Charcoal has a number of uses beyond your grill to cook steaks in the summer. It can be used for a number of health benefits, in addition to helping your beauty regimen. Activated charcoal capsules can be used to whiten teeth, clean your pores, and make your own natural mascara. Charcoal capsules can be found at most pharmacies and vitamin stores. See below for instructions on how to use activated charcoal.

1. Teeth Whitener

Ingredients:

• 3 Activated charcoal capsules
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda (optional)
• Essential oil (add flavoring for taste — be sure to use an essential oil that is safe for consumption — optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
2. Then open the charcoal capsules and empty them into the coconut oil. Mix the baking soda and essential oil in as well, stirring to blend everything thoroughly.
3. Allow the mixture to cool before using it. Keep it in a jar that can be sealed such as a small mason jar.
4. Place a small amount on a toothbrush and brush the mixture onto your teeth for 1-2 minutes, then rinse your mouth out.

The mixture will whiten your teeth. If you feel any tooth sensitivity, discontinue use.

2. Facial Scrub

The facial scrub uses a lot of the same ingredients listed above.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3 charcoal capsules
• 1 Tbsp. baking soda

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil and blend in the rest of the ingredients. Allow the mixture to cool. If the consistency is too runny, you can add a bit more baking soda to thicken it.
2. Use the mixture on your face as either a scrub or a facial mask.
3. Work it into your pores, allowing it to work for 10 - 15 minutes (if using it as a mask), avoiding the eye area. Then rinse it off with cool water.

3. Natural Mascara

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. shea butter
• 1 1/2 tsp. bees wax
• 4 tsp. aloe vera gel
• 2 charcoal capsules

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the first four ingredients, stirring to blend them together. You can also melt these ingredients in the microwave as well.
2. Next, add the charcoal capsules and stir thoroughly.
3. Pour the ingredients into a plastic bag (such as a sandwich bag).
4. Squish the ingredients over to one corner of the bag, then cut off about 1/8" in the corner. Squeeze the mixture into a clean mascara tube.
5. Use the mascara as you would any other store-bought mascara.

Note: This mascara will only last about 3-4 months, as it doesn't contain any preservatives as store-bought mascara does.

Charcoal has a number of uses. Use it at home with your beauty regimen and get whiter teeth, glowing skin, and non-toxic mascara.