I first heard of this natural remedy during high school, yet I never tried it until this last month. A terrible stomach flu has been having a rip-roaring time throughout the U.S. this last month. And it gave us the opportunity to try out activated charcoal. Lucky us. That may sound a little scary, but it’s really a nontoxic, long used, inexpensive remedy that is simple to take, especially in capsule form.
We had the misfortune to deal with not one, but two stomach bugs ( stomach bug and stomach flu are layman terms for gastroenteritis) this month. It was an unfortunate reminder that getting behind on a few necessary supplements and immune boosting foods was a bad idea, a very bad idea. But I am definitely impressed with how helpful activated charcoal is.
Now it’s goes without saying that this is just my story and research and I’m not a doctor, and you should, of course, rely on the advice of your health care provider in dealing with any type of illness. But as one family to another, this information was too helpful to keep to myself! (Disclaimer: Because I want to be careful my intentions are understood, let me say again I’m not trying to give out medical advice, but rather sharing information that you could discuss with your health care provider. You can also follow the links provided at the end of the article for medical statements and information on activated charcoal. And if you are dealing with the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis, here are some solid medical recommendations. )
Why activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is an excellent adsorption material. It has been used for thousands of years in medicine and continues to be used today – most often in treating ingested overdoses or poisonous materials. It works because it helps adsorb the contaminant. Ancient Egyptians used it on wounds, the ancient Hindu used it for purifying water, and Hippocrates and Pliny used it to treat epilepsy, anthrax, and chlorosis. Native Americans used a mixture of charcoal and water to treat upset stomachs.
In an amazing and daring demonstration in 1831, a pharmacist by the name of Touery ingested several times the lethal dose strychnine with equal amounts of activated charcoal. And he survived. I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed. Many hospitals today still use activated charcoal for many types of poisoning and overdoses.
Why use activated charcoal to prevent or treat the stomach bug?
But how does it work in treating the stomach bug? The theory is that activated charcoal adsorbs the bacteria responsible for stomach bugs, helping you both prevent and treat it. Some stomach bugs are caused by viruses (though my understanding is that the bacterial types are more common). There is less research on whether activated charcoal works for viruses (though it could be worth a try – it may help treat the symptoms if nothing else). This is also the working theory for why activated charcoal prevents or treats food poisoning or other sources of bacterial based stomach bugs- it adsorbs the bacteria causing the sickness. When traveling, some consume low doses of activated charcoal to help prevent food poisoning.
Our Experience.
(Note: There are a lot of different ideas on how much activated charcoal you should consume in a day, or at a time. We took the higher recommended amounts. As always, check with your doctor in how much you should use, and see my notes below on dosage recommendations from other medical sites.).
It started with our seven year old starting throwing up. We thought she had accidentally gotten some shrimp (which she is allergic to), so did nothing to prevent the rest of us getting sick. Within 24 hours, my three year old and myself also became violently sick at the same time. I had a bottle of activated charcoal on hand (I use it on my teeth for it’s whitening effect), but was so sick I couldn’t even imagine trying to get any down at first. After a couple hours of being very sick and throwing up every 15-30 minutes, I finally managed to get some capsules down. I still felt terrible for about 24 hours, but I completely stopped throwing up after that point.
My husband started taking some capsules and he leaves for work the day after, and when he comes home that evening, he is starting to feel sick. I tell him he absolutely must get more charcoal down. He takes more capsules. In the end, he does throw up twice, but after a good night’s sleep is back up on his feet. It didn’t prevent it totally, but let’s just say he experienced only 5% of the illness the rest of us experienced.
Fast forward a couple weeks, and both of the girls come down with yet another stomach bug. This one isn’t as violent, but still no fun. My husband and I took the daily recommended dose when they came down with it. Then one day I could tell I was getting it. My stomach was flip-flopping, I felt incredibly tired and nauseous suddenly, and I knew it was coming soon. I hadn’t taken any yet that day, so I took some and within 2 hours I felt better than ever and I never got it. I was so thankful, as my poor girls really needed me to be well so I could take care of them. Despite my husband being constantly exposed to it, by taking the daily-recommended dose for a couple days, he avoided ever catching it as well.
I am definitely sold on the effectiveness of activated charcoal and plan on keeping this inexpensive natural treatment for the stomach bug and food poisoning on hand.
(See below for how I gave it to my youngest).
Where to buy activated charcoal
You can get it at a lot of places that carry supplements. Many of my local stores carry it, for example. Online, you can buy it at places like Amazon, or Vitacost. This is one of the inexpensive activated charcoals we tried out from Amazon with good results.
Don’t mix with…
Some recommend that you don’t mix it with chocolate syrup, ice cream, sorbets, etc., as they could prevent it from working as well.
