The Benefits of using Activated Charcoal with your Little One- All You Need to Know

If you're new to Colic Calm, or a long time fan, the first thing you might notice about the product is that it is black. This can come as a shock, but that is where the key to relieving the symptoms associated with colic, gas and reflux lie. Carbo vegetabilis (vegetable charcoal), is the key ingredient of Colic Calm's homeopathic, FDA approved gripe water. Read on to learn more about Vegetable charcoal and how it works to ease digestive discomfort.

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is created by superheating natural sources of carbon (such as wood or husks) stripping the charcoal of previously adsorbed molecules, freeing up bonding sites again, in addition to making the charcoal more porous, effectively doubling its original surface are to which inorganic or impure compounds can bind to. The form of carbon used in homeopathic medicine is Carbo Vegetabilis (Vegetable Charcoal) H.U.S.P. (Homeopathic United States Pharmacopeia), a pure, naturally produced, non-carcinogenic vegetable carbon. This carbon that we use has been ground into a fine, black, odorless and tasteless powder. It is tested for utmost purity and is completely safe for human consumption.

How does Activated Charcoal work?

Activated Charcoal works by a process called adsorption - which means that it has the amazing ability to attract other substances to its surface and hold them there (this is scientifically different from absorption, which means to incorporate or assimilate a substance). On its way through the digestive tract, it collects toxins and contaminants via adsorption. It also adsorbs gases, thus relieving flatulence, bloating and gas pains. It is fully excreted in bowel movements, so it will temporarily darken stools. Because vegetable charcoal is not a drug, it has no direct action on any organ of the body; it does not enter the bloodstream, nor is it absorbed into the body. All of it passes out of the body system naturally and easily, along with the gases and toxins it has collected on its journey. It is without rival as a cleansing agent and in assisting the healing process of the body as well as preventing intestinal infections.

Activated charcoal has been shown to have the remarkable ability to distinguish organic and soluble from inorganic and insoluble, which is why we warn about giving other medications within a two-hour period...the effect of the other medication may be lessened by the adsorptive properties of the activated charcoal.

Are there any side effects?

As activated charcoal is not absorbed into your Little One’s body, it passes through the digestive tract in its entirety. This will result in darker stools or black flecks seen in stool, which is completely normal and expected.

The amount of vegetable charcoal within each dose of Colic Calm’s proprietary formula, and even with the maximum dose given each day is not enough to give any adverse effects on nutrient adsorption. As stated on the Colic Calm’s label, each dose contains a very conservative amount of medicinal grade activated charcoal. In homeopathy, a little goes a long way for most in relieving gas and tummy pains. Nutrient absorption is not affected using Colic Calm. Colic Calm is formulated to be given right before a feed- being a product with all-natural active ingredients, Colic Calm works via Homeopathic practices and therefore is formulated to work alongside and in conjunction with the body’s normal activities.

What is the difference between using activated charcoal, vs simethicone?

Simethicone works to combine the small gas bubbles in your Little One’s tummy to create a larger gas bubble, which in theory would be easier to pass. Simethicone preparations usually contain synthetic ingredients such as artificial colors and flavors, as well as emulsifiers and fillers, and are not always completely effective.

Activated charcoal adheres to the gas bubbles and other impurities in your Little One’s gut, breaking down those gas bubbles and passing them through their digestive system, thus alleviating your infant’s gas completely, and alleviating tummy aches as well- this is why we have thousands of testimonials from parents raving how minutes after a dose, their baby’s trapped wind was released, and/or their baby was able to pass stool. Colic Calm does indeed work wonders, naturally!

You can learn more about Colic Calm’s other natural active ingredients here.