Although activated charcoal can be purchased at most health food stores, making it at home is a simple and affordable process. Here’s how to make activated charcoal at home:
Ingredients
– Coconut shells or hardwood
– Metal container with a lid
– Access to heat source, like a fire pit or stove
– Clean water
Step 1: Choose your material
You can use hardwood or coconut shells for this process. Hardwoods like oak or maple are preferred, but if you don’t have access to hardwood, coconut shells are a suitable alternative. Coconut shells are often used in commercial production of activated charcoal.
Step 2: Burn the material
Once you’ve chosen your material, you’ll need to burn it to create the charcoal. Make sure to burn it in a metal container with a lid to prevent oxygen from getting inside. You can use a fire pit, stove, or any heat source that will create enough heat to burn the material. The fire must be extremely hot for this process to work.
Step 3: Let it cool
Once the material has burned down, let it cool completely before handling. This can take several hours, so be patient.
Step 4: Crush the charcoal
After the material has cooled, crush it into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar.
Step 5: Add water
Add enough water to the powder to create a paste-like consistency. This will help remove any impurities from the charcoal.
Step 6: Boil the mixture
Boil the mixture for at least five minutes to sterilize it. This is important because activated charcoal can harbor bacteria if not properly sterilized.
Step 7: Dry the charcoal
Pour the mixture onto a clean, flat surface and let it dry in the sun or under a heat lamp. It’s important to dry the charcoal completely to prevent mold and bacteria from forming.
Step 8: Activate the charcoal
Activating the charcoal is the final step in the process. Activating refers to the process of making the charcoal more porous so that it can better adsorb toxins and chemicals. Do this by heating the charcoal in the oven for several hours at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will make the charcoal ready to use.
Activated charcoal is a versatile substance that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used internally to detoxify the body or externally as a beauty treatment. Making activated charcoal at home is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some common kitchen tools. Once you’ve made your own activated charcoal, you can use it in a variety of ways and enjoy the benefits of this amazing substance.