What is Kishu Binchotan Charcoal and How is it Used?

How do I use binchotan charcoal?

Source: Glasshouse

Kishu Binchotan charcoal is an active carbon made from tree branches. Due to its extremely porous structure, Binchotan charcoal is renown for its ability to absorb impurities and unwanted tastes and odours from water such as chlorine, to soften and add minerals to water, as well as purify the air. It can be used over and over, and then acan be returned to the earth where the benefits continue. What is special about Kishu Binchotan? Kishu charcoal is made from Japanese Holm oak, which grows on the forested hills of Kii peninsula. Oak trees are not logged, but instead branches are cut off selectively leaving the tree alive and healthy. To make Kishu Binchotan charcoal, oak branches are stacked inside kilns and baked at super high temperatures over several weeks. Oxygen is then shut off and turned on again and its flow slowly increased. This centuries old process turns wood into carbon, and at up to 98%, Kishu Binchotan charcoal has the highest content of carbon of any charcoal, making it one of the purest and highest quality charcoals available on Earth. Here are four ways to use Kishu Binchutan around the home.

How to use Kishu Binchotan charcoal

Prior to usage, boil the Kishu Binchotan charcoal stick for 10 minutes, remove and allow to and cool completely. It is now ready to be used. Re-boil the charcoal stick every two to three weeks to get rid of everything it has absorbed. Also, take care not to drop the charcoal stick as it is easily breakable. Remove chlorine and impurities from drinking water To purify tap water for drinking, place the boiled and cooled Kishu Binchotan charcoal stick into a pitcher of water. Leave for a minimum of five hours, or overnight for best results. The charcoal stick will alkalise the water, absorb chemicals and toxins, and release beneficial minerals into the water. The charcoal stick will stay hard and not discolour the water. One stick will last for approximately three months if you boil it every second week. Purify indoor air Binchotan is believed to create negative ions, which it releases into the atmosphere. Negatively charged ions are most prevalent in natural places and particularly around moving water or after a thunderstorm. Negative ions are thought to produce biochemical reactions in humans that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to relieve stress and boost energy. Place Kishu Binchotan charcoal sticks around the home to balance the charged ions in your environment, and to freshen and purify the air around you. Keep closets, drawers, and refrigerators free from odour, dampness and mould Binchotan charcoal is also effective at absorbing odour, dampness and bacteria. Add a stick to closets, draws, refrigerators and other areas to remove unwanted smells and dampness. Improve the health of soil and plants Once your Binchotan charcoal stick has reached the end of its indoor life, improve soil health by recycling it in the garden. Break the charcoal stick up into pieces and mix it into new soil or apply it over a garden bed. The Binchotan charcoal will improve the movement of air and water through the sol, alkalise the soil, and reinforce trace elements. Shop Happy Coal Binchotan charcoal sticks here > Browse our full range of charcoal products here >
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