Its porous texture binds to toxins and prevents your body from absorbing them. It draws out impurities. That's one reason it's a staple in hospital emergency rooms. Doctors commonly use it as an antidote for food poisoning and drug toxicity.

For patients with end-stage renal disease, activated charcoal may be a viable alternative to dialysis. It binds to urea and other toxins, reducing the number of waste products that filter through your kidneys.

It can minimize body odor. For people who suffer from something called Fish Odor Syndrome, activated charcoal can bind to the stinky compounds the body produces and help reduce unpleasant odors. It is ideal as an underarm, shoe and refrigerator deodorant.

It helps to neutralize the liquids and gases trapped in the intestine and further ease pain, not required after gas. It has antiviral, anti bacterial, anti fungal and detoxifying properties which help in teeth whitening.

Its anti bacterial, properties help it absorb harmful microbes from wounds. It might also help stop the smell that comes from infections and can help with ulcers or bedsores.

Some research shows that activated charcoal can keep your body from absorbing cholesterol. It helps in dropping the LDL, or bad cholesterol.

Though it doesn't seem to absorb alcohol very well, some research shows that drinking it at the same time as alcohol might lower blood alcohol levels somewhat.