Carbo vegetabilis – activated vegetable charcoal

Its ultra-microporous surface allows it to trap organic compounds, gases, and certain toxins present in liquid preparations. Widely used in contemporary herbalism, it is also incorporated into homemade recipes for natural face masks and toothpastes.

Description

Very fine, matte, and lightweight black powder with no odor. Extremely messy, handle with care. Neutral in taste.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Activated charcoal, activated carbon
• Latin name: Carbo vegetabilis
• Family: Substance derived from plant matter (non-botanical)
• Part used: Wood, shells or other carbonized plants
• Form: Activated powder
• Origin: Varies depending on the plant (coconut, ash, birch, etc.)
• English name: Activated charcoal
• Name in German: Aktivkohle
• Name in Spanish: Carbon activado
• Name in Italian: Carbone attivo
• Name in Arabic: فحم نشط (Faḥm nashit)

Main virtues

Activated charcoal is widely used in homemade purifying treatments (masks, toothpastes), natural one-off detox drinks, or as a filtration agent in certain liquid preparations.

Main constituents

Highly microporous pure carbon, variable mineral residues (depending on plant origin).

Use and dosage

• Oral use: 1/2 teaspoon diluted in water, away from meals and medication.
• Cosmetics: to be incorporated into purifying masks, soaps or homemade toothpastes.
• Filtration: to clarify liquids or homemade plant decoctions.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• May interfere with medication absorption. Leave at least 2 hours between doses.
• Do not use for long periods without professional supervision.
• Not recommended for children or pregnant women except on medical advice.

History and origin

Used in ancient civilizations to purify water and air, activated charcoal remains a key ingredient in natural medicines and organic cosmetics today. Its versatility and safety make it a key ingredient in many home remedies.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container away from humidity.
• Packaging: black powder packaged in a jar or opaque sachet.
• Appearance: fine matte black powder.
• Odor: neutral.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Specialized literature on modern herbal medicine
• Plant-based cosmetics works
• Corpus of ancestral uses of charcoal

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.