Detox, Poison Anti-dote, or just Add years to your Life...

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CAN SAVE YOUR(AND YOUR DOG'S) LIFE
An astonished gathering of the French Academy of Medicine watched as a pharmacist named Touery downed one grain of strychnine (10 times the lethal dose) without any noticeable ill effect! A few years earlier in 1813, another Frenchman swallowed a whole teaspoonful of arsenic trioxide, about 150 times the amount that would have killed most people. He also lived without ill effect. Why? Both of these men had mixed the poison with finely ground charcoal, which has a phenomenal ability to hold poisons from being absorbed by the body. Even so, we do not recommend that you try the above 18th century experiments! (2)
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 . After the development of the charcoal activation process (1870 to 1920), many reports appeared in medical journals about activated charcoal as a drug detox agent, an antidote for poisons, and a cure for intestinal disorders.(1)
Activated Charcoal has been used effectively in the healing arts for centuries. Doctors still use it today as a healing agent, an antidote for poisons, and an effective treatment for indigestion and gas. Modern Industry also relies on Charcoal to deodorize, decolorize and purity solutions. Charcoal can do these varied tasks because of its amazing ability to attract other substances to its surface and hold them there. This is called adsorption. Charcoal can adsorb thousands of times its own weight in gases, heavy metals, poisons, and other chemicals, thus making them ineffective or harmless.
What does "Activated" mean? When wood is heated 600 degrees centigrade in a container with the oxygen removed, certain gases and liquids are driven off. It does not 'burn' because the oxygen is missing. (Only a little may be in the wood itself) After this process is completed, steam at 4OO degrees centigrade is introduced (or air is sometimes used), under high pressure. Remember, it is not "absorbed" but 'adheres' to the outer surface of the carbon. (2)

The form of Charcoal used in modern medical science is Activated Charcoal U.S.P., a pure naturally produced, wood charcoal carbon that has no carcinogenic properties. Activated Charcoal is an odorless, tasteless powder. One teaspoonful of it has a surface area of more than 10,000 square feet. This unique feature allows it to adsorb large amounts of chemicals or poisons. The powder must be stored in a tightly sealed container, as it readily adsorbs impurities from the atmosphere. Charcoal from burnt toast is not effective, and Charcoal briquettes can be dangerous because they contain fillers and petrochemicals to help them ignite.
Studies show that Activated Charcoal is harmless when ingested or inhaled, or when it comes in contact with the skin. In rare cases, charcoal may mildly irritate the bowel in sensitive persons, but no allergies or side effects have been recorded. Ingested Charcoal may linger in the colon, but this is not harmful. Many pediatricians and pediatric handbooks recommend that Activated Charcoal be kept on hand as an antidote in the family medicine chest, especially in households that include small children (3)
Activated Charcoal is REQUIRED by law to be part of the standard equipment on many ambulances, for use in poisonings. Mushroom poisoning, brown recluse spider bites, and snake bites can all be treated with Activated Charcoal. Doctors also use Activated Charcoal to prevent and treat intestinal infections, and as a cleansing and healing agents. Jaundice of the newborn, bee stings, poison ivy reactions, and many other illnesses can be helped with Activated Charcoal.(3)

