Charcoal Remedies

1. Charcoal Remedies

2. Charcoal=Carbon Here is a breakdown of the composition of the Human Body Hydrogen 52% Carbon 39% Nitrogen 5.6% Oxygen 1.6% Calcium 0.98% Phosphorus 0.77% Potassium 0.24% Sulfur 0.20% Sodium 0.15% Chlorine 0.10% Magnesium 0.06% Iron 0.0002% Iodine 0.000008%

3. Activated Charcoal Activated Carbon, also called Activated Charcoal or Activated Coal is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it extremely porous and thus to have a very large surface area available for adsorption One gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 500 m2 (5,382 sq. ft)

4. What is Charcoal? It is not classified as a drug or as a mineral It is completely inert and indigestible by humans It is odorless and tasteless When wood burns there is often not enough oxygen to allow for complete combustion. The water evaporates off, and the carbon in the wood distills into the black charred coals or crust we see when we put the fire out. Charcoal has no known poisonous side effects

5. Charcoal Quotes "Charcoal has amazing healing properties. In fact, if I were stranded on a desert island and could take only one thing along to protect me from disease, infection, and injury, I would choose charcoal.� Dr. Agatha Thrash, MD �I have for almost thirty years, carried a bottle of activated charcoal wherever my travels have taken me. It has been a first line of prevention and treatment.� John Dinsley author of CharcoalRemedies.com

6. Charcoal Quotes �It is only when ignited and quenched that charcoal itself acquires its characteristic powers, and only when it seams to have perished that it becomes endowed with great virtue�. Written almost 2000 years ago by the great Roman Scientist Pliny

7. Fomentation/Poultice Fomentation- from Latin, no surprise, to "a warm application.� to warm or heat up, the application of hot moist substances to the body Poultice- from 1542, porridge (pulse) a soft composition of meal, bran, charcoal or the like substance, to be applied to sores, inflamed parts of the body

8. Use of Charcoal NAUSEA SYMPTOMS�A sick feeling in the stomach, similar to motion sickness. MOTION SICKNESS (Car Sickness, Sea Sickness) SYMPTOMS�Nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting, cold sweat, queasy feeling, stomach churning. Possible dizziness, sometimes fainting.

9. Use of Charcoal INFLAMMATION SYMPTOMS�Swelling, heat, pain, tenderness, fever, discharges, edema, and/or allergies. BRUISING (Contusions) SYMPTOMS�Although the skin is not broken, the underlying tissue is injured. The result is some pain and swelling, and perhaps black and blue marks.

10. Use of Charcoal BOILS (Furuncles; Carbuncles) SYMPTOMS�Itching, mild pain, and local swelling, often on the scalp, buttocks, face, or underarms. Within 24 hours, the boil becomes red and filled with pus. Fever and swelling of the lymph glands nearest the boil may occur. Boils are tender, red, painful, and appear suddenly.

11. Use of Charcoal IMPETIGO (Impetigo; Contagiosa; Echthyma) SYMPTOMS- Cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and stings allow entry of the bacteria. An area of redness is seen, followed by blister-like swellings. The fluid is straw colored. If not scratched, the lesions break down in 4-6 days and form a honey-colored crust which heals slowly. The skin beneath may lose its color, not to be regained for months. The scratching generally results in more skin injury and a spread of the infection. At night, charcoal poultices can be attached and left overnight.

12. Use of Charcoal SINUSITIS (Sinus Trouble) SYMPTOMS�One or more of the following symptoms: facial pain, tenderness on the cheekbones, face and forehead, earache, headache, dry cough, bad breath, fever, dazed feeling in the head, loss of smell, and burning and tearing eyes. Sometimes it results in a swollen face, stuffy nose, and a thick mucous discharge. Between meals every day, take six charcoal tablets with water. This will help remove toxins.

13. Use of Charcoal CONJUNCTIVITIS (Pinkeye) SYMPTOMS�The membrane lining of the inner part of the eyelid becomes inflamed. The eyes may appear swollen and bloodshot, and are often irritated and itchy. If there is pus, eyelids often stick together after being closed for a period of time.

14. Use of Charcoal CALCULUS (Tartar; Stained Teeth) Brush with charcoal powder. TOOTH DECAY (Dental Caries; Toothache) Put a charcoal tablet in your mouth and, with your tongue or cheek, press it against the swollen gum at the base of the problem tooth.

