ACTIVATED CHARCOAL POULTICE

Method 1

Jelly Poultice

 Blend 3 tablespoons of flaxseed (or use cornstarch).

 Mix flax meal together with 1-3 tablespoons of charcoal powder.
 Add 1 cup water.
 Set aside for 10-20 minutes to thicken, or mixture may be heated and allowed to cool.
 Spread the jelly evenly over an appropriate size cloth or paper towel.
 Cover the jelly with a second cloth or paper towel.
 Position poultice over the area to be treated (i.e. - liver, stomach, kidneys, spleen, knee, eye, ear,
sting or bite area).
 Cover poultice with plastic 1 inch larger all around (to keep paste from spreading and drying too
quickly). Secure with surgical tap or ace bandage.
 Leave poultice in place overnight or from 2-4 hours, if applied during the day.

Plain Poultice

This poultice, without any thickening agent, is a variation of the one described above. Consequently the
charcoal may dry out more quickly and will need to be changed or remoistened. Mix charcoal (1 to 2 Tbs.)
with a little water to form a wet paste. It should be moist but not crumbly or drippy.

 Spread the paste on one half of a folded paper towel, loosely woven cloth, or piece of gauze cut
to fit the area to be treated . When ready the cloth should be moist, and thoroughly saturated with
the paste.
 Then cover the paste by folding over the other half of the paper towel or cloth.
 Next place the charcoal poultice on the affected body part making sure it completely covers the
area.
 Cover the poultice with plastic (when available, plastic food wrap works fine) cut to overlap the
poultice by an inch on every side . This will keep it from drying out. If the charcoal dries out, it will
not be able to adsorb.
 Finish off by bandaging or taping the poultice securely in place. Leave it on for several hours, or
better yet, overnight. After 6 to 10 hours another poultice can be applied.

Note : Poultices of any kind only work if there is continuous moist contact with the skin.

A great source for charcoal remedy information and to purchase products is Charcoal Remedies!

Method 2

This POWERFUL Healing Tool ADSORBS EFFICIENTLY, being used for localized DETOXIFICATION (i.e. -
TOXIC Liver, Bee Stings, Spider or Snake Bites). NOTE: Adsorption (adsorb) is a POWERFUL Electrical
Action and absorption (absorb) is ONLY a Mechanical Action.
 1. Blend two tablespoons of Flax Seeds in a Blender to make a Flax Seed Meal. NOTE: Make up
ONLY as MUCH Flax Seed Meal as you NEED for the Poultice and if there is ANY EXTRA Meal,
then store it in the Refrigerator. Be SURE to use it though within 1 week, since the Meal starts
becoming RANCID afterwards, making it TOXIC to the Body! Slippery Elm Inner Bark Powder,
which does NOT become RANCID, could be substituted instead. NOTE: Dr. Richard Schulze's
Intestinal Formula #2 can be used instead to make an even BETTER Poultice! Formula #2 can be
obtained from the American Botanical Pharmacy.
2. Mix an EQUAL amount of Activated Charcoal Powder SLOWLY together with the Flax Seed Meal in
a small Pot, that contains 5 - 6 tablespoons of Distilled (preferably) Water.
3. Bring this Mixture to a Boil and stir until obtaining a Toothpaste consistency. NOTE: The desired
consistency should be such that it is NOT TOO WET to run all over, or TOO DRY to fall apart.
4. Spread the Poultice Paste EVENLY on top of a 6 x 6 inch Macroporous Cloth/Towel (i.e. - Cotton
Cheesecloth, Cotton Gauze, or even an unbleached (preferably) double-layered Paper Towel).
5. Place another layer of 6 X 6 inch Cloth/Towel DIRECTLY on top of this Poultice Paste laden
bottom layer.
6. Place a 7 X 7 inch piece of double-layered Saran Wrap DIRECTLY on top of the now COMPLETED
Poultice to cover it, while leaving 1 inch ALL the way around.
7. Place this Activated Charcoal Poultice over the desired area of Skin to be treated (i.e. - Liver,
Stomach, Kidneys, Spleen, Knee, Sting/Bite Area or ...).
8. Place Surgical Tape around the Poultice and stick it to the Skin Area to be treated. NOTE: Saran
Wrap, a Towel, or an Ace or other stretch-type Bandage could also be wrapped around the
Poultice to secure it into place.
9. Leave this Activated Charcoal Poultice in place overnight or at LEAST for 2 to 4 hours, if applied
during the day. NOTE: If the Poultice is used over the Liver, it should be changed EVERY day
until the very BAD odor is TOTALLY GONE for 2 days in a row. Do NOT reuse Activated Charcoal
Poultice after each use! An Activated Charcoal Poultice can be made ANY size, using a Band-Aid
to make a SMALL one or a Cotton Sheet to make a LARGE one.

