Evolution Of Charcoal

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

minutes read

THE EVOLUTION OF CHARCOAL

Charcoal, otherwise known as ‘black magic’, has been used for centuries for its healing and adsorption properties. See some of its uses throughout history, and why it remains a vital substance to human life to this day.

8000BC		Native Americans combined charcoal powder with water to treat stomach ailments.
3750BC		Bronze was made by the Ancient Egyptians using charcoal to smelt ores.
1500BC		Egyptians used charcoal’s adsorption properties to mask festering wound odours.
400BC		Channelling its antiseptic powers, the Ancient Hindus and Phoenicians began using charcoal to purify drinking water.
27BC		Romans made toothpaste by combining charcoal powder with crushed bones, oyster shells and bark. I came, I saw, I brushed!
50AD		Hippocrates, the Greek physician considered the father of natural medicine, treated many patients’ ailments with activated carbon including epilepsy, chlorosis and vertigo.
1794		Carbon was revealed to be a successful decolouring agent, and particularly helped to produce white sugar. Yes, black can sometimes turn into white, it seems.
1820		Used to treat poultices, slough ulcers and treat gangrenous sores, charcoal was recorded in medical journals as an antidote for poison, and a treatment for intestinal disorders.
1915		Activated carbon was placed in gas masks by American soldiers in WW1, as a protective measure against poison gas.
1979		By 1979 activated charcoal was widely employed for industrial use, to purify drinking water and industrial waste, and to offset toxic gases. It was also used to clean bottles and winery tanks.

Deep Clean with Charcoal from 2015

The purification properties of charcoal have been eagerly adopted by the health and beauty industry. Pharmaceutical charcoal is used in soaps, face cleansers and deodorant to adsorb grease and dirt in pores. Bamboo charcoal has emerged as a popular additive to food. The black magic trend now includes charcoal peanuts, doughnuts and even hamburgers.

Colgate launches Total Charcoal Deep Clean- a toothpaste with micro-charcoal particles that acts on the teeth, tongue, cheek and gums to protect 100% of the mouth and give superior deep clean. Cheers to charcoal!

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

What's behind your smile?

Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine

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DO YOU KNOW?

2.3 billion

people worldwide suffer from tooth decay

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Evolution Of Charcoal

THE EVOLUTION OF CHARCOAL

Deep Clean with Charcoal from 2015

What's behind your smile?

What's behind your smile?

Helping dental professionals

BY NEED

By Category

By Brand

Top-rated products

BY LIFE STAGE

History & Purpose

Science & Innovation

Oral Health Commitment

Environmental Impact

BY NEED

By Category

By Brand

Top-rated products

BY LIFE STAGE

History & Purpose

Science & Innovation

Oral Health Commitment

Environmental Impact

Evolution Of Charcoal

THE EVOLUTION OF CHARCOAL

Deep Clean with Charcoal from 2015

What's behind your smile?

What's behind your smile?

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