Common activated charcoal dosage recommendations
Just a reminder, if using in the case of poisoning, you absolutely should be working with a medical team, as there are contradictions and risks, and much higher amounts are needed to be effective.
For adults: However, for something like the stomach bug, diarrhea, or food poisoning, one common recommendation for adults is to take 520-975 mg at a time, and up to 5 grams per day. With the brand I used, that would mean 2-3 capsules at time and up to 17 capsules a day. Many recommend when actively sick to take two capsules every hour or so, until you’ve gotten to the max for the day. (For comparison, in poisoning cases, doctors will use up to 50-100 grams of charcoal for adults, and 10-25 grams for children. At these higher amounts, very rarely there will be issues with GI blockages, which is yet another reason you should never, ever self-treat poisonings).
For children: I wasn’t able to find concrete recommendations for how much to give children. I did find that it’s not recommended for children under the age of three, but not much more info. So I was really conservative when giving it to my three year old with this last stomach bug (I would have given some to my oldest if we had it on hand when she came down with it – we were away from home when she got it). I just opened one capsule, and sprinkled it in a full cup of ice water, which she slowly drank throughout two days. She was refusing to drink it for a long time until I figured out that she liked it with ice, not room temperature water (she could taste the “grittiness” of the charcoal when it was room temperature, so she was just drinking plain water and kombucha before that point). But once I got her drinking this very low dose (I don’t think she even ever finished one capsules worth) she did stop throwing up, and starting improving rapidly. I also found that she wouldn’t drink it if she saw the color of the water. Putting it in a children’s (affiliate) Kleen Kanteen Sippy cured that problem.
Activated Charcoal Contradictions
You shouldn’t take this as a supplement long term, as it could be absorbing vitamins and minerals from your diet, leaving you deficient.
Some people report constipation with higher doses, or long term use.
If you are on any type of medication, you should absolutely consult your doctor before taking activated charcoal, as it will adsorb medications.
Don’t give it with ipecac, as activated charcoal will absorb it.
I give supplements (such a probiotics) a couple hours apart from activated charcoal, for the same reason.
To read more medical information on this subject, go here. For more research check out this, this, and this.
Recipes that may come in handy when down with the stomach flu:
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Adrienne @ Whole New Mom
Pinned- nice post Kimi!
KimiHarris
Thanks, Adrienne!
Andrew
You should mention that it can reduce effectiveness of the pill, a big one!
KimiHarris
That’s a good reminder that ANY medication can have effectiveness reduced or stopped by activated charcoal!
Kerri
A great way to help counteract this is to take your birth control by inserting it vaginally. I know it sounds out there, but most OB/Gyn’s will recommend this method if you can’t keep anything down. And as always, use a second form of birth control just to be safe!
Susan
I get reoccurring UTI that effects my right side causing stinging pain…I purchase on line at ACTIVATED CHARCOAL…I buy it in a 20oz bottle to get rid of it… I drink 2tps coconut charcoal in a glass only jar , you need to mix it in 8 Oz water or more, do. Be sure that you drink that amount of water or more to percent constipation…..because this is not in capsule form you cannot use a metal spoon, because it will
deactivate the charcoal. …you must have 2 hour window of not eating 2 hrs before and 2 hrs after…for food will also deactivate the effectiveness of the charcoal ….
After taking antibiotics for years to treat the UTI it is a blessing to find out the benefits of drinking coconut charcoal. ..this immediately takes the stinging pain away and cleansed the infection out of my body. ..
Dr Oz has a good write up on be no fits of charcoal
Heidi
I love activated charcoal! It’s great for detoxing. However, I’ve been told not take any food or supplements two hours before and after taking it (almost impossible!).
KimiHarris
Yeah, it will absorb the “good stuff” too, which is why it’s generally recommended for short term use only.
Deborah Cornett
Thanks for the post! Stomach bugs are my worst nightmare so I really feel for you!
I have a question about how long you can keep activated charcoal around…how long is the shelf-life on the one you buy? If it is pretty long, I’ll order some now and make sure to have it handy! Thanks too for the specific amount recommendations. That is VERY helpful.
KimiHarris
Deborah,
It has a long shelf-life, so I definitely recommend just having it on hand! 🙂
Mom of 3
Hi, found your article on Pinterest and was eager to read it, since my family has used Charcoal for stomach bugs and poisonings for years and years! I really do agree that it’s an amazing remedy. I did have a stomach bug once that did not respond to it, but I think I might have taken it a bit too late. But there were several times when I’d take it preventatively and didn’t get the bug! One thought though, concerning the dosage. On the onset of symptoms, we usually take as many as 6-8 pills at a time. Then wait a few hours and see. The higher dosage in the beginning seems to work well. I also agree that one shouldn’t take charcoal on the regular daily basis for a long period of time. I’ve heard that it could be used as a detox, but never really researched it. If you do use it for several days, one side affect could be constipation. One definitely has to be careful when taking it (and talk to your doctor before trying it), but it’s a great natural remedy, that has been used for ages.