It is important to understand that charcoal (or carbon) does not function like a sponge in pulling into its inner structures various pollutants. Instead, poisonous gases and chemicals adhere or stick to its surface. If you were to eat the carbon, nearby poisons within your body would attach to it firmly until the body expels both of them from the body. The charcoal is not absorbed into the blood, but is merely a carrier of toxins. As far as we know, carbon does not lose any of them prematurely.
What does "Activated" mean? When wood is heated 600 degrees centigrade in a container with the oxygen removed, certain gases and liquids are driven off. It does not 'burn' because the oxygen is missing. (Only a little may be in the wood itself) After this process is completed, steam at 4OO degrees centigrade is introduced (or air is sometimes used), under high pressure. Remember, it is not "absorbed" but 'adheres' to the outer surface of the carbon.
Not only is this state of 'active porosity' obtained by the steam or air pressure process, but simultaneously purifies the product for internal use. Use the powdered form if possible, as commercial tablets are about half as effective and should be chewed.
Whereas charcoal is not absolutely pure carbon, it is nearly so, and both terms are used to mean the same thing. Charcoal is simply charred wood. Various materials can be used - wood pulp, petroleum, coke, coal, peat, sawdust, paper mill waste, bone and coconut shells. Any kind of wood such as Ilow, eucalyptus, pine, oak, and others are also adequate sources. Medical researchers acknowledge that charcoal is probably the best known antidote for poison. And charcoal is rated safe and effective for acute toxic poisoning by the FDA.
Internal uses: Hangover, hiccups, high cholesterol in blood, kidney failure (to help clean blood), breath sweetener, abdominal fevers in children, drug overdoses (with some exceptions), like phenobarbital, jaundice in babies, ingested radioactive sub- stances. Intravenous injections of colloidal charcoal have been used by doctors for mastitis, lymphangitis, septicemia. (Not a recommended procedure for the layman.)
External Uses: Air purifier, insect bites, including bee stings, brown recluse spider and snakebites, toothpaste to whiten teeth, cellulitis of face, eyelids and ears, cancer (and other) pains, infections (Charcoal will absorb bacteria, viruses), eye inflammation (dip bag of charcoal in water that will be used for a fomentation application).
Making Your Own: Although commercial charcoal is readily available at your neighborhood pharmacy (and don't buy the charcoal sold for burning incense; it may contain gunpowders, you can make your own at home. But without specialized equipment to make the activated form, you will have to use 3 or 4 times more than the commercial variety to get the same benefit. We advise, however, that untreated, nontoxic woods be used. Simply char wood in a fireplace or grill-without the use of toxic firestarters or briquettes-and, when the wood has cooled, cut off the charred portions with a sharp knife. Pound large pieces with a hammer and then grind to a fine powder in a blender.
If you want to make it outdoors, wait until the wood is burning brightly before covering with a large piece of tin (beware of hot galvanized metal that can give off toxic fumes) and pile dirt over it to exclude air. (2)
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 drug detox, 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
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 you're 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 counter-poison 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)
POISONINGS
Activated charcoal can be used as an antidote in poisoning from most drugs and chemicals. DO NOT USE WITH THE FOLLOWING: cyanide, mineral acids, caustic alkalies, alcohol, or boric acid. Other antidotes are more effective. Consult a Poison Control Center or a doctor immediately for instructions and information in any poisoning emergency (10, 51, 52).
In poisonings, activated charcoal works by adsorbing the poison or drug, inactivating it, and carrying it inert throughout the digestive system so that it can be eliminated from the body. Charcoal is neither adsorbed nor metabolized by the body (6, 13, 47, 53).
APPLICATIONS & DOSAGES:
You must act QUICKLY, since some POISONS can cause DEATH within a few minutes!!! First, if POSSIBLE, identify the POISON, then follow the APPLICABLE Information below to NEUTRALIZE that POISON!
If you can NOT IDENTIFY the POISON, you must:
1. Give 2 - 4 Tablespoons orally, as QUICKLY as POSSIBLE, of UNIVERSAL POISON ANTIDOTE with a SMALL amount of PURE Water!
2. Continue Treatment, until the desired RESULTS are achieved.
If a Person has taken BAD FOOD (LESS than 1 hr. before Treatment), a NON-CORROSIVE POISON, DRUG, TOXIN or HEAVY METAL, you must:
1. Give 1-3 tsp. of Lobelia Seed Pod Tincture to INDUCE VOMITING!!
1A. Or give 2 quarts of Warm Water , adding a SMALL amount of Lemon Juice, then
1B. Thrust your Finger down your Throat and tickle the Uvula (Flesh hanging down in back of throat) to INDUCE VOMITING!!
2. Give 1 - 3 Glasses of Activated Charcoal Slurry per day.
3. Continue this Treatment, until the desired RESULTS are achieved.
Lobelia Seed Pod Tincture can be used as an Emetic to promote VOMITING, if a TOXIC substance is swallowed, except if it's CAUSTIC, then an Activated Charcoal Slurry should be drank!
If a Person has taken BAD Food (MORE than 1 hr. before Treatment), a STRONG CORROSIVE POISON or Petroleum Product, you must:
1. NOT INDUCE VOMITING!!
2. Give 1 - 3 Glasses of Activated Charcoal Slurry per day.
3. Continue this Treatment, until the desired RESULTS are achieved.
Induced vomiting will bring up about 30% of the poison from the person's stomach. Then give charcoal to help inactivate the remaining 70%. The usual dose of charcoal is 5 to 50 grams, dependent on the amount of poison taken and the person's body size. Adults should receive at least 30 grams, or about half a cup of lightly packed powder. Larger doses are needed if the person has eaten a meal recently. A dose of 200 grams is not excessive in severe poisoning cases. Powdered charcoal can be given in fruit juice, chocolate syrup, jam, or honey to make it easier to get down. Ice cream is not recommended as it makes the charcoal less effective. Powdered charcoal reaches its maximum rate of adsorption rapidly, within one minute. The sooner it is given the better the chances of successful treatment. The dose can be repeated every four hours, or until charcoal appears in the stool (3, 10, 41, 47, 48, 52, 53, 60, 61).
Do not give charcoal or anything else to an unconscious patient. Consult a doctor at once. Do not give charcoal before giving an emetic, because the Activated Charcoal will adsorb the emetic and make it ineffective. Charcoal does not work in every poisoning situation, so be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.(3)