NOTE: If you NEED to use Activated Charcoal for an Eye Problem(s), then you can make a small 2" X 2"
Charcoal Poultice (see above) and place it over one eyelid for 8-10 hours, repeat for the other eyelid. You
can use a Ski Cap or Surgical Tape to hold the Charcoal Poultice on the eyelid.

References: Charcoal Booklet - C.R. Carnes. Rx Charcoal - Agatha Thrash, Calvin Thrash & Phylis Austin.
Home Remedies (chapter - Charcoal Therapy) - Agatha Moody Thrash & Calvin Thrash.

If You're Interested In: Reading MORE Information About Activated Charcoal Powder, Then Please CLICK
HERE. Purchasing Activated Charcoal Powder, Then Please CLICK HERE. Ordering Activated Charcoal
Powder, Then Please CLICK HERE.

Activated Charcoal Universal Antidote and Detoxifier

Richard C. Kaufman, Ph.D.

Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent gritty black material commonly found in air and water filters.
Activated charcoal is created by carbonizing organic matter in a kiln under anaerobic conditions and
activating the material with oxidizing gases like steam or air at high temperatures. This oxidative process
erodes the charcoals internal surfaces and increases its adsorption capacity by creating an internal
network of very fine pores. Usually bone char, coconut shells, peat, coal, petroleum coke, and sawdust
are the starting materials for making activated charcoal.
Early Uses Of Charcoal The medical uses for charcoal date back to the Egyptian Papyrus of 1550 B.C.
During the time of Hippocrates (400 B.C.) physicians treated epilepsy and anthrax with charcoal. In the
1700s charcoal was often prescribed for bilious problems (excessive bile excretion). After the
development of the charcoal activation process (1870 to 1920), many reports appeared in medical
journals about activated charcoal as an antidote for poisons and a cure for intestinal disorders.

Contemporary Charcoal Use Modern research has validated most of the early uses for charcoal and
discovered exciting new applications. This article will discuss the many important therapeutic uses for
activated charcoal;(1,6)

 Universal antidote for drugs, chemicals and poisons.

 Systemic clearance of drugs and intoxicants.
 General detoxification.
 Anti-aging and life extension.
 Reducing cholesterol, coronary disease and arteriosclerosis.
 Counteracting pathogens.
 Intestinal complaints.

Antidote For Drugs, Chemicals and Poisons Activated charcoal has the well-earned reputation of being a
universal antidote. It can adsorb most organic chemicals, many inorganic chemicals and countless
poisonous substances before they can cause harm. How well activated charcoal really works in practical
situations depends on several different factors:(8)

 The type of toxicant (its chemical structure and physical properties)

 The amount and type of charcoal ingested.
 The length of time from toxin ingestion to activated charcoal ingestion.
 The contents of your intestinal fluids and intestinal transport efficiency.

