Did you know that there’s a type of charcoal that’s favored by preppers for its survival utility? (h/t to Survivopedia.com.)

Also referred to as activated carbon, activated charcoal is generally charcoal that has been processed further in order to remove some of the material to make it more porous. At the same time, it is infused with oxygen. As a result, the charcoal is generally more reactive, but still safe for use with certain medical treatments.

Preppers love activated charcoal as it has many benefits and uses. Like the regular charcoal, activated charcoal can be used to start fires. However, it will not produce the same kind of smoldering coals from normal charcoal because of its exceedingly porous nature. It is also a good marking tool, which can be applied in different ways and surfaces. It can be used for writing notes or as camouflage. Here are seven more reasons why preppers love it:

1. It is a poison and toxin treatment – Activated charcoal can be used when someone has consumed poison or a toxic substance. This is one of the most common medical benefits of activated charcoal. It can remove the poison or toxins from the body because of its porous nature, which enables the poison and toxins to migrate freely within it. Moreover, the naturally reactive nature of carbon chemically bonds with the poison or toxic substances. Eventually, this process traps the poison or toxin within the body in a non-reactive form until the body can then process the bigger activated charcoal molecule and eliminate it from the body together with the toxic substance. Avoid mixing activated charcoal with other poison or toxin remedies as it may absorb that too.
2. It has anti-parasitic properties – Because of its porous nature, the parasites can flow freely within the molecules. After entering the molecules, carbon traps the parasites until they are passed through the system.
3. It aids in digestion – Being out in the wild, preppers may experience diarrhea because of tainted food or water or because of some errant microorganism. Activated charcoal can help in digestion by acting as a stool hardener, which prevents you from getting dehydrated. It can also relieve other digestive problems like bloating.
4. It can filter water – When bugging out, it is important to have clean water. Activated charcoal can be a substitute for portable water filter if it fails to work. However, it has its limitations. Although it is a strong anti-parasitic, it cannot work as well for bacteria or viruses. (Related: Preppers chemistry: How to make your own activated charcoal water filter and hand warmers.)
5. It improves skin – Activated charcoal can be used as a skincare product even when you are out in the wild. It can be useful in fighting disease and infection that can be contracted through the skin. The body will surround the infection with white blood cells and create a protective pus bubble, which activated charcoal can remove. Activated charcoal can also remove acne or more advanced pore blockages.
6. It whitens teeth – It can be used as a teeth whitener. It works as a type of grit which is strong enough to remove plaque and prevents it from reattaching.
7. It is a general detoxifier – Activated charcoal can help detoxify the body. Consuming activated charcoal periodically when you are physically fit can help keep body organs clean and free from toxins like heavy metals.

The uses of activated charcoal has been known throughout history. Ancient Egyptians used it for cosmetics and medical ailments; the ancient Greeks recommended it for medicinal purposes; Native Americans used it for skin infections, stomach problems, and rituals; and Asians used it to whiten skin, unclog pores, and remove impurities and dead skin cells.

Find more stories on preppers and other survival tools at Bugout.news.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

HappyPreppers.com