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I'm a sucker for a good natural remedy. Nothing feels better than finding the right treatment for whatever ails you without having to visit the doctor's office or the pharmacy and without having to wonder about the side-effects of this or that medication.

My all-time favorite natural remedy product is activated charcoal. Purchased either in a powder or a capsule, charcoal is a valuable product for every household. Some of my earliest memories revolve around my Gram's use of charcoal for the inevitable tummy aches that her grandchildren often suffered. She would always give us kids a big glass of water and one or two capsules of charcoal to swallow, and without fail, our tummies always felt better soon after. Science tells us that charcoal has an incredible absorbing ability. When it enters the ailing stomach, it is able to quickly absorb the strong gastric juices that often cause stomach pain and gas. It binds them tightly and carries them safely out through the intestinal tract....And ta-da! Tummy is all better! For my own kids, when they were too young to swallow capsules, I mixed the contents of two capsules into a cup of grape juice and let them drink it with a straw. It has rescued my family from many sleepless nights.

Another practical use for charcoal is the treatment of bee stings. Once again, because of the absorbing properties of charcoal, this treatment pulls the poison right through the skin and binds it tightly, preventing it from re-entering the skin. Follow these simple directions: Make a poultice (paste) using one-three capsules of charcoal powder and one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal. Add enough water to make a sticky paste and apply directly over the bee sting. Cover with a bandage or with gauze and medical tape. Leave it on for about one hour, or until the swelling has diminished and pain is gone. Wash off with warm water. My husband used to laugh at my belief in charcoal, until he got stung by a bee and his arm began to immediately swell. Within 15 minutes of the treatment, the swelling was completely gone and he had no pain whatsoever. He is now a believer! (Just a note to advise that this remedy will not treat a true bee allergy which often results in an anaphylactic reaction and can be fatal).

Also, in case of accidental ingestion of a poison substance, charcoal can be immediately swallowed to help absorb the toxin before it can cause damage. Of course, medical attention is warranted as well, but this initial treatment can actually save a life.

My advice, keep a bottle of activated charcoal on hand at all times.

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