diarrhea stopped almost immediately. I should have taken it sooner.. So I have medicated charcoal tablet in my medicine cupboard now and when I had vomiting the other I took one straight away and I was fine!!
Charcoal Side Effects
Posted by Jeanne (Atl, Georgia) on 06/25/2008
WARNING!
Please be careful if you try activated charcoal! I was getting stomach pain 20 minutes after every meal. I finally figured out that my stomach pain started after I took activated charcoal (heaping tablespoon for 2 days in a row - not a lot!). I located the pain in my stomach, found a little lump in the colon, and then used my fist to move the lump to the left. A day later my husband took over, found the lump,(which had moved slightly) and did acupressure for about 2 minutes on the spot-- ohhh yes, it hurt. But within minutes I had to run to the bathroom and the rest is history. No more stomach pain. So please be careful with the charcoal, especially if you have a sensitive stomach! I think that people's stomach aches can be often be an impacted colon. The same thing has happened to me before after eating bread and another time, after drinking psyllium without enough water!
If you press on your stomach and have a painful spot that moves slowly from one day to the next, you may have clogged your colon/intestines. Tons of water helps, but acupressure massage is best to move the obstruction to your bowels and out. One last note is that I was having normal bowel movements even while my colon was impacted, so don't rely on that (constipation or elimination) to judge, but more on the location of pain and whether or not a little lump exists.
Infection
Posted by Lauren (Brooklyn, NY) on 02/13/2008
★★★★★
I had a miscarriage and inflamation developed in my uterus as a result. I was unable to stand or walk for mor than 10 minutes. The pain in my lower back and pelvic area was excrutiating. I used 1 tbs of charcoal in a glass of warm water every morining and night for 10 days. The inflamation and the pain were gone by the end of the program.
Where to Buy
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 06/22/2015
★★★★★
For food poisoning and all sorts of other issues,
Here is where I get my activated charcoal -
http://www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com/
I actually get two different types.
Hardwood Charcoal Powder is what I use for poultices. It is not quite so fine and "poofy" when I am mixing it up.
Coconut Shell Charcoal Powder is what I use for internal use. It is finer and less gritty when you mix it in water.
Both can be used internally and externally.
This company does sell charcoal tablets. They do have some fillers that I wish were not included, but sometimes a tablet is what is most convenient. (To lay against a sore tooth or for a toddler.) I have never had any trouble with them, though.
I have also bought charcoal capsules for convenience, which the only concern for some would be what is in the capsule itself. The only filling is the charcoal.
I have made some attempts to make my own charcoal tablets. They are really much more expensive than the powder. But so far my efforts have been futile! Perhaps I will try again. In my attempts though, I did find that charcoal adsorbs essential oils! I added some peppermint essential oil to my mix and when I cam back to my dry (but dreadfully crumbly) charcoal tablets, there was NO smell at all!
~Mama~
Charcoal Side Effects
Posted by Toourlady89 (Ca, Usa) on 08/28/2013
Hi, taking activated charcoal on a regular basis as I understand is not really a good idea. It is used for certain occasions for absorption of bad bacteria from the stomach such as: in food poisoning, abdominal distention with gas, or absorption of excess medication in cases of over dose. It could absorb large amounts of liquid from the stomach and thereby cause constipation. There are many other uses of charcoal but Use it as needed only. Not for regular daily use. You would wanna take it separately from your meds or vitamins as it would also absorb some of those. For constipation, hydration is most important, Milk of Magnesia could help followed by 6-8 glasses of water for the day. Magnesium Oxide daily would help prevent constipation in the future.
Activated Charcoal and Meds
Posted by Pam E. (SW Calif.) on 06/28/2025 171 posts
Charcoal aDsorbs (electrostatically attracts)... it does NOT aBsorb anything's volume.
It attracts it electrostatically so that what it attracts becomes attached to it ... not aBsorbed by it.
There was a study done on sheep for 6 months ... they were fed 5% Activated Charcoal in their food... .
At the end of the study the sheep were tested & found to have NO nutritional deficiencies... .
The study is found in the: Online Journal of Biological Sciences ...
Investigations : Digestion & Metablism Indices of Sheep When Using Activated Charcoal Supplement https://thescipub.com/pdf/ojbsci.2017.121.127.pdf
Food Poisoning
Posted by Al (Opelousas, USA) on 06/30/2008
★★★★★
I had food poisoning so bad that I was sent to the emergency room, during which time, I was given 2 liters of Sodium Chloride(??). Of course the hospital wants you to pass (diahrrea) the poison, so nothing was administered. I sent a relative to the drug store for Activate Charcoal capsules and followed the recommended dosage; 1gm/hour...within 6-7 hours I could eat small amounts and not experience nauseau or diahrrea(sp?)You should keep a bottle in the refrigerator (safely).
Viruses, Charcoal and Cayenne
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA) on 08/13/2009
John!! God bless you!! You are so correct. How fortunate we are that all the darkness in the universe cannot extinguish the light of a single flame. Capitalism may have temporarily quashed the benefits of Bird's Eye pepper for the majority of mankind, but God offered us a way, through you, to healing. Amazing. In our search for the Truth, in our attempts at achieving a perfect relationship with Jesus, it is soooo important to acknowledge our own weakness, to admit our own faults and our own inability to save ourselves. When the perfect man, Jesus, was crucified, it was proven that the old system of laws failed, else a perfect man could not have been condemned to death. When we truly put Him first, we naturally seek for the good of ALL mankind, and when that happens we will not be troubled by the fear of appearing foolish or making mistakes. Remember, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God."