15. Use of Charcoal PYORRHEA (Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease) A powerful aid in stopping gum infection is to brush the teeth twice a day with powdered charcoal. HALITOSIS (Bad Breath) Take charcoal by mouth. Let them dissolve slowly in the mouth.

16. Use of Charcoal BLOATING (Flatulence; Gas) Take charcoal, to help reduce the gas. The charcoal will adsorb it and carry it off. Prevention Magazine reported in their February 1981 issue of a study showing activated charcoal cuts down on the amount of gas produced by beans and other gas producing foods, and adsorbs the excess gas as well as the bacteria that form the gas.

17. Use of Charcoal GASTROENTERITIS (Stomach Flu) Begin by giving the person activated charcoal: Each dose should be 4 capsules, 8 tablets, or 1-2 tbsp. of powder, stirred into a glass of water. Give a dose each time there is vomiting or diarrheal stools. Ear Ache

18. Use of Charcoal- Diabetes Charcoal has been shown, in some individuals, to reduce glucose levels in the bowel resulting in a reduced need for medication. It has also been shown to reduce the signs of blood vessel and nerve damage�a major complication of diabetes. Thrash, Rx: Charcoal, p.42, 1988

19. Use of Charcoal PANCREATITIS SYMPTOMS�Acute cases: A sudden attack of severe burning or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen, possibly accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain may spread to the back and is made worse by moving. Food, alcohol, and vomiting may worsen the pain. In case of a very serious acute crisis, give frequent hot steam pack fomentations to the abdomen. Give charcoal internally, and apply it as a poultice over the affected area. Place the person on a strict program of what he eats and drinks.

20. Use of Charcoal TURISTA SYMPTOMS�Diarrhea when traveling in foreign countries, otherwise you may not feel sick. Amoebic dysentery is a serious problem in Mexico, Central America, and a number of other places. If you contract it, garlic, goldenseal, colchicum, peppermint, and ginger have been used successfully against it. When in doubt, burn a wooden box, gather the charcoal together and swallow it in water.

21. Use of Charcoal IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (Mucous Colitis, Spastic Colitis, Intestinal Neurosis) SYMPTOMS�There are three basic patterns: (1) constipation and pain; (2) alternating constipation and diarrhea; (3) and painless diarrhea with mucous. Diarrhea frequently occurs upon arising, and again following breakfast. For the remainder of the day, he may be constipated. Diarrhea at night is rare. Instead of diarrhea, stools sometimes are pasty and very narrow. Take charcoal tablets, to relieve gas and bloating.

22. Use of Charcoal CROHN'S DISEASE (Regional Enteritis; Ulcerative Colitis) SYMPTOMS�Loss of energy, appetite, and weight. Chronic diarrhea, fever, chronic rectal bleeding, malabsorption, pain in the entire abdomen, excess fat in the stool (resulting in pale, bulky stools that float). Malnutrition results. Charcoal will help control the diarrhea. Take 4-6 tablets,2-3 times a day between meals. If the charcoal irritates the colon, stir the charcoal into water, let the charcoal settle to the bottom, and only drink the apparently clear top part. (Slurry Water)

23. Use of Charcoal DIVERTICULITIS SYMPTOMS�No symptoms until they become infected or inflamed, resulting in chills, fever, and pain. The pain may be localized in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen and may be constant. Sometimes there is a brief period of diarrhea.

24. Use of Charcoal CHOLESTEROL, REDUCING Charcoal lowers the concentration of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood serum, liver, heart and brain. In one study on patients with high cholesterol, reported in 1986 in the British journal, The Lancet, two tablespoons (eight grams) of activated charcoal taken three times a day for four weeks, lowered total cholesterol 25%, lowered LDL cholesterol 41%, and doubled their HDL/LDL (high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol ratio.

25. Use of Charcoal CHOLESTEROL, REDUCING Microscopic tissue examination shows that a daily dose of activated charcoal may prevent many cellular changes associated with aging�including decreased protein synthesis, lower RNA activity, organ fibrosis as well as sclerotic changes in the heart and coronary blood vessels.

