One natural substance that has many beauty and health uses is activated coconut charcoal. Which is basically a black powder which traps toxins and chemicals and can also help balance the PH levels in your body and on your skin.

Some great ways to use charcoal includes:

  • as a face mask – just mix the powder with some water or honey, spread it over your face and leave on for 10-20 mins
  • as a teeth whitener – wet a toothbrush, dip into the charcoal, brush teeth like you normally would, then swish water through your mouth a few times until the water comes out clean
  • As an eyeliner – wet an eyeliner brush, dip it in the charcoal powder, swirl it around on the back of your hand so it makes a paste like consistency then apply it like you would gel or liquid eyeliner

Another great use for activated charcoal is taking it to help cushion the blow of a hang over. If I know i’m going to be drinking I’ll generally take 2-3 capsules after my first drink, then a few just before bed with 500ml-1L of water then one or two in the morning.  The charcoal traps toxins and chemicals in the body (eg. alcohol) allowing the toxins to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them.

Note: when taking the charcoal be sure to drink lots of water as it can make you dehydrated.