As a general rule, a single large dose of activated charcoal should be taken as soon as possible after
ingesting a poison. The amount of activated charcoal should exceed the toxic substance by a factor of
eight (a ratio of 8:1). In other words, if youre poisoned with 5 grams of a chemical, you need to take at
least 40 grams of activated charcoal. Other researchers recommend different dosages. Some experts
believe a 10 to 1 ratio is correct. Still other experts recommend a fixed amount of 50 to 100 grams. I
recommend ingesting a minimum of 50 grams of activated charcoal as a counterpoison, because
ingesting large amounts of activated charcoal is harmless, and taking too little is ineffective. Besides, how
often in the case of an emergency can you precisely determine the amount of the poison?

The actual effectiveness of the activated charcoal will vary, so take more than you think you require.
Activated charcoal should be taken within 30 minutes of ingesting the poison. The longer the delay, the
less effective activated charcoal will be. On some poisons delaying more than 30 minutes decreases the
effectiveness of the activated charcoal as an antidote by up to 60%. The bottom line is plain and simple.
Keeping activated charcoal in your medicine cabinet and taking it if you are poisoned could save your life
and your money too. It has been estimated that use of activated charcoal for treating poisonings could
reduce the stay in intensive care from 3 or 4 days to one, saving over $100,000,000 in health care costs
and preventing unnecessary disability and death.(11)

Systemic Clearance of Drugs and Intoxicants Nowadays, activated charcoal is often used to clear drugs
and intoxicants that can enter the body through the intestinal tract, and even by injection and other
routes. The systemic clearance of toxic substances or detoxification by activated charcoal is accomplished
by taking multiple daily doses. Activated charcoal detoxifies the body in several manners:(4)
Purifies the 6-8 liters of digestive fluids that are secreted daily which in turn helps remove foreign
substances from the blood.

Absorbs the intoxicant substance and its metabolites that are excreted into the small intestine from the
biliary (bile) tract, preventing their reabsorption.

Absorbs drugs that diffuse back into the stomach and intestines.

Decreases the detoxification work load of the liver.

Activated charcoal shortens the time it takes an intoxicant to leave the system and decreases the
duration and intensity of symptoms.(15) People who take activated charcoal after drinking alcohol or
taking recreational drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines recover quicker. I recommend activated
charcoal as part of a drug recovery program to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug craving.
Other nutrients that help are the neurotransmitter precursors L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, L-Phenylalanine,
Choline and DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol).

Even experts disagree on the best way of using multiple doses of activated charcoal to remove
intoxicants. Most protocols are based on experience with drug overdosages. In actual clinical situations,
the activated charcoal regimen is optimized to the patient. The doctor considers the type of toxic
substance, severity of intoxification, digestive functions and electrolyte balance. For mild overdoses and
intoxification, I suggest up to 80-100 grams divided into 4-6 daily doses of powdered activated charcoal
until the symptoms are eliminated. Consult an expert who can optimize your regimen. For a dangerous
overdosage call your physician or hospital imwww.ely.

General Detoxification Very few health practitioners realize that activated charcoal is the best single
supplement for enhancing detoxification. Detoxification is an on-going biological process that prevents
toxins (from infectious agents, food, air, water, and substances that contact the skin) from destroying
health. Chronic exposure to toxins produces cellular damage, diverse diseases, allergic like reactions,
compromised immunity and premature aging.(14)

To use activated charcoal in a detoxification plan, I recommend about 20 grams a day of powdered
activated charcoal be taken in divided daily doses for several months or the duration of the detoxification
program.

In addition to activated charcoal, the ideal detoxification prescription includes sauna baths, exercise, a
special diet, and supplements (unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C, niacin, proteolytic (protein digesting)
enzymes, liver support phytonutrients and a comprehensive multiple nutrient formula.(9)

Anti-Aging and Life Extension Dr. V. V. Frolkis, a famous Russian Gerontologist, and his colleagues have
discovered that activated charcoal is a potent life-extending agent. Activated charcoal has been found to
increase the mean lifespan of older test animals by approximately 40% and their maximum lifespan by
approximately 34%.(2)

Activated charcoal decreases the age-related increase in the brains sensitivity to drugs and toxins.