KimiHarris
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I agree that taking a higher amount right at first seems to really help prevent it. I guess it’s kind of a “at your own risk” recommendation since the companies who produce it only recommend taking 2 at a time.
Jeanine Pate
Great info on charcoal. We always have it on hand & have used it for any upset stomach since we don’t know when it starts whether it’s a bug or food poisoning and it is such a blessing to have on hand when you need it. I did want to add that you may want to research the difference between aBsorb and aDsorb. When reading about charcoal i have always read that they adsorb the poisons not absorb. Just FYI !
Jeanine
KimiHarris
Jeanine,
Thanks so much for the comment! I looked it up, and I believe you are right, activated charcoal is an adsorbent, not an absorbent material. I just assumed it was “absorbent” because I’ve heard that term used a lot more, and it was actually the term used on my activated charcoal jar! I’ll update this post to reflect that. 🙂
Anna Harris
I needed to hear this, the stomach flu is rip-roaring through our house right now, my husband and daughter have it and I currently am feeling so freaking lousy and miserable so the last thing I want is our 3-year-old son to get it!
KimiHarris
Anna,
Oh no! I hope you can avoid it, and your three year old as well!
miche
I have mixed with grape juice for my kids before. I believe it still worked that way.
Melissa @ A Virtuous Woman
Beem using charcoal for years. LOVE IT!
KimiHarris
Sometimes it’s very hard to read the “tone” behind an online conversation, one here was clearly full of misunderstandings. Since I felt it added too many misunderstandings and confusion to the subject (on my side of the conversation as well), I thought it would be simpler to remove it, rather than try to re-clarify the whole conversation, which was needed. Please know that you are always welcome to leave comments with dissenting views here, although I do reserve the right remove comments and conversations that clearly aren’t benefiting anyone here. And yes, I will remove my own comments if I feel they aren’t helpful in the end, because I make judgement mistakes as well. My apologies for my part in going down a rabbit trail. 🙂 Next time I’ll just say, “Thanks for the comment!” 😉
michele
We had a terrible incident with my then almost 2 year old ingesting several of my heart meds. Found out the hard way that child proof caps aren’t child proof! At the ped urgent care they mixed hot chocolate mix with water & charcoal in order to get him to drink it down quickly. Thought I would share because it might be a n easy way to get little kids to take it preventive measure.
Candace @ Candida Free Candee
I am getting a jar of these ASAP!! Thanks for the post!
Sarah
Hi! Anything that makes my kiddos barf or have the runs is my mortal enemy, and activated charcoal has been one of my big guns. Another one that’s awesome is Bentonite clay or French Green Clay (use both, love!). Green clay can even adsorb radiation! Whenever anyone feels a tummy upset coming on, I give a tsp of the clay in a half cup of applesauce, and it sucks all the yuck out of the tummy and carries it inert out. Pretty much the same warnings apply, don’t take too soon before/after supplements, drink lots of water, large amounts can cause constipation so keep the applesauce coming, etc We’ve been taking clay for tummy bugs for two years now and we’ve never had a bad experience. 🙂 It’s nice to add to the arsenal 😉
KimiHarris
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Sarah!
robinakagoatmom
In my list of 10 medical necessities for the deserted island Activated charcoal would be near the top. Been using on people and animals for over 25 years. I’m an RN and I have never caught the many bugs that have run around the places I’ve worked. If I have to eat questionable food out I will just take a capsule or 2 as soon as I return home. I’ve had one GI illness, lasted 6 hours in the past 40 years. Works topically for bites takes out the redness and swelling. Saved a Border Collie that was poisoned with unknown chemical and the Vet recommended Euthanasia , she lived another 5 years. Use it for diarrhea in my goats along with other supportive care.
Jenn Lee
Thank you for this valuable information! I plan to get some to have on hand. You never know when a stomach bug is going to hit! I have a question though, do you know anything about if it is safe for use during pregnancy or not? I am currently 13 weeks pregnant and, while I feel comfortable giving it to my hubby, I would worry about taking it myself. Thanks again for the great info!
Rebecca
Activated charcoal (both in the loose powder form and capsule form) are a mainstay at my house. Hangover cures for my husband or his friends who stayed up late drinking? Check.
Food poisoning? Check.
I most recently used it last weekend when I ate out. That night before bed I got nauseous and knew that I was going to throw up if I didn’t do something. So, I somehow was able to swallow 3 activated charcoal pills. I laid down and didn’t move for 30 minutes. Otherwise I think I would have heaved. I hate throwing up!! So as soon as I felt better (good enough to fall asleep) I went to bed.
