What are the health or medical uses of activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal has a number of medical uses, including:

- Poisoning: Activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings by absorbing toxins and preventing them from being absorbed into the body. It is particularly effective in treating poisonings caused by drugs, chemicals, and heavy metals.

- Overdoses: Activated charcoal can be used to treat drug overdoses by absorbing the drug and preventing it from being absorbed into the body.

- Alcohol poisoning: Activated charcoal can be used to treat alcohol poisoning by absorbing the alcohol and preventing it from being absorbed into the body.

- Food poisoning: Activated charcoal can be used to treat food poisoning by absorbing toxins and preventing them from being absorbed into the body.

- Gas and bloating: Activated charcoal can be used to treat gas and bloating by absorbing gas and reducing the amount of gas in the digestive tract.

- Cholesterol: Activated charcoal has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in some studies.

- Kidney disease: Activated charcoal has been shown to improve kidney function in some studies.

- Skin conditions: Activated charcoal has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

- Dental health: Activated charcoal has been used to whiten teeth and remove plaque.

Activated charcoal is generally considered to be safe, but it can cause some side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to follow the directions on the product label when using activated charcoal.