Also, in my search for the truth, I notice there is some debate online as to whether African Bird's Eye peppers actually exist. Have you considered growing them for your own use, or to give away/sell in health food stores?
Food Poisoning
Posted by Shawna (Mountlake Terrace, WA)
★★★★★
I have had multiple issues with food poisoning all throughout my life. I had a Naturalpath tell me once to take 3-4 charcoal pills two times a day at the onset of pain and queasyness, then continue the same for 3 days afterwards. You can purchase charcoal pills from any health food store or in some local corner drug stores. I have used this remedy for about 15 yrs now and it's ALWAYS worked. My husband just had it and he took the pills and he felt better right away and was able to keep down food and water.
Spider Bites and Boils
Posted by David (Austin, Tx) on 06/04/2016
★★★★★
I have successfully treated myself and others with activated charcoal. Quickly pulls out toxins and poisons from spider bites and boils. I mix it with high quality clay mask to make a paste which is applied directly to the affected area. Continue to wash off and re apply every few hours until healed. Apply generously and be sure to cover well beyond any swelling or redness. Generally a three inch diameter should be sufficient.
Activated Charcoal for Dogs
Posted by Steve (Nevada) on 11/18/2015
★★★★★
I've had good success with starwest activated charcoal. They should have 1lb bulk bags. Not sure about the VIP labs that sell this.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cheri (Texas) on 09/13/2013
★★★★★
I have been using activated charcoal for a few years and I always by mine on Ebay. You can get any size in powder form. My dog likes to eat Deer droppings (yuck) and it makes her sick, but when I see her licking her lips after being outside I know, if I get the charcoal in her she won't be sick, I use an empty syringe by sticking it in the side of her mouth between the teeth. I have used it for the flu and it stopped the vomiting.
Charcoal Side Effects
Posted by Mercedes (Wilkes Barre, Pa/usa) on 05/25/2011
I took natures way activated charcoal for gas pains it caused worse pains then I started I also feel a lump in my stomach it has been 6 days and I still cannot have a bm. I also went to the hospital for this pain. They couldnt do anything for me because I took exlax which made me go but not the hard lump above belly button. The exlax made me dehydrated so they sent me home. I wouldn't recomend this to my worst enemy. So to all who read this before taking it please don't take it.
Food Poisoning
Posted by Leah (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 04/11/2011
★★★★★
Oh yes, charcoal is an incredibly effective solution for food poisoning!
Tooth and Mouth Care
Posted by Jenlyn (Colo Springs, Co) on 02/28/2010
★★★★☆
Had severe tooth pain. Had charcoal on hand and tried a paste with water and 4 broken capsules. The pain when I applied the guaze definitely lessened. I still plan on seeing a dentist, but it is a Sunday and at least it is temporary relief.
Charcoal Side Effects
Posted by Tina (Toledo, Ohio, Usa) on 06/06/2010
I take a heaping tablespoon of activated charcoal in 2 cups of water and have lots of fiber-foods(vegetable!)during the day as well as lots of water. I don't have a problem with constipation as long as I drink sufficiently and eat fiber-foods.
Spider Bites, Mosquito Bites
Posted by Anonymous (Denver, CO) on 07/30/2009
★★★★★
I had two mosquito bites that swelled to little eggs on my arm. I mixed a little charcoal with water and dabbed that on. The itch stopped immediately and I kept putting it on several times. The swelling went down as well.
My husband cut some tree branches and got three spider bites on the back of his knee. Two of them had already started seeping by the time he showed it to me and one especially looked pretty scary. We put some charcoal on mixed with water and then covered everything with bandaids. We changed this several times and after about three days one bite is gone and the other two look like they are healing nicely.
Upset Stomachs
Posted by Helen (Houston, Texas) on 05/16/2009
★★★★★
I just had my gallbaldder removed and I have been so sick and can't sleep.....miserable....I got some charcoal tablets and now feel alot better and can sleep......I recommend this for upset stomachs instead of baking soda and other remedies at the pharmacy....charcoal works! Helen D.
Viruses, Charcoal and Cayenne
Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 09/02/2017
See if you can find "capsicum annuum, " the scientific name.
Heavy Metal Detoxing
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 11/11/2021
★★★★★
Dear Lauren,
I don't see any reason not to use both charcoal and cilantro.
When I am using charcoal I try to use it alone because I wouldn't want it to bind with anything in the other supplements I am using. So, just take charcoal a couple of hours after taking the cilantro.
Charcoal should be taken with a glass of water to avoid any risk of constipation. It should not be taken along with any prescriptions or supplements.
I hope the combo is helpful to you!
~Mama to Many~
Kidney Dialysis
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 09/26/2013
Anon,
I realized I suggested plenty of water for your wife and you had said she was on a fluid restricted diet. I had thought you meant she was restricted about types of fluid and not quantity. So, scratch that recommendation as I realize you mean quantity.
If she is allowed to have fats, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is an excellent fat to have. It is very good for the body and nutritious. If apples and berries are okay for her, organic apples are an excellent food (The old adage, An apple a day keeps the doctor away really does have some truth in it! ) and berries are antioxidant.
~Mama to Many~
Activated Charcoal and Meds
Posted by Heartrhythms (Santa Fe, Nm) on 02/14/2010
★★★★★
Hi Rita, activated charcoal would probably reduce the absorption of your medicine if taken around the same time (to be safe, I'd leave at least 4-5 hours between the charcoal and meds).