No issues the next day.
Now I don’t know the difference between food poisoning and the stomach bug, but I think they are caused by bacteria. Food borne (food poisoning) or airborne/contact (stomach bug).
I am a believer in activated charcoal and always have it around. I use it as an ingredient for makeup (eye liner or mascara). I use it to whiten my teeth. I use it for stomach ailments.
Even my husband sneaks it to brush his teeth with. hah!
Rochelle
My 2 year old woke up today throwing up. I started taking some activated charcoal as a preventative. Should I be giving some to my 7 & 9 year old as a preventative? If so, how much? And for how many days do you take some as a preventative? Thanks!
Rochelle
My 2 year old woke up sick this morning. I started taking some AC as a preventative. How much should I give my 7 & 9 year old as a preventative and for how long should we take them to hopefully prevent the stomach flu? Thanks so much!
Jana
I’m a firm believer in activated charcoal, and we keep it on hand at all times in our house. I can personally attest to how well it works for stomach bugs and food poisoning as well. I first learned about it when several years ago our then 16-year-old son came down with what we thought at first was a bad stomach “flu,” but later found out was a serious case of salmonella poisoning (we’re still uncertain where he might have picked it up since we are a WAPF/Paleo whole foods natural living family). I discovered activated charcoal toward the end of his illness, after he’d already suffered through the worst of it and was just starting to slowly get better, and I started giving him the dose that was recommended on a particular website I found, which was 6 capsules with a full glass of water, with follow-up doses of 2 capsules every few hours until a clear improvement was being seen. Almost immediately he started to feel so much better right after taking the first dose. I was so thankful since he’d had such a rough time until that point (broke my heart, poor guy). As far as I can recall, I kept giving him the follow-up doses for a few days after that, but it was that first larger dose that really helped soak up the remaining poison in his system (that’s not a very scientific way to put it, but that’s basically how it works). I only wish I had discovered it sooner!
Now, whenever any of us feels like we might be coming down with anything stomach-related (not often, thankfully), we immediately take activated charcoal, and consequently we’ve never gone on to get anything worse than just feeling unwell for a few hours. If the sick feeling is mild, I give 3 capsules (standard 280 mg. capsules) with a glass of water, or if the feeling is severe, I go straight away to the full 6 capsules, making sure a full glass of water is taken at the same time. This always, always prevents it from going into anything worse. It is important though to try to catch the illness before it goes into vomiting; otherwise, as you mentioned, it can be hard to get it to stay down long enough to work.
I think every home should have this inexpensive, highly effective, natural remedy on hand at all times! Thanks for sharing your experiences with it. 🙂
Emilie
Although I appreciate natural remedies, this seems a little unsubstantiated for me. First, most stomach bugs are caused by viruses: in particular rotavirus and norovirus. Other viruses can cause stomach bugs, as well as bacteria (most are food borne). Our family’s most recent experiences were almost identical to your family’s, the difference–we didn’t take activated charcoal. Some family members were more ill than others, some vomited, some got diarrhea. No one had symptoms for more than 24 hours and the most severe symptoms lasted fewer than 8 hours. Many, many friends and acquaintances had a similar bug and their timelines were nearly identical. I don’t have a problem with people trying things like activated charcoal, but I think the most important principles are the basics–proper hand washing, home cleaning and food handling. And. . .numerous studies show that organic products do not have lower numbers of bacteria than conventionally grown products (in particular dairy and meat). ***Organic products do, however, have lower numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria.*** That means that even WAPF/organic/paleo folks still need to follow safe food handling procedures.
KimiHarris
Thanks for the comment, Emilie. I probably didn’t give a clear enough account of the timeline of our story, which ended up taking more twists and turns later that month…ending only when activated charcoal was reintroduced. Also, I would just like to clarify that I am in no way attempting to discount the importance of hand washing, proper food handling etc. I am sorry if that was unclear. Message to everyone, YES! I recommend all of those things!
Jana
Just to clarify, we do absolutely follow extremely safe food handling procedures in our house at ALL times. I am a germaphobe, and am meticulous about careful handling of raw meat, taking care to never cross-contaminate and disinfecting everything straight away after (I also have different boards that I use only for meat, and, they go into the dishwasher as well). We’re fairly certain our son got sick from something he ate when he was not at home; we just never discovered which thing it was that made him sick. In any case, the activated charcoal was a lifesaver for us, and it continues to be an important tool in our natural arsenal. I don’t think Kimi was at all suggesting that proper food handling and hand washing aren’t important measures that should always be taken! Sometimes people still get sick, even if they are taking the utmost care, and I’m just glad to know there is a natural remedy out there that works well.
Marisa
Wow, this is a great post! Thank you for your detailed description of what happened in your family. I especially liked reading all the other testimonials.
