Go figure, charcoal is good for you. It absorbs and draws out poisons and toxins, internally and externally. Yes internally. But first as promised we will talk about Charcoal Poultices.

After doing the hot and cold treatment described on Monday you can make a simple poultice of charcoal powder and enough water to make a thick paste. Ground flax seeds can also be added to it. Take a paper towel or piece of cloth and smear the paste all over it. Fold cloth or paper towel in half and place over infected area. You can also put the paste directly on the infection but this is quite a bit more messy.

Cover with plastic wrap, tight cloth or tape to hold in place. Remember to make the poultice bigger then the affected area. I used this once for a bout of mastisis I had. Couple it with plenty of fluids and rest and it will work wonders. Also works for insect bites or stings.

Charcoal can also be taken internally. According to Dr. Mary Ann McNeilus it is the treatment of choice for the American Academy of Pediatrics for poisonings. It can also be used for alergic reactions. It has no taste. Just put a spoon in a cup of pure water stir and drink. It does taste chalky though so you may want to follow up with another drink of plain water. Actually Dr. Mary Ann recommends having your children get used to taking it. Since “when you need it you need it and don’t want to be be fighting with a two year old.”

I am discovering that many of these treatments are a bit time consuming but they are also 100% safe and basically amplify our bodies natural healing ability. Basically you heal the way you were meant to not continuing in your same behavior expecting different results. More about lifestyle medicine on Friday.