26. Use of Charcoal BLOOD POISONING (Septicemia) SYMPTOMS�Swelling, severe localized pain, discoloration, red streaks from the wound up the veins toward the heart, and sores that do not heal. HEADACHE�1 (Nervous Headaches; Cluster Headaches) If you think that something you just ate might bring on a terrible headache, take 5 charcoal tablets within an hour;

27. Use of Charcoal BELL'S PALSY (Facial Palsy) SYMPTOMS�Pain in the temples and/or neck. Only one side is generally affected. There is pain, weakness, and a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin. One side of the face can droop. Until the problem clears up, place charcoal poultices over the weakened nerve area at night, and maintain a low-salt diet. This will help eliminate fluid released by the nerve.

28. Use of Charcoal ARTHRITIS Charcoal poultices may be applied to affected joints. INSECT STING SYMPTOMS�Redness, slight swelling, and possibly some itching. Crush a charcoal tablet and place in the area, and cover with cloth. This will reduce pain and swelling. Put some wet powdered charcoal in an cloth and tie it on for 3-4 hours.

29. Use of Charcoal GOUT SYMPTOMS�Sudden attack, often in the middle of the night, of extreme pain and swelling of a joint in the fingers or toes (usually the big toe). But it can affect the ankles, knees, hands, elbows, and wrists. Motion or pressure greatly increases the pain. After the swelling subsides, the skin tends to itch and peel. During attacks, there often is loss of appetite, stomach and intestinal problems, fever, and decreased urine output. Charcoal is very helpful. Take it by mouth (12-16 tablets daily), and also lay charcoal packs on the area.

30. Use of Charcoal NEONATAL JAUNDICE SYMPTOMS�A yellowing of the skin is seen in the infant, appearing first in the upper body and progressing downward toward the toes. In the full-term normal baby, it is first seen about the third day; and, by the fifth day, it is disappearing. In a pre-term infant, jaundice may appear later, but last longer. Activated charcoal is very helpful in lowering bilirubin levels. Stir 2-3 teaspoons powdered charcoal into a little water, and give with a nipple. Beginning at 4 hours of age, give it every two hours, for 120 hours in normal newborns, 168 hours in premature infants or until bilirubin levels fall.

31. Use of Charcoal TONSILLITIS� ADENITIS, STREP THROAT, AND QUINSY SYMPTOMS�Inflammation and possible infection of the tonsils and the adenoids. If streptococcal bacteria have caused the infection, it is called strep throat. There is a sore throat with fever, lack of appetite, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, nasal obstruction and discharge. The lymph glands may become swollen. Symptoms continue for 24-72 hours, and then gradually subside over 7-10 days. The tonsils may look red and enlarged, and pus may be observed.

32. Use of Charcoal CHIGGERS SYMPTOMS�A red spot that itches intensely for about 3 days. A charcoal poultice can be a help. � SNAKE BITE After the suction process is over, take charcoal from the campfire, mix it with water and drink it, as follows: a half glassful of water with 1 teaspoon of charcoal, and drink another one every 15 minutes until the danger is past.

33. Use of Charcoal FOOD POISONING Take 6 charcoal tablets immediately, and again in 6 hours. They will help neutralize poisons in your bloodstream. Drink lots of good water (distilled is best). POISONING Swallow lots of powdered charcoal in water.

34. Use of Charcoal- Cancer The anemia associated with cancer is produced by the cancer�s toxic waste products which destroy red blood cells. These toxins retard the work of the bone marrow, but they may be adsorbed by charcoal when taken orally. Journal of the American Medical Association, 237 (17): 1840, April 25, 1976

35. Use of Charcoal- Cancer Certain cancers in dogs have been shown to go into complete remission with the application of charcoal poultices. Journal of the American Medical Association, 54:331, December 7, 1910 There are those chemicals known to cause cancer, such as benzopyrene and methylcholanthrene, which are also effectively adsorbed, thus preventing their poisonous effects. AMA Archives of Industrial Health, 18:511-520, December, 1958

36. Use of Charcoal- Allergies Charcoal may do nothing to bind the allergens themselves, as with certain viruses and bacteria, but it may neutralize other secondhand toxins produced by the allergens. Aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin are both fungal toxins that kill both humans and animals. Once again charcoal is a powerful antidote for these and other fungal toxins. Cooney, David, O, Activated Charcoal in Medical Applications, Marcel Dekker Inc., p.478-480, 1995