Activated charcoal normalizes cholesterol and lipid metabolism.

The regular use of activated charcoal improves the adaptive functioning of essential organs (the liver,
kidneys, and adrenals). That translates into better defense mechanisms.
Microscopic tissue analysis shows that activated charcoal prevents many cellular changes associated with
aging-decreased protein synthesis, lower RNA activity, arteriosclerosis, and organ fibrosis. So the
cumulative effects from activated charcoal are longer life and improved overall health.(19)

A recommended protocol for anti-aging and life extension benefits is as follows: On two consecutive days
each week, take about 30 grams each day of powdered activated charcoal in divided daily doses. Take
charcoal in the morning, at midday and before bed on an empty stomach. Avoid excessive calories or
unhealthy foods on those days.

Reducing Cholesterol and Coronary Artery Disease You can help your heart and circulatory system by
taking activated charcoal. Activated charcoal lowers the concentration of total lipids, cholesterol, and
triglycerides in the blood serum, liver, heart and brain. In one study that was reported in the British
journal, Lancet, on patients with high cholesterol, 8 gm of activated charcoal taken three times a day
lowered total cholesterol 25%, lowered LDL cholesterol 41% and doubled their HDL/LDL (high-density
lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol ratio. Microscopic tissue examination studies have shown
that a daily dose of activated charcoal may prevent sclerotic changes in the heart and coronary blood
vessels. To help your heart and blood vessels, I suggest the following: 12-17 grams of activated charcoal
twice a day for one month under the guidance of a physician who can measure cardiovascular
improvements and cholesterol levels.(5,15)

Counteracting Pathogens Activated charcoal reduces the activity of some viruses. So if you catch a cold
or the flu, try activated charcoal. You may suffer less and heal faster. Activated charcoal also prevents
the poisonous activity of many harmful bacteria in the human body by adsorbing the toxins and enzymes
that they generate. Studies have shown that activated charcoal is an effective treatment for dysentery,
cholera, and many infectious conditions of the digestive tract.(16,17)

Systemic Candidiasis Activated charcoal can be an effective adjunct to any regimen for the treatment of
systemic Candida albicans infections. Activated charcoal adsorbs much of the toxins that Candida
produces that otherwise would be absorbed by the blood and carried throughout the body. These toxins
produce pathological changes in tissues and organs and interfere with proper immune function. Candida
toxins cause allergic reactions and are responsible for the debilitating symptoms of Candidiasis.

Activated charcoal also suppresses the growth of intestinal-based yeasts.(3) Activated charcoal
counteracts the Herxheimer reaction--a severe, short-term exacerbation of Candida symptoms caused by
the copious amount of toxins produced by dying yeast cells. The Herxheimer reaction is often so
unpleasant that patients abandon treatment before completion. Activated charcoal is one method for
alleviating the symptoms of yeast die-off so people can continue their treatment and not suffer.

I suggest 20-30 grams of powdered activated charcoal a day in divided dosages on an empty stomach
until the problem is eliminated. The larger amount is taken for more severe situations. Again, a reminder:
do not take required medications within 2 hours of taking activated charcoal.

Intestinal Complaints Activated charcoal has been used by physicians since the last century to treat
various intestinal complaints. Abdominal distension (bloating) and flatulence respond favorably to
treatment with activated charcoal. Diarrhea caused by food poisoning, bacteria, nervousness and other
factors is usually alleviated by taking activated charcoal.(10) Some physicians have used activated
charcoal to stop bleeding from ulcerative colitis and calm spastic colons.(12) Activated charcoal is the
best intestinal deodorant available. Taking activated charcoal counteracts decomposition products from
food (such as beans) that cause flatulence and diarrhea. Individuals with malodorous stools should reach
for activated charcoal. Travelers to foreign countries would be wise to pack activated charcoal. In my
opinion, activated charcoal is the most practical way to effectively counteract food poisoning. To alleviate
intestinal disorders with activated charcoal, I recommend the following. As an antidote for food
poisoning, take 20 grams of activated charcoal two to three times daily. For other intestinal complaints, 5
to 10 grams of powdered activated charcoal twice daily.

