What You Need to Know About Activated Charcoal

Get the scoop on the trendy ingredient you’re seeing everywhere.

What You Need to Know About Activated Charcoal

By Reina Berger

These days you can't turn a corner without hearing about activated charcoal. Found in the form of powder, pills, cubes, granules, chewable tablets, and facial pads, this ingredient is trending everywhere. Social media feeds are spilling over with images of black ice cream, hamburger buns, smoothies, and more. While this ingredient is having a major moment in the sun, it has already been used all over the globe for centuries now. If you want to find out the benefits and common uses of activated charcoal, keep reading!

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Originally Used in Ancient Medicine

Originally Used in Ancient Medicine

Originally used by the Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, and Native Americans, activated charcoal has been around for centuries. Normally derived from wood, coconut shells, willow peat, and coal, activated charcoal is an extremely absorbing agent that has many different uses. Originally referred to as “black magic” back in the day, this ingredient has long been known for its unusually dark color and ability to cure bodily ailments, remove harmful bacteria and fungus, and get rid of parasites.

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Is Your Stomach Cramp Actually Diverticulitis?

It may not just be indigestion.

We've all been there — we get a cramp in our stomach, maybe with some nausea or constipation. It's easy to think it may just be indigestion. But what if it's something more serious like diverticulitis? That's a condition of inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches that can form in your digestive tract. Here's how to tell the difference between the pain and how to know when you should see a doctor.