37. Use of Charcoal- Peanut Allergies One study showed that activated charcoal will bind within sixty seconds to the major allergens in peanuts, preventing remaining peanut proteins from activating an allergic response. This study demonstrated in a remarkable way the ability of activated charcoal to form a complex with peanut protein, thereby diffusing an allergic reaction. A ratio of 200 mg of activated charcoal to 1 mg peanut protein was required to completely remove the peanut protein from solution in lab experiments. Activated charcoal was also able to bind with peanut protein when peanuts were mixed with other foods such as ice cream and chocolate. This approach to preventing fatal reactions may also prove useful with other allergenic foods. Vadas P, MD, Perelman B, �Activated charcoal forms non-IgE binding complexes with peanut proteins.� Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology 112 (1):175-9, July 2003

38. Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalogue (1908) Willow Charcoal Tablets � �Every person is well acquainted with the great benefit derived from willow charcoal in gastric and intestinal disorder, indigestion, dyspepsia, heartburn, sour or acid stomach, gas upon the stomach, constant belching, fetid breath, all gaseous complications and for the removal of the offensive odor from the breath after smoking.�

39. Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalogue (1908) Bragg�s Vegetable Charcoal and Charcoal Biscuits � �Absorb all impurities in the stomach and bowels. Give a healthy tone to the whole system, effectually warding off cholera, smallpox, typhoid, and all malignant fevers. Invaluable for indigestion, flatulence, etc., eradicate worms in children. Sweeten the breath.�

40. Harvey Wickes Felter, MD, and John Uri Lloyd, Phr M, PhD �Externally, it (charcoal) may be used in poultices to correct fetor of ulcers, arrest gangrene, etc., and is efficient in many cutaneous [skin] diseases. It is also a useful haemostatic [agent to control bleeding], having arrested epitasis[nose bleeding].

41. Dr. Scudder �The specific use of charcoal, �is to arrest hemorrhage from the bowels. It has been used in enema, finely powdered, to four ounces of water, thrown up the rectum.� �I employ it in threatened hemorrhage during typhoid fever; in abnormally high menstrual bleeding, especially when chronic; in prolonged menstruation; the watery discharge that sometimes follows menstruation; hemorrhage from the kidneys, hemorrhage from the lungs;�

42. Nutrients Charcoal removes toxins that are competing with nutrients for intestinal and cellular absorption, thereby promoting efficient nutrient uptake. Both clinical observation of patients in hospitals and numerous animal studies have demonstrated charcoal poses no threat to nutritional uptake.

43. Increased Lifespan In one animal study, Dr. V.V. Frolkis, a famous Russian gerontologist, and his colleagues, demonstrated that the lifespan in laboratory rats increased up to 34% by feeding them charcoal in their diet! V. Frolkis, et al., Enterosorption in prolonging old animal life, Experimental Gerontology, 19; 217-25, 1984 Charcoal is the best single detoxifier for whole-body cleansing.

44. Detoxifier Richard C. Kaufman, BS, MS, PhD Use activated charcoal on two consecutive days each week. Take a total of 20 to 35 grams each day divided into two or three doses. Take in the morning, at midday and before bed on an empty stomach. Avoid excessive calories or processed foods on those days. or Take about 20 grams a day of activated charcoal in divided doses for several months. Follow with a one-month break and resume the cycle. Kaufman, Richard C, PhD, The Universal Antidote and Detoxifier That Extends Life: Activated Charcoal, Journal of the MegaHealth Society, July 1989

45. Poisons Activated charcoal is more likely to reduce poison absorption if it is given within one hour of ingesting the poison. Activated charcoal effectively neutralizes fluoxetine (Prozac), acetaminophen (Paracetamol), caffeine poisoning, strychnine, morphine, nicotine, and theobromine. There are over 4000 substances that are known to adsorb to activated charcoal.