Charcoal Is Safe Toxicology studies have proven that activated charcoal is basically harmless. Ingesting
high dosages does not interfere with sleep, appetite or well being--or cause major problems. There are
several undesirable effects of using activated charcoal that can be avoided by complying with the
following directions. Activated charcoal is highly adsorbent; when it is ingested at the same time as
medication, supplements and foods it may decrease their absorption and utilization. Therefore, always
allow 2 hours before and wait 2 hours after using activated charcoal to eat, take supplements or swallow
medication. Activated charcoal has a natural tendency to cause constipation. That can be counteracted by
taking a mild herbal laxative with the activated charcoal. Finally activated charcoal harmlessly blackens
your stools. Although black-gray stools look strange, they can be used to calculate your bowel transit
time. Just measure the length of time from taking activated charcoal to the appearance of darkened
stools.

Not All Charcoal is Alike Numerous companies manufacture activated charcoals, each of which can have
different adsorptive capacities. Different source materials and manufacturing procedures give each brand
of activated charcoal its own pore diameters and internal volume that determine its adsorption capacity.
The U.S.P. (United States Pharmacopoeia) standard for activated charcoal specifies an internal surface
area of 1000 m2/g (square meters per gram). Recently, several companies have begun manufacturing
Super activated charcoals, with up to 3 times the internal surface area per gram and far greater
adsorption power than standard activated charcoal.(3)

Powders, Capsules, or Tablets? Because of the large volume of charcoal that is needed, it is easiest to
take liquid preparation of charcoal powder. For example, to take 30 grams of charcoal a day in capsules
would require that you swallow about 60 capsules. Furthermore, activated charcoal tablets are not
effective. They take too long to disintegrate and release the activated charcoal.

Ideal Charcoal Preparation - (see VRPs EnteraKlenz) Unfortunately, a simple water and charcoal mixture
is unpalatable and messy. It tastes like a charcoal briquette, and blackens your teeth, gums and tongue.
These problems can be avoided by ingesting a powdered activated charcoal complex that contains a
thickening agent like bentonite, with added flavors and mild sweeteners.

Research studies showed that that the addition of bentonite significantly improved the palatability of an
activated charcoal and water slurry. Bentonite acts as thickening agent that reduces powdery mouth-feel
and improves the taste without reducing the efficacy of activated charcoal. In fact, bentonite is an
enterosorption agent and a poison antidote in its own right. For example, bentonite has been shown to
bind and reduce the poison paraquat. The addition of chocolate further enhances the palatability of
activated charcoal in research studies and practical experience.(12,13)

Reprinted with permission of Journal Of The Megahealth Society, Vol. 5, No. 3, Issue #23 ISSN 0891-
5334. Copyright 1989 by MegaHealth Society, now Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute (CERI),
publishers of Smart Life News. CERI explores the latest research and treatment for Alzheimerss,
Parkinsons, Downs syndrome and age-associated mental impairment in normal, healthy adults.

