Activated charcoal is an effective remedy for counteracting the effects of ingested poisons. It absorbs irritants in the stomach and intestines, which make it useful for other conditions, as well, such as diarrhea, indigestion and intestinal gas. Always contact a poison control center before treating a person who has been poisoned, or before trying to remedy a poisoning yourself. Each chemical or irritant is different.
Instructions
1. Only use this remedy if recommended by your poison control center, and only if the person who has ingested a poison is awake and able to swallow. If the charcoal is in a capsule form, the person may need to take 15 to 20 capsules for first aid, depending upon the toxicity of the ingested poison and the quantity taken. If the charcoal is in liquid form, follow the recommendations of the poison control center.