I am a true believer in it. It started when I was nursing, and I’d get a little nauseated in the evenings (types of food upset my stomach at the time), so I’d take a few doses of Colic Calm, which has the charcoal in it. After a few instances of that, I bought a bottle of charcoal caps. Then when I was pregnant and on bed rest, my husband came home with the bug. I threw up twice and started getting contractions (not good!), so I tried two capsules of the charcoal. I felt so much better, and my husband kept vomiting (not taking the caps). That was the beginning of my trust in the stuff!
I am often pregnant or nursing, and I have taken it many, many times (with the understanding of how it works in the system). It has saved my husband and I from the effects of the stomach virus that our family gets once a year. I have learned to take it asap and a large dose at first. I always mix it with raw honey for my children, and I take the capsules while sipping an apple cider vinegar drink. I keep adding a small dose every hour or so afterwards until they or I feel better. I have used it on my two year old–I figured if the ingredient is in Colic Calm for babies, my two year old can have a dose. I have also used the charcoal for any other stomach issues. On the rare occasion that my children eat a food that they are intolerant of or eat processed food and react, I give them a small dose to help with alleviating the side effects. I carry a bottle wherever I go!
Now I’m thankful to read that we can use it to prevent catching it–I never knew that!
Audrey
Thank you!
Elena
Thank you for the honey tip; I’m trying to get my 2yo to take some mixed into peppermint tea, but it’s a no-go. Given the speed at which this bug is travelling through our house, I expect this tip will come in handy for my seven year old as well. Many, many thanks.
shaunna
I use this stuff for everything. Definitely at first sign of stomach flu but also right before I eat sushi. And certain other types of restaurants . I put it in my bath water once a month. I mix it in my facial scrub and make a mask out of it. I’m prone to ear infections ,or used to be, but when I start to get the first sign of ear trouble I irrigate my ear with a charcoal / water mixture. And problem averted. I haven’t taken antibiotics for 5 years now. It was at least 6 times a year for many years from the ear thing. It’s so inexpensive and has changed my life.
pearlwhite
Has anyone else had this experience?
After a stomach flu made its way through our family, I had three near bouts with it that I managed to stave off with activated charcoal.
I think that because I actually haven’t defeated the virus, the bug keeps rearing its head. Roughly every week since the virus hit our household, I will get really woozy, as though something’s coming on. Then I’ll take the charcoal to hold it at bay, and it works, but then the wooziness comes back a few days later.
My husband says I should just let it happen since I am our household’s lone survivor of this bug. But when is a good time for a stomach flu?
Anyone else?
Amanda
I know I’m super late with a reply but for anyone reading now like me. My guess is that you kept reinfecting yourself from the germ in your home. It’s very important to disinfect with bleach water. This needs to be done to everything possible in the home. Anything that a sick person touches likely has the virus on it. ( tv remote, light switches,door knobs etc.) also remember when someone is vomiting there are tiny particles that float around so chances are they the counter, hand towel, sink, floor, toilet, shower curtain, door, walls etc have particles on them and if you touch them and don’t wash 100% of them away you will infect yourself with the virus.
jen
No I haven’t had that happen. Perhaps go off the charcoal and take some garlic caps or other immune boosting supplements.
Love this post
Had to go get some. Hate stomach bugs!
Diana
WHO has the same recommendations.
http://www.who.int/selection_medicines/committees/subcommittee/2/charcoal_rev.pdf
Jeniver
Thank you so much! Found this article last year, ordered some charcoal and I am so thankful! Used it a couple times for severe gas issues and mild nausea but last night I started feeling yucky. Nausea and such so I took some charcoal. About 2 hours later I did vomit but took some more and have not vomited again. I do not believe I would be awake right now and feeling as well as I do if not for the charcoal. Haven’t been able to eat much and had some nausea after some rice today but with more charcoal I am not dehydrated and feel as though I can attack my busy day tomorrow. We shall see, but I just wanted to thank you again for all the information! It has been a blessing once again.
sonto
I’m in South Africa in the village far from hospitals.. my 3 year old was throwing up and having a febrile seizure at night. I didn’t know what to do I gave him paracetamol and electrolyte for dehydration. He vomitted it out his temperature was high so I tried to cool him down but he was still sick. I then remembered activated charcoal , I mix some with water. immediately he became better he stopped throwing up and he slept for d first time.
Dana
Just curious – I have no thyroid and take natural desiccated thyroid (I need this pill to stay alive) …..if I take this pill will that aborb my thyroid meds? I take them at 7am and 8pm. Thanks!
Oh and it is contraindicated for anyone or relatively safe to take?
KimiHarris
Dana,
That would be a great question to ask your doctor. I personally would not take activated charcoal anywhere near any pill that I need, as it is highly adsorbent.
