Activated charcoal, anyone? YANAD/YANMD
May 7, 2014 1:19 AM Subscribe
Today I had the glorious experience of removing a ton of stainage from my teeth with activated charcoal. However, after obtaining a huge bottle I am left curious - what else is it good for?
I am aware of it's effect on absorbing poison (not exactly what I purchased it for), but I need to know - what other healthy awesome things can I do with AC capsules? Yes, I have googled it and have a few rough ideas - however! I am looking for personal (first or secondhand) suggestions from the hivemind.
And yes, I know, YANAD, YANMD.
Thanks!
I am aware of it's effect on absorbing poison (not exactly what I purchased it for), but I need to know - what other healthy awesome things can I do with AC capsules? Yes, I have googled it and have a few rough ideas - however! I am looking for personal (first or secondhand) suggestions from the hivemind.
And yes, I know, YANAD, YANMD.
Thanks!
Take some when you've had too much alcohol, lessens the hangover.
posted by Neekee at 2:49 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Neekee at 2:49 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Mild upset stomach of unknown origin -- maybe it was something I ate?
Activate: charcoal.
posted by Bentobox Humperdinck at 7:05 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Activate: charcoal.
posted by Bentobox Humperdinck at 7:05 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you like to make little closed terrariums, it's nice to have a layer of activated charcoal in there to keep things fresh.
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:09 AM on May 7, 2014
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:09 AM on May 7, 2014
If you want to learn to eat fire, it's invaluable as a preventative safety measure!
posted by swashedbuckles at 7:32 AM on May 7, 2014
posted by swashedbuckles at 7:32 AM on May 7, 2014
It destinkifies refrigerators way better than baking soda. Likewise, it keeps stored Tupperware containers from smelling odd.
posted by mightshould at 8:09 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by mightshould at 8:09 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you like to make little closed terrariums, it's nice to have a layer of activated charcoal in there to keep things fresh.
This is what I use it for. Inhibits mold growth in moss terrariums.
posted by jessamyn at 8:19 AM on May 7, 2014
This is what I use it for. Inhibits mold growth in moss terrariums.
posted by jessamyn at 8:19 AM on May 7, 2014
It can (maybe) be useful to give pets immediately after they've eaten something toxic. For example, I've given it to canine chocolate thieves.
posted by susanvance at 8:58 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by susanvance at 8:58 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Use as a cheap replacement to water filter/air filter.
Here are instructables for PUR water filter and here is one for DIY air filter
posted by radsqd at 10:06 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Here are instructables for PUR water filter and here is one for DIY air filter
posted by radsqd at 10:06 AM on May 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Activated charcoal is my most favorite food poisoning remedy. If I've eaten something bad, I'll take activated charcoal several times a day until it's resolved. It's so effective that I've stashed activated charcoal capsules at home, at my office, and I bring it with me if I travel.
posted by quince at 10:22 AM on May 7, 2014
posted by quince at 10:22 AM on May 7, 2014
If you like avocados, but are frustrated at how quickly they go bad when you try to save left-over parts of them in the fridge, try wrapping them in a paper towel and putting them in a ziploc with a tablespoon of activated charcoal.
I've had them last two weeks in a state of perfect ripeness in the vegetable drawer using this technique, but it hasn't worked quite as well with whole ones, possibly because an intact peel keeps the ethylene gas from escaping the fruit.
posted by jamjam at 12:49 PM on May 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
I've had them last two weeks in a state of perfect ripeness in the vegetable drawer using this technique, but it hasn't worked quite as well with whole ones, possibly because an intact peel keeps the ethylene gas from escaping the fruit.
posted by jamjam at 12:49 PM on May 7, 2014 [3 favorites]
If you like to make little closed terrariums, it's nice to have a layer of activated charcoal in there to keep things fresh.
This is what I use it for. Inhibits mold growth in moss terrariums.
Unfortunately the idea that activated or horticultural charcoal reduces odors or mold/algae growth in terrariums is a myth (in fact, activated charcoal which has been treated with phosphoric acid may increase algae growth). It's a very profitable one for certain retailers, however.
posted by oneirodynia at 6:54 PM on May 7, 2014
This is what I use it for. Inhibits mold growth in moss terrariums.
Unfortunately the idea that activated or horticultural charcoal reduces odors or mold/algae growth in terrariums is a myth (in fact, activated charcoal which has been treated with phosphoric acid may increase algae growth). It's a very profitable one for certain retailers, however.
posted by oneirodynia at 6:54 PM on May 7, 2014
Oh, and I should have added that activated charcoal attracts and holds onto all sorts of organic sludge that bacteria and molds love to grow on. It's why you need to toss your Brita filter every three months, even when Brita filters have silver to retard the growth of pathogens.
posted by oneirodynia at 7:04 PM on May 7, 2014
posted by oneirodynia at 7:04 PM on May 7, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
It will come out colourless.
Free Crystal Pepsi!
I... don't know why I am recommending this.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 1:58 AM on May 7, 2014 [62 favorites]