Charcoal

 Charcoal has a remarkable ability to absorb fermenting gases and poisonous substances; it lends itself to many uses. Charcoal filters have been used for many years to draw out noxious substances from drinking water. Butter carefully packed in charcoal will keep for a year. A small bag of charcoal kept in the silverware drawer will absorb the sulfur gases that cause tarnish. In drawers, closets, and poorly ventilated rooms a bag of charcoal pieces will absorb musty odors.

            Medicinally, charcoal will alleviate gaseous conditions, heartburn, and dysentery. If administered immediately following accidental poisoning, it will help to draw some of the poison away from the body. (In case of poisoning, however, you first step, of course, is to call a doctor!). A poultice made of powdered charcoal can alleviate skin conditions – burns, bruises, inflammation of the eyes. Charcoal comes in powder and pill form and should be made of the finest soft woods.