46. Poisons The Canadian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines for primary care nurses states under GI Tract Decontamination: �Activated charcoal is now recommended as the sole therapy, and should be given for ingestion of any toxic material, except iron, hydrocarbons, alcohols and caustic agents.� Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines for Primary Care Nurses, Health Canada, 20 pp.13-14 July 2001

47. Poisons Acetaminophen Aconitine Amitriptyline Hydrochloride Amphetamine Antimony Antipyrine Arsenic Aspirin Atropine Barbital Barbiturates Ben-Gay Benzodiazepines Cantharides Camphor Carbon dioxide Chlordane Chlorine Chloroquine Chlorpromazine Cocaine Colchicine Congesprin Contac

48. Poisons Cyanides Dalmane Darvon DDT Digitalis�Foxglove Digoxin Dilantin Diphenoxylates Doriden Doxepin Elaterin Elavil Equanil Ergotamine Ethchlorvynol Gasoline Glutethimide Golden Chain Hemlock Hexachlorophene Imipramine Iodine Ipecac Isoniazid

49. Poisons Kerosene Lead Acetate Malathion Mefenamic Acid Meprobame Mercuric chloride Mercury Methylene Blue Methyl Salicylate Miltown Morphine Mucomyst Muscarin Narcotics Neguvon Nicotine Nortriptyline Nytol Opium Oxazepam Parathion Penicillin Pentazocine Pentobarbital

50. Poisons Pesticides Phenobarbital Phenol Phenothiazine Phenylpropanolamine Phosphorus Placidyl Potassium cyanide Potassium permanganate Primaquine Propantheline Propoxyphene Quinacrine Quinidine Quinine Radioactive Substances Salicylamide Salicylates Secobarbital Selenium Serax Silver

51. Poisons Sinequan Sodium Salicylate Sominex Stramonium Strychnine Sulfonamides Synthetic Multivitamins with Mineral Talwin Tin Titanium Tofranil Tree Tobacco Yew Valium Veratrine

52. Poisonous Plants More people die from mushroom poisoning than from any other plant. Charcoal easily neutralizes the poison from these mushrooms. Alder buckthorn berries, autumn crocus, Azalea, black nightshade, bryony, Christmas rose, daphne, deadly nightshade, foxglove, hemlock, holly berry, honeysuckle berries, Jerusalem cherry, laburnum, lily of the valley, mistletoe, monk�s hood, oleander, privet berries, rhododendron, savin juniper, spindle tree berries, thorn apple, woody nightshade, and yew.

53. Charcoal for Poison It has been found that stomach contents can reduce the effective adsorption of charcoal up to 50%. Therefore, when a poison has been ingested, the Doctors Thrash take the following strategy: �To be on the safe side, use, as the dosage of charcoal, approximately eight to ten times the estimated weight of the poison. Finely powdered charcoal can get to the surface of toxins better than coarsely powdered charcoal and should be used for the best results.�

54. Charcoal for Poison But, there is a good chance we might not know the type of drug or poison or the quantity taken. So, other doctors recommend a fixed amount of 50 to 100 grams. In their classic study, Hayden, PhD, and Comstock, MD, were emphatic, �In reality, the dose of activated charcoal that should be administered to adsorb drugs from the GI tract is in the range of 100 to 120 gm.� Because they understood that there is no worry of overdosing, these doctors, who had administered charcoal in hundreds of cases, were not afraid of larger doses. One tablespoon of charcoal equals about ten grams. Fourteen capsules equal about a tablespoon of powder.

55. Charcoal for Poison So, what is the optimum dose of activated charcoal to be given? As you can see, there is no clear consensus among those promoting charcoal in cases of poisoning, except that you can�t give too much. There are no definite dosages, but in his book Activated Charcoal in Medical Applications, Cooney noted these three recommended formulas based on: Age�25gms to 50 gms for children Body weight�1gm per kg body weight Amount poison taken�10 gm of activated charcoal per 1 gm of poison.

56. Charcoal for Poison A convenient way to have a charcoal mixture available when you need it, is to put thirty grams (three Tablespoons) of charcoal into a glass jar with a screw on lid. All you have to do when it is needed, is to add four ounces of water, shake the jar a few times, remove the lid, and drink the contents. Follow this with one glass of water. Remember too, charcoal tablets are a little more than half as adsorptive as powder, so you will need about twice as much. Powder is the best way to quickly ingest a large dose.