References

 D.O. Cooney, Activated Charcoal Antidotal and other Medical Uses. Marcel Dekker, New York and
Basel, 1983.
 V. Frolkis, et al., Enterosorption in prolonging old animal life. Exp. Gerontol. 19; 217-25, 1984.
 E.P. Krenzelok and M. B. Heller, In vivo comparative effectiveness of five commercial activated
charcoal products. Vet. Hum. Toxicol, 28; 498, 1986.
  K. Kulig, et al., Management of acutely poisoned patients without gastric emptying. Ann. Emerg.
Med. 114:562-67, 1985.
 P. Kuusisto, et al., Effect of activated charcoal on hypercholesterolemia. Lancet 16: 366-67,
August 1986.
 J. Mattson and H. J. Mark, Activated Carbon. Marcel Dekker, New York and Basel, 1971.
 G. Park, et al., Expanded role of charcoal in the poisoned and overdosed patient. Arch. Int. Med.
146: 969-73, 1986.
 Reduction of Human Organchalide Burdens, Foundation for Advancements in Science and
Education, Los Angeles, California, 1983.
 J. A. Riese and F. Damrac, Use of activated charcoal in gastroenterology: value for flatulence and
nervous diarrhea. J. Am. Ger. Soc. 12: 500, 1964.
 W. Watson, Factors influencing the clinical efficacy of activated charcoal. Drug Intelligence and
Clinical Pharmacy 21: 160-66, 1987.
 Navarro RP; Navarro KR; Krenzelok EP Relative efficacy and palatability of three activated
charcoal mixtures. Vet Hum Toxicol, 19(8):6-9 1980 Feb.
 Gwilt PR; Perrier D Influence of thickening agents on the antidotal efficacy of activated charcoal.
Clin Toxicol, 19(8):89-92 1976.
 Topuzov EG; Beliakov NA; Malachev MM; Umerov AK; Solomennikov AV; Gritsenko IV; Kokaia AA
Use of enterosorption in biliary tract cancers complicated with mechanical jaundice. Vopr Onkol,
42(2):100-3 1996.
 Beloshitski(r)i VV A clinico-biochemical basis for the use of enterosorption in severe
craniocerebral trauma Lik Sprava, 42(5):145-8 1997 Sep-Oct.
 Krylov AA; Beliakov NA; Sapego AV; Stolov SV Enterosorption in ulcerative lesions of the
gastrointestinal tract with concomitant intestinal dysbacteriosis Ter Arkh, 68(2):24-7 1996.
 Riechkina OO A clinical assessment of the detoxifying effect of enterosorption in treating
tuberculosis of the respiratory organs in children Lik Sprava, 5(5):62-4 1998 Aug.
 Andreichyn MA; Lutsuk OS; Andreichyn SM; Kopcha VS [The enterosorption treatment of patients
with acute intestinal infections and chronic colitis with diarrhea Lik Sprava, EA-(7-9):147-51 1996
Jul-Sep.
 Andreichyn MA; Lutsuk OS; Andreichyn SM; Kopcha VS Enterosorption as a method for
prolonging life. Fiziol Cheloveka, 22(7-9):131-5 1996 May-Jun.

Vol. 146 No. 5, May 1986 Archives

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Expanded Role of Charcoal Therapy in the Poisoned and

Overdosed Patient

Glen D. Park, PharmD; Reynold Spector, MD; Mark J. Goldberg, MD; George F. Johnson,
PhD

Arch Intern Med. 1986;146(5):969-973.

Abstract

• Activated charcoal is widely used as an adsorbent for the management of patients with
drug overdoses and poisonings. Activated charcoal can be used orally to prevent drug and
poison absorption in cases of overdose and poisoning. Multiple oral doses of charcoal
increase the elimination of several, but not all, drugs and poisons. The effectiveness of
multiple oral doses of charcoal in accelerating drug clearance is dependent primarily on the
endogenous clearance of the drug or poison and its volume of distribution. Multiple doses
of charcoal are used to shorten the period of supportive care in certain patients or to more
rapidly remove drugs or poisons that may cause tissue damage, eg, theophylline. Charcoal
is a safe, effective, and inexpensive alternative to more invasive treatments for some
cases of drug overdose and poisoning.

(Arch Intern Med 1986;146:969-973)

Author Affiliations

From the Departments of Internal Medicine (Drs Spector and Goldberg), Pathology (Dr
Johnson), and Pharmacology (Drs Spector and Goldberg), College of Medicine and the
Division of Clinical/Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy (Dr Park), University of Iowa,
Iowa City.

Footnotes

Accepted for publication May 29, 1985.

Reprint requests to College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 (Dr
Park).