Delaney
Hi, do you know how long after exposure active charcoal can be taken and still work? I was exposed to a stomach ailment about an hour ago, and won’t be able to get to the store until morning at least. Thank you for this article, I will try just about anything to avoid contracting any sort of stomach bug!
Daphne
I know this is and old post, but my family is just coming down with a stomach bug. My kids’ ages range from 5-13. How much charcoal is recommended that I give them? Thanks in advance for any help!
Virginia Golden
Many times throughout this article, the word absorb and absorption are incorrectly written “adsorb” and “adsorption.”
Good article otherwise.
KimiHarris
Virginia,
I had first written it as “absorb” but another reader (see comment below) corrected me on it. Adsorb is the correct term. I hadn’t know!
Sara
Just a heads up, I wanted to give it to my seven-year-old who has special needs. The next day he had a serious seizure. So I know that it can absorb Miller minerals and make kids who are very sensitive. Otherwise, works great for the rest of our family!
KimiHarris
Oh my goodness! I hope they are okay! Thanks for letting us know. I’m afraid that it DOES absorb pretty much everything in your system, which is why it shouldn’t be taken with needed medicines or supplements.
Kim
Hi! I just found your post and want to get Activated Charcoal in my medicine cabinet. I hate the stomach virus and throw up gives me panic attacks. No joke. I am always looking for ways to be preventative….. I have a 5 year old and 6 month old. I understand that my 6 month old is too young… but can I give my 5 year old activated charcoal as a preventative? Let’s say like once a week…. until the “stomach virus season” calms down? Also, how much can I give?
I hope this makes sense….
Anna
Mum gave me charcoal as a kid 4+. Charcoal a very natural (but I am not a doc) I remember she said 1 per every 10 kilos so if you are 60 kilos you take 6. 20 you take 2. Might not be accurate but that’s what she did. I always take 4-6 on how severe and it works.
Lee Wenzel-destinationheavenministries.com
So glad there are believers in Activated carbon. I have done seminars on it for over 25 years. Placed it in a folded up piece of coffee filter and stuck it in between an infected tooth and cheek and in 15 minutes all pain gone. I keep it in a squirt bottle for a sore throat or to place on a bandage. From my studies I read absorb is like a sponge and can release its contents under pressure (That’s like clay), unlike adsorb which holds its toxins like a magnet and won’t release it unless heated to a high temp to kill it or eliminated by waste. Not that great for viruses but a great one for bacteria. And when I confronted Dr. Thrash from the Uchee Pines Institute said Charcoal is very specific and won’t take out the good with the bad. Meds are considered a ‘bad’. One lady came to Dr. Thrash and said she loved eating charcoal and consumed over a pound a day. The Dr. then checked her for nutrient imbalance and there was none. Also in her book she states it can be given to infants with jaundice from a bottle. Using just the top liquid when the heavy particles settle. The best thing for viruses is Olive leaf extract, from the web it states to take 500mg 3x@day unless really sick then take triple that amount. Swanson’s has the best prices. Charcoal caps from Puritans Pride. I sell bulk Charcoal. $10.00@#
tanya
as a preventative how much can I take while nursing my 4 month old?
Thanks
KimiHarris
I don’t think it is recommended to take it long term as it could prevent the absorption of nutrients from your food, and you need those even more when nursing. However, if you are exposed, and want to prevent getting sick, you could follow the recommendations from the links provided above, ask your doctor, or follow the directions on the bottle of capsules you bought.
Jessica
I have never tried activated charcoal for the stomach bug, but I have a remedy that’s always worked wonders for me. Anytime I have an upset stomach or a stomach ache, I take a few tablespoons full of honey mixed with cinnamon. It is an almost instant cure for me everytime. The last time our house got the stomach bug, I took it througout the day and didn’t throw up once (I cannot stand throwing up….it causes me a great deal of anxiety). I did still have other symtpoms like aches and fatigue but no throw up. I’ve taken it when I’ve felt like I may be getting the stomach bug and I never get it. I will try the charcoal with the honey and cinnamon going forward and hopefully never get the stomach bug again! Thank you!