57. Nausea and Vomiting �We have never seen a case of acute nausea and vomiting in which treatment was begun early that continued past three doses of charcoal kept down. We believe it to be the most effective treatment available for nausea and vomiting and should always be used as the primary treatment of choice. Often, very uncomfortable patients will feel well in seconds after swallowing the charcoal slurry made from charcoal powder stirred in water.� Dr. Thrash RX Charcoal, p. 40-41

58. Liver and Kidney Failure As reported in The Lancet, research has shown that oxygen adheres to charcoal in hemoperfusion for temporary artificial liver support. Researchers suggest this characteristic may be helpful in other treatments specifically intended to enhance oxygen supply to certain organs. Is it then just coincidence that other cases of severe liver failure show marked improvement when the blood is filtered through a charcoal bed?

59. Liver and Kidney Failure In fact patients with liver and kidney failure can sometimes be treated right in the home with large compresses placed over the back or stomach area. Taking charcoal by mouth will also help to prevent the build up of poisons that make the work of these organs more difficult. Chamuleau, R.A.F.M., and Dupont, A, et al, Activated Charcoal and Ammonium Production, The Lancet, pp. 633-634, September 19, 1981 Coincidentally, no one knows why, charcoal taken by mouth has also been found to relieve the itching that is often associated with long-term dialysis.

60. Candidiasis Richard Kaufman, PhD, is a bio-nutritional chemist. He reports, �Activated charcoal can be an effective adjunct to any regimen for the treatment of systemic Candida albicans infections.� The toxins produced by Candida, absorbed by the blood and carried throughout the body, are effectively adsorbed by charcoal. Candida toxins cause allergic reactions and are responsible for the debilitating symptoms of candidiasis. Charcoal curbs the growth of intestinal-based yeasts, and it counteracts the Herxheimer reaction.

61. Candidiasis Charcoal curbs the growth of intestinal-based yeasts, and it counteracts the Herxheimer reaction. Dr. Kaufman suggests 20-35 grams of activated charcoal a day in divided dosages on an empty stomach until the problem is eliminated.

62. Post-Surgical Colic After many experiences, Dr. Dana, NMD, has discovered that charcoal is an excellent preventive for what she terms �Killer Colic�: �I often prescribe charcoal as a preventive for post-surgical colic. I recommend that those of my patients scheduled for intestinal or gynecological surgery take six capsules of activated charcoal at the second to last meal before stopping food intake in preparation for surgery. At midnight, they are to take more charcoal, and then nothing more at all until after their surgery. In my own case, after surgery, the doctors kept waiting for me to pass gas as a sign that my bowels were again functioning. They did not want to feed me or release me, but I assured them that I had no gas, and that my bowels were working just fine.�

63. Hemorrhoids Julie nurses at Wildwood Hospital: �A man arrived at the clinic with very painful and bleeding hemorrhoids. One was external and larger than half an inch and had a central ulcer. He had been suffering for a week. The doctor prescribed several things, including a Sitz bath, topical ice, and a mixture of various herbal teas applied externally as a douche. But, the man was convinced it was the charcoal paste that had brought him the most dramatic relief. The nurses mixed one teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with two tablespoons of olive oil to make a paste. This was applied to the rectal area overnight. Three days later the external hemorrhoid had significantly decreased in size, and there was no more pain. The bleeding had also all but stopped.�

64. Prostatitis The doctors Thrash have found that charcoal has proven beneficial for inflammation of the prostate gland. They write in their book More Natural Remedies: �A hot charcoal enema promotes healing. Use one cup of hot water and one tablespoon of powdered charcoal. Insert into the rectum with a bulb syringe or an enema setup. Allow to remain as long as possible, even overnight if it can be retained.�

65. Diarrhea Here are further recommendations from the doctors Thrash from their book More Natural Remedies: �Charcoal may be helpful in the control of diarrhea associated with Crohn�s disease, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Four to six tablets may be taken two to three times a day between meals. If the charcoal seems to irritate the colon, one to three tablespoons of powdered charcoal may be stirred into a glass of water, the charcoal allowed to settle out, and the clear water drunk�.

66. Digestive Tract Disease Dr. Weis confirms, �Some of my patients with ulcerative colitis have also found that taking activated charcoal along with remedies such as aloe vera juice, acidophilus and psyllium helps keep their symptoms under control.� Dr. Mervyn G. Hardinge, MD, Dr. PH, PhD in his most recent book, Drugs, Herbs and Natural Remedies he places charcoal under the heading of �harmless�. Of its more common uses, he lists it for relief from gas, as a laxative, for inflammation of the bowels, for colic, diarrhea, ulcers and pain.