In the Western world, the word charcoal conjures up images of coal briquettes and barbecues, but for centuries, people in the East have used a different type of charcoal for fuel and cleansing properties.  Bamboo charcoal is made by heating pieces of matured bamboo at heats as high as 800 degrees C., and as early as 1486 A.D, there was documented usage of bamboo charcoal in the Ming Dynasty.

When heated, this process of carbonization creates a product with a high density and porous structure with many cavities, giving it the ability to attach different substances to its walls and release them later.  Bamboo charcoal also has the added benefit of a built-in team of microbes that work to decompose toxic substances that flourish around us.  Add to this that bamboo charcoal contains an abundance of minerals such as magnesium and potassium and you have an amazing cleansing and healing agent.

In your home or office, bamboo charcoal provides the following environmental functions:

• Humidity Regulator – Bamboo charcoal has a high porosity giving it the ability to regulate the humidity in the air.  If air is too humid, the charcoal will absorb the moisture and convert the air to dry air but if the air is too dry, the charcoal will discharge its moisture to adjust the humidity.
• Odor Absorption – Bamboo charcoal’s absorption qualities extend to odors as well.  Place pieces in your refrigerator, around your home, near ashtrays and in your closet to keep your home smelling fresh. If odor is a concern of yours, you might also consider taking a look at bamboo clothing which is excellent for people who tend to sweat a lot.
• Vegetable Crisper – Go one step further in your fridge and place the charcoal in your vegetable bin.  The charcoal absorbs the ethylene gas so your fruits and veggies stay crisper and better-tasting longer.
• Water Purifier – Take a break from expensive water filters and use bamboo charcoal to purify your drinking water.  Soak some in a pitcher for a few hours to let the charcoal work as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent.  Your water will smell and taste better.

Along with these environmentally-beneficial properties, bamboo charcoal is also a strong agent in personal healing.  The charcoal itself is full of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.  When used in water-filtration or in cooking (try adding it in the next time you boil water for rice), the minerals are dissolved and enrich the water.  You can even add a piece to your bathwater to soothe aching muscles and leave your skin silky soft before wrapping yourself in luxurious bamboo towels.

Bamboo charcoal also releases Far Infrared Rays, a type of electromagnetic wave, at wavelengths ranging from 4 to 16 micrometers that is absorbed by all organic material.  Just by the presence of the charcoal itself, the human body will absorb the entire range and it can produce a warming effect to help improve circulation substantially.

Another health benefit is that of allergen trapper.  Place an inner layer of activated charcoal in pillows and cushions or place pieces throughout your house to help control allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Finally, bamboo charcoal is excellent to use for Electromagnetic Wave Dissipation.  With the amount of electronic appliances in our homes and offices today, our bodies are attacked by a larger than ever amount of EM waves.  Bamboo charcoal works to dissipate these waves so place pieces in your kitchen, office and on top of your television to help shield your body from these harmful waves.

For such a wide range of cleansing and healing properties, bamboo charcoal is a wise investment to add to your household.

When buying bamboo charcoal, be sure to check with the supplier as to which charcoal is best for you depending on your use. Not all charcoals are made to be ingested.

Take a look at our Bamboo Remedies section for more great ways bamboo heals.

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