Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, black powder often used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses. Some other potential benefits include reducing flatulence, promoting kidney health, and lowering cholesterol levels.

• Intestinal Gas and Bloating: The primary use for over-the-counter capsules is to relieve discomfort, cramping, and flatulence caused by excessive gas accumulation in the intestines.
• Indigestion and Upset Stomach: It can help alleviate symptoms of general indigestion or an uncomfortable stomach caused by certain foods.
• Diarrhea: Due to its ability to trap bacteria and toxins in the gut, some research suggests it may be useful in managing acute diarrhea.
• Emergency Poisoning/Drug Overdose: In a medical setting, large quantities of activated charcoal are used as an emergency treatment to prevent the body from absorbing certain drugs and poisons (though it is not effective for all substances like alcohol, strong acids, or lithium). Do not attempt to treat poisoning at home without calling a poison control center or seeking emergency medical help.
• "Detox" Aid: As a dietary supplement, it is marketed as a general "detoxifier" to help the body eliminate unwanted substances, though scientific evidence for this general use is limited.