Name*
TIMING is everything! Every bit of surface of AC grabs onto whatever it can,rendering it unable to pass through into the gut-blood barrier if you consume it within 2 hours of food, it will drastically impair its efficiency, so larger doses will be needed, which may be dangerous? (malabsorbtion/dehidration). It is ideal to be taken on an empty stomach, so it coats your intestinal muccosa, creating a protective barrier. Most of the “double ended fountain action” is caused by the bacterial toxins/ emzymes which inflame the gut walls. Ive had “IBS” for 2 years, so I contract gastro 4 times a year, what works for me is a teaspoon of psyllum husk and a teaspoon of A.C stir quickly, and drink before the P.H thickens the water,slowly sip another glass of water. The P.h absorbs 50 times its volume of water, forms a soothing mucalage,which helps “slow things down” BONUS, it also helps prevent dehidration. Of late I have been doing some mad science, to try fix my IBS D!! I have actually found that the above mentioned concoction plus hydrogen peroxide stops my IBS toilet dash symptoms, within half an hour, for the duration of a day. IBS…The gastroenterologist got the BS part right! MY theory… The ac +PH acts as a delivery system for the h202, which obliterates the antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria, the pH then mops up any dead bacteria, and their toxins.PS.DONT FREAKING INGEST PEROXIDE!!! Unless you dilute it right, it WILL cause ulcers. There is no long term studies of peroxide ingestion, I am taking a gamble, an educated gamble, but there are still risks
Rachel
If you take activated charcoal and then still get sick, do you vomit up the charcoal?’ Because that sounds horrible
Anna
Yes if you get sick. But no taste just looks black.
Anna
I drank alcohol and recently have been having a super negative allergic reaction to it very bad nausea no matter if it’s 2 drinks or 6. So I took activated charcoal 4 pills chewed up and swallowed. 25 min later voila, nausea gone. Obviously alcohol is poisoning and charcoal absorbs the poison. Worked very well. Also had very bad nausea as a kid. No gravol in Russia mom gave me charcoal everytime. 110% better!
Anna
And I want to add another story to this.
Was camping and ate 6 yes SIX 2 year old expired hot dogs with bf!!! Bought from store on the same day don’t know how they allowed the batch in.. Anyways felt super sick after some time. At the time 70 kilos for every 10 kilos you take one pill. Took 7+2 charcoal pills just incase. 1hoir later me and bf (he took 6) felt much better. Yesss charcoal!
Cynthia
thanks for sharing, Kimi!
Though I knew of several of these natural remedies, you added to my list.
I always add a teaspoon full , around 30mls, to a cup of hot water, then add Honey and lemon to taste, it’s actually quite a pleasant hot drink then, and honey helps as well.
KimiHarris
Thanks so much for the tip! Sounds good!
Liz Archie
Thank you so much for the information on activated charcoal! I caught a stomach bug after my 21 month old had it. I started taking some activated charcoal pills the next day and didn’t throw up anymore after that!
Is it necessary to ween yourself off of the pills? My stomach is still a little off after a day or 2 of taking the pills, not sure if it’s from stopping them too soon or just my stomach adjusting to my regular diet.
How do you put nutrients back into your body after a stomach bug and taking the charcoal pills?
Courtney
I just bought a bag of coconut activated charcoal powder for my house since the stomach bug is going through my son’s kindergarten classroom like crazy. I also have a 3.5 year old at home. Do you have any idea what the dosage would be for them? I think 1 capsule is about 1/4 tsp, so would I give them that full dose or only 1/8 tsp? Thanks!
Alex
I love activated charcoal, and use it all the time. I have IBS and take it if i feel diarrhea coming on. It firms things up! Just yesterday i was feeling naseous and thought i would throw up. I took 2 capsules, or 560 mg, and after a 3 hour nap felt back to normal. I didn’t really think it could stop a stomach big but these experiences seem to prove otherwise! It is my go-to cure and detox. I even used it for cleaning a sink. Ordered Nature’s Way brand online from Pureformulas.com because that was the cheapest i could find.
Cristin
Hi – thank you so much for this post! I suffer severely from emetophobia (phobia of vomiting) and when my younger brothers came down with a flu this winter and were vomiting for 36 hours along with my boyfriend, I was looking up how to prevent myself from getting it. I came over lots of posts talking about probiotics, vitamins, and etc. but this one really spoke to me!
I didn’t get any charcoal the first time they were sick in the winter (since it was my mom dealing with them and I was able to avoid being near them and where they were sick since I live in the basement), but when they came down with another puking flu again with my boyfriend at the same time later in the winter, I ran to a natural food store and picked up a bottle of it. It was only $16 plus tax for a bottle of 90 capsules at 260mg – cheaper than I expected!
I took one or two that day and for a few days after and managed to avoid getting sick.
After that, my boyfriend’s mom got a terrible stomach flu which she thought was norovirus and she is an extremely clean lady who never gets sick, so I was terrified. I was at her house when she got sick and so I expected the worst, but I popped some charcoal even after being exposed to where she was and the kitchen/bathroom she was in and didn’t get sick.
Maybe I have a good immune system since I’m vegan and take vitamins and get lots of sun, but I definitely think activated charcoal helped me stay clear of a stomach flu this winter.
A point that has been made among other sites about charcoal is NOT to take it within at least an hour or taking other medications because it can decrease the effectiveness of it. I always wait 2 hours, just incase because withdrawals from anxiety and depression medication is brutal.