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 manners4)
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 re-absorption.
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 .
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 over-dosages. 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 over-dosage, call your physician or hospital immediately.
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 brain's 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 General Recommended Protocol
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-disorders appetite, 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 or magnesium 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(1)
CONCLUSIONS
Activated charcoal taken as a powder is the most effective form of charcoal that can be used. The best method of use is to take the required spoonfuls of powder, place them in the bottom of a cup or glass, and add water while rapidly stirring the charcoal into the water, then drink it down, along with a second glass of water to include any residue. Alternate methods listed below can also be used.
You can put charcoal into empty gelatin capsules. They may act more slowly than powder; the capsule must dissolve before the charcoal can work. Vegetarians who object to gelatin can use starch papers called Kokko-Oblates to allow convenient ingestion of activated charcoal powder. These are obtained at health food stores.
Medical researchers have discovered, that Activated Charcoal is so effective both chemically and physically, because of the it's electrical charge and the thousands of microscopic tunnels created by the process used to make it. The medical profession uses it as an antidote (10, 38, 41). It is inexpensive, harmless, and easy to use.
DOSAGES
1 tsp./8 oz. Glass-PURE Water (1-3 times/day) - General Health
1 tsp./8 oz. Glass-PURE Water (4-7 times/day) - General Illness (Flus, Colds)
1 tsp./8 oz. Glass-PURE Water (8-12 times/day) - Serious Illness


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.
For example, Super Char (Gulf Western) has an internal surface area of 3000 m2/g.
Actidose Aqua (Paddock) has a surface area of 1600 m2/g.
Most recommended dosages are based on the standard of 1000 m2/g: If you can obtain a SuperActivated Charcoal, use proportionately less.
CHARCOAL EFFECTIVENESS
Five different charcoal products were evaluated for effectiveness in the treatment of childhood poisoning. Adults were given a dose of aspirin and one of five different forms of charcoal. Super-Char was the most effective, with Actidose-Aqua, Insta-Char, Liqui-Char, and Acta-Char following in that order. Super-char and Actidose-Aqua have higher surface areas than the other three forms of charcoal, making them more effective. (Annals of Internal Medicine 16(12)1340-1343, December, 1987) Every medicine cabinet should have a jar of dry powdered charcoal which is cheaper, more effective than the commercial liquid forms and never goes out of date. There is no significant trouble to stirring the powder into water at the time of use. (4)

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.



1.Information from:
http://www.smartbodyz.com/activated-charcoal-drug-
by by Richard C. Kaufman, Ph.D.


The below information is from the Journal Of The Megahealth Society,
Vol. 5, No. 3, Issue #23 ISSN 0891-5334.
MegaHealth Society is now Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute (CERI),
publishers of Smart Life News.
THE COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Post Office Box 4029, Menlo Park, California, 94026 USA
Phone: 650-321-CERI (650-321-2374)
Fax: 650-323-3864

http://www.ceri.com
2. http://www.joyf
ullivingservices.com/activatedcharcoal.html

3. http://healingtools.tripod.com/thn5.html

TOTAL HEALTH Newsletter July 1998 Vol. I
No. 5
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL - Uses In Modern Natural Healing

4. http://www.tagnet.org/abstracts/v7n3.htm
article from:
http://wildchildmagazine.com/display...31&lang=en

Thanks again TD

i wanna know if topdog typed all that LOL ......

I'll have to come back and read that next week when the kids are back at school......I keep getting interupted and reading the same line over and over again.........lol.

LOL me too! the dogs are causing chaos!
Looks great tho TD !