Vegetable carbon is a natural substance useful for absorbing gas at the gastric and intestinal level, and used in the case of aerophagia and meteorism . Let's find out better.

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What is charcoal

Vegetable coal, also called activated carbon or activated carbon, is a natural substance obtained from the combustion of wood, or its processing waste, at high temperatures and in the absence of fire ( calcination ), in an oxygen-poor atmosphere ( carbonization ). Subsequently the coal is burned a second time in the presence of water vapor, air or gas in order to increase its absorption power ( activation ).

Where is it

The charcoal is the result of the carbonification of poplar, willow, birch and pine wood. In nature this process takes place over millennia, when plant tissues are subjected to high pressures that cause an increase in temperature ; and to the fermentative action of anaerobic fungi and bacteria, which causes a progressive elimination of hydrogen and oxygen, with consequent carbon enrichment.

Properties and use of vegetable charcoal

Vegetable charcoal possesses " adsorbent " activity, ie it is able to adhere single molecules to its surface; while the term " absorbent " refers to a substance capable of impregnating itself (as can be a sponge).

The tiny particles of charcoal, retaining the air that develops in the stomach and intestines, prevent swelling and abdominal tension . In fact this natural substance on the one hand has the ability to adsorb the gases that form in the stomach; on the other hand it is able to extinguish burning and to burn the gastric walls in case of acidity and gastritis, due to the presence of many basic mineral salts . Its intake together with carminative plants, that is that favor the expulsion of intestinal gases, is therefore indicated in the presence of meteorism, aerophagia, colitis, intestinal fermentation, thanks also to the mild disinfectant effect at intestinal level.

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Finally, vegetable charcoal hinders the absorption of toxic substances and favors the elimination of heavy metals that can accumulate in various parts of the body. Thanks to its ability to retain most of the poisons, its administration also represents a classic strategy of intervention in case of mushroom poisoning (followed by that of a saline purgative)

This product is also prescribed to prepare for some clinical tests (ultrasound of the upper abdomen), in order to make it absorb intestinal gases that would prevent its correct execution.

Contraindications of vegetable carbon

Vegetable carbon is contraindicated in the presence of intestinal obstructions or appendicitis . Given its high adsorption capacity of gases and liquids, it can prevent the assimilation of drugs ( they must never be taken in the range between 30 minutes before and 2 hours after the intake of vegetable carbon), and nutrients. No other contraindications or side effects are reported in the literature.