Now, I go to charcoal when I have a tummy ache instead of gravol and it’s been proven to be effective. Usually within an hour of taking it I feel much better. It could be the mind over matter thing, but I think charcoal absorbs any toxins within the stomach (possibly including things I’m allergic to like gluten).
Once again, thank you so much for this post and informing me on charcoal as it has helped my mentality tons!!!
Ponse
Just wish to share. A decade ago my two youngest brothers became ill and started to vomit uncontrollably and have lose vowel movements. We immediately brought them to a doctor who recommended electrolyte drinks and activated charcoal pills. The older one was skeptical and only drank the electrolyte drinks and continued to suffer for another three days. My youngest took the pill and after a few hours felt relief and was up and about just in just 24 hours.
Delphine
Loving this post. I have used charcoal for a while now in my family and it seems to work like a charm. We (my son, me and my husband) have escaped vomiting and serious illness the last 2 times the bug went through our house (my 8 year old daughter seems to bring it home a lot). Just this last week, unfortunately I did not catch it quickly enough for her and she had full blown-stomach flu, vomiting off and on for much of the night. I started taking charcoal right away and have not caught anything. My 16 year old son started feeling very nauseous the next morning and I immediately gave him 6 charcoal pills with water, he laid down in bed and a few hours later felt much better. He still had some nausea so we gave him a couple more charcoal pills, and then later that day his symptoms completely vanished. My husband also started having nausea and took a few pills (less than the 6 I told him he should take), and he never threw up but the nausea persisted longer for him. So I do think taking a big dose right away is important. Another time when the stomach flu was in our house, we (me and my son) also took charcoal right at the onset of an upset stomach and both avoided throwing up. We did get aches and pains and fatigue but I will take that ANY day over puking!!!! Charcoal is our miracle worker and we are never without it in our home. Love it.
Emily
I found this article last night at 3 a.m. when I woke up sick. It was the first result on Google for “vomiting diarrhea activated charcoal.” I was in a stupor and about to heave and already having diarrhea. My activated charcoal is just a loose powder, and I didn’t have the presence of mind to measure anything out. I just stirred a heaping spoonful into 8 oz. of water and took a few swallows. I immediately threw up, but I was right on the verge anyways. After the first round of vomiting, I sat there and drank down most of the rest of the charcoal solution along with some additional water. That was the only time I threw up. Still had some more diarrhea and went back to bed about 20 minutes later with the trashcan just in case. Lots of chills for a while but no more throwing up or diarrhea. I feel pretty puny this morning, but nowhere near as bad as if I’d spent all night throwing up every 15 minutes which is how this kind of thing usually goes for me. It has been years and years and years since I’ve had a stomach bug, and this is the first time since I’ve had the activated charcoal. It really works. Thank you for being there for me in the middle of the night, ha ha…
Mel
I sure wish I had some now. I woke up with a stomach bug this morning and I hate throwing up !
LindaLenore
I ate something that I knew was questionable and ended up with food poisioning. I have spent the last 4 days since then throwing up almost everything. I have managed to fend off dehydration, but I have been feeling awful. Today had not been as bad, I had only thrown up once and was holding down soft, bland foods pretty well.
One of the ladies at church recommended charcoal. She sent some home with my husband this evening. I took it in the dose she wrote on the top of the jar… 1Tbsp in 8 oz water. Besides the chalky black liquid being disgusting, I have felt worse than ever since shortly after I took it. Now, I feel like I need to throw up, but can’t. Sure, the diarrhea has stopped, but now I have the same tummy cramps without the relief of actually going. I may be the only one here to say this, but someone needs to point out that this is not a magic pill and everything effects different people differently! I took it out of an extreme desire for relief and it has made things worse! Just saying…
Amy
Two of my children have had a stomach virus this past week. I put 2 capsules in pedialite for my 7-year-old, which he continued to sip on during the duration of the vomiting. He threw up every couple of hours from 8:00 am last Saturday, until 1:00 am Sunday. Then had diarrhea on Sunday. My almost 2-year old started vomiting at 4:30 am yesterday, and finally stopped after 6:45 pm last night. Then she had diarrhea until about 11:30 last night. I put one capsule in juice for her that she also sipped on all through the day after the first time she vomited. I just don’t see that it made a difference. Maybe it only works when you start taking it before you vomit the first time? I don’t know. It seems to me that their vomiting lasted the same amount of time that it would have if I had not given them the charcoal, but who knows how long it would have lasted if I didn’t? I have 4 kids and none of us have ever had anything that lasted any longer than a day. Also, my two that were sick this week didn’t always make it to the toilet or the small trash can we had designated as the “puke bucket” so I had to clean black vomit off of everything it landed on. I’m glad it works for some. I just don’t think it worked for us.
Sami
How much would you recommend taking as a preventative if you think roommates are coming down with something?