How I Learned About Activated Charcoal

       Some things are learned the easy way. You see something in a book or online, it sparks an interest, so you look into it a little deeper, and voila'. Knowledge.
       Other things... well... not so easy. This way usually includes some degree of pain.

       Sure, I have heard of activated charcoal before. You probably have too. Unfortunately, in my case, it just didn't really spark enough interest in me to actually research it and find out what was so great about it. You know, like one of those "in one ear, out the other" type of things. Hopefully you don't make the same mistake I did! I mean, if you don't want to thoroughly study it and learn why it is awesome, etc., fine. Just do yourself a favor. Buy a little, stick it in your first aid kit, and just remember it is there when you need it.

     Now, on to my story.
Imagine that you are going along your merry way, just enjoying your evening at your campsite, perhaps relaxing next to your campfire, when you suddenly hear your camping neighbor freaking out and jumping around. You can't help but overhear words like, "It bit me!" and  "I don't know what it is!" and "It is IN MY PANTS!!!!"
Yeah... that was me!

       I went into the tent to investigate what was causing this pain, and what on earth it was that I had caught in my pant leg! My husband asked if it was an ant. I told him it was way too big to be an ant.
Tent zipped, pant leg inside out, and there it fell... right onto the tent floor!

I know, right?
I don't just have a dislike of wasps. I have a healthy fear of wasps! This sucker bit me or stung me or something THREE times! Whatever it was, it hurt!

       As I am recovering from my shock, but still in a great deal of pain, our camping neighbor made her way to our campsite and offered me some activated charcoal to put on my wounds. She told me to just make a little slurry with water, and put it right on there. I did. To my surprise, it took away the stinging and itching almost immediately.  After about 5 minutes, the pain was pretty much completely gone! So, yeah, this is something I definitely had to pass along.

       Of course, after this little traumatic incident, I wanted to learn more about this magical, black, powdery substance, and what it can be used for. I had already learned that it can be mixed with a bit of water, but it can also be mixed with other things before applying, as well. You can mix it with coconut (or other) oil, or mix it with a store bought or homemade salve. Once mixed, apply a dab to your bite, sting, itchy rash (think poison oak or poison ivy), and cover with a bandage or clean cloth. The stuff will stain, so covering it is good for protecting your clothing.
Pretty easy and straightforward.

What do you use activated charcoal for?
What do you do for bites, stings, and other itchy situations when you don't have activated charcoal on hand?
We are always looking to learn new helpful tidbits. Please leave a comment, and share your thoughts.