What is Binchotan Charcoal?

Where does Binchotan Charcoal come from?

Also known as White Charcoal due to the white ash residue it leaves behind, Binchotan Charcoal is a type of Activated Charcoal that has traditionally been produced for over 300 years by charcoal makers in the Kishu province of Wakayama in Japan. The name 'Binchotan' came from a famous charcoal artisan, Binchoya Chozaemon, who developed a secret Binchotan process that eventually became known in other parts of Japan. However, Kishu Binchotan remains the finest, densest and purest form and is still handmade through a technique passed down through generations to produce charcoal of extraordinary purity.

Using extra hard Ubame Oak that grows in the forested hills of Kishu, branch clippings were carefully and sustainably collected before being stored inside large kilns built into the mountainside, burning at low temperatures over several weeks to control the oxygen flow. The temperature is then increased to over 1000 degrees and is monitored for the colour of the smoke. Once the smoke becomes clear, it means all impurities have been burnt away, making Binchotan Charcoal nearly 100% carbon.

How does Binchotan Charcoal work?

In the 20th Century, scientists began to study the benefits of Binchotan and its properties, discovering that it had a microporous structure with 270 square metres of internal surface area in each gram. Through a process of 'adsorption, whereby particles are attracted and adhere to a given surface, charcoal pores cleanse the environment by adsorbing gases from the atmosphere, electromagnetic waves like radio frequencies, harmful chemicals like chlorine, along with heavy metals found in water. Radiation is also weakened as it passes through Binchotan Charcoal.

Binchotan Charcoal has also been praised for fostering 'good energy' by giving off negative ions. Negative ions carry a negative electric charge, attracting positive ions in the air, such as carbon dioxide molecules. Having an excess of positive ions in your environment can affect respiratory function and cause fatigue. Binchotan Charcoal adsorbs these positive ions and releases the negative ions found in natural energy such as waves, waterfalls and thunderstorms.

Binchotan Charcoal Health Benefits

Charcoal sticks for water purification and alkaline water

Kishu Binchotan Charcoal filter sticks from Australian brand ILMA can be placed into water to purify and remove chemicals and heavy metals found in tap water. With a ratio of 50 grams per litre, Binchotan can filter and alkalise the water overnight. This natural alkaliser can be used for around two months before being replaced. Alternatively, you can boil Binchotan Charocal in water every two to three weeks to remove the absorbed chemicals and refresh the sticks.

Maintain dental hygiene

The bristles of our Life Basics Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush are infused with Binchotan Charcoal to help whiten teeth, remove plaque and even neutralise the chlorine in tap water! Binchotan Charcoal is antibacterial and anti-fungal when used in dental care and may help reduce plaque build-up and bad breath. These brushes also have a bamboo handle to making them biodegradable and even more environmentally friendly.

Dr Brite Vitamin C Infused Toothpaste contains Binchotan Charcoal and Kaolin Clay and Coconut Oil to give teeth a deep clean and promote healthy gums. This white toothpaste is also a great alternative to Charcoal teeth cleaning powders that can often get messy. And if that doesn't do the trick, there's always Dr Brite Healthy Gums Mouthwash.

Deodorise and regulate humidity

ILMA Kishu Binchotan Charcoal Water Purifier Sticks can be placed throughout the kitchen and home to eliminate unwanted odours, musty smells and excess humidity. Place a few Binchotan charcoal filter sticks in your fridge, pantry, living room or bedroom to purify the air and even absorb electromagnetic waves because charcoal draws toxins from the air by attracting and absorbing positive ions. Doing so can help cleanse the air from harmful particles, relieving breathing difficulties, asthma, and allergies.

For more information, read our blog post on the benefits of Activated Charcoal.