5 Super Powers of Bamboo Charcoal You Need to Know
Asian countries have been using bamboo charcoal for thousands of years to purify both air and water. It’s also used as medicine to remove poisons from the body, even today. This material is so porous, that just a single gram has a 600-square-feet surface area. Due to the incredibly porous nature of bamboo charcoal, people often call it a super natural material. Here are the 5 super powers you need to know.
#1 – Air Purification
As air flows through bamboo charcoal, the pores and cavities of the material trap odor molecules that cause unpleasant smells. You can think of it as a big sponge that sucks in and traps odor.
While the effect isn’t instant, bamboo charcoal lasts more than 365 days and does not release harmful chemicals into the environment. Instead of using artificial scent to cover up unpleasant odor like common air fresheners do, it removes the odor itself.
Bamboo charcoal is especially helpful for people with allergies and asthma, because it’s scent and allergen free. Being natural and non-toxic mean it’s also great with kids and pets.
In addition to eliminating odor, bamboo charcoal will improve air quality by trapping air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, and benzopyrene.
#2 – Water Purification
Bamboo charcoal filters water by trapping chlorine and other impurities, and releasing healthy minerals such as magnesium and calcium. You can put a piece of bamboo charcoal in your drinking water to significantly improve the taste. Alternatively, use bamboo charcoal in your bath water to remove irritants to your skin.
#3 – Medicine & Antidote
Bamboo charcoal has several medicinal uses and is available in capsules or tablets. According to WebMD, medical professionals often use it to treat bloating and food poisoning. It can also prevent a hangover and soothe your upset stomach.
When ingested, the pores in bamboo charcoal trap toxins in the stomach, which prevents your body from absorbing the poison. It works wonderfully when you are suffering from food poisoning or diarrhea.
#4 – Humidity Control
Bamboo charcoal is Mother Nature’s air conditioning system. When the moisture level in the surrounding air is high, bamboo charcoal will absorb and hold the moisture. When the air outside gets dry, bamboo charcoal will slowly release moisture back into the environment.
A small bag of bamboo charcoal in a storage closet will prevent mold growth, and a bag in the fridge or freezer keeps the area smelling fresh. Bamboo charcoal in the vegetable drawer can extend the freshness of your produce by up to three days.
#5 – Natural Fertilizer
When you’re done with bamboo charcoal, you can use it as a natural fertilizer for your lawn or garden. The minerals contained inside the charcoal will slowly release into the soil, giving your plants a steady source of nutrients. Bamboo charcoal can even help to keep the bugs away.
Best of all, bamboo itself is one of the most renewable natural resources in the world. Moso bamboo, most commonly used to create charcoal, can grow to its full size of 75 feet within five years without any harmful pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
And there you have it, the 5 super powers of bamboo charcoal. How do you use this material in your life? Let us know in the comment section below.
