The ordinary-looking charcoal is actually anything but ordinary. Just a piece of burnt wood, it may seem to you, but believe it or not, it is also of high medicinal value.
Because of its absorption and filtration properties, charcoal has been used as a natural remedy against stomach problems. Modern medicine has become aware of the wonderful benefits of charcoal, and now uses it as a prescription tablet.
Charcoal tablets are used to treat hyperacidity, drug overdose and even certain poisonings. When ingested, charcoal pulls in the toxins and chemicals in the stomach, binding them to the charcoal's surface.
A word of caution, though: poisonings and drug overdoses are medical emergencies. Make sure that before the victim ingests the charcoal tablet, medical supervision is present. Like all medicine, charcoal tablets have limitations. Not all ailments and poisonings can be cured by charcoal tablets. Charcoal is ineffective against gasoline, kerosene, cyanide, mineral-based or alcohol-based poisons.
Also, there are side effects to consider when ingesting charcoal tablets. These range from confusion, diarrhea and abdominal swelling to chest pain and extreme thirst. Fatigue, loose and dry skin, and difficulty urinating could also be present. Be sure to use charcoal tablets only when necessary.
When taking in charcoal tablets, keep in mind the following instructions:
- Make sure that you ingest the medicine with medical supervision.
- Charcoal is most effective when taken within 30 to 60 minutes after the poisoning or drug overdose.
- Charcoal tablets absorb most of the chemicals in the stomach when ingested, even other medication. Make sure that no other medication is taken about two hours before and after ingesting charcoal tablets.
- Dairy products also hinder the effect of charcoal tablets. Dairy binds itself to the charcoal and interrupts the absorption of other chemicals. Avoid drinking milk, yogurt or eating cheese products for two hours before and after taking in the charcoal tablets.
- Drink plenty of water when ingesting the tablet.
For storage, be sure to keep your charcoal tablets out of children's reach. Store them in a cool, dry place and discard the tablets once they have expired.
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