It makes tap water taste great! It may seem counterintuitive to purify your drinking water with a stick of charcoal, but the Japanese have been doing it for centuries.
Binchotan—an active carbon made from tree branches—is renowned for it's ability to soften water, add good minerals and absorb unwanted tastes and odors, such as chlorine.
What is the history of Binchotan charcoal? The origins are not completely clear, but it is believed that a form of Binchotan charcoal (sometimes referred to as 'white charcoal') was introduced to Japan by a Japanese monk and scholar called Kukai 1,200 years ago. It was during the Edo Period (17th century) that a man called Binchuya Chozaemon made it popular.
How is it made? Sustainably sourced wood is placed in a kiln and charred at a relatively low temperature for some time, then, near the end of the process, the kiln temperature is raised to about 1000 degree Celsius to make the wood red-hot. The charcoal is then removed and quickly covered with a special powder made from earth, sand and ash, and this gives the charcoal surface a whitish hue (explaining the name 'white charcoal'). The rapid rise in temperature, followed by a rapid cooling, incinerates the bark and leaves a smooth, hard surface. If you strike it, you'll hear a clear, metallic sound.
How does it work? Binchotan charcoal has an incredibly porous surface with tiny cavities oriented in many directions. Just 1 gram has a surface area in excess of 500 m2 (about one tenth the size of a football field). It is also known as active carbon as the ions of contaminants are attracted to the surface of the carbon, where they will be held. It is also able to release minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium back into the water which enhances it's taste and health benefits.
How long will it last? If you are using your Binchotan with our 'eau good' bottle and fill it up once a day, then it should last three months. You are then able to recharge it by boiling it in water for ten minutes and then leaving to dry in sunlight. You should be able to keep recharging it for a further three months.
What other uses does the binchotan have? When you have finished using your binchotan as a water filter, it still has many secondary uses. If you break it up and put it in your house plants, it will add nutrients to the soil that will help the plant to grow. Because of it's porous surface, it can be used as a deodoriser to remove unwanted odors in your cat litter, laundry basket, nappy bin or shoes. Binchotan is also an effective moisture absorbent, and can help absorb humidity in the air if placed in a wardrobe.
Binchotan also has many health benefits. It not only dissipates 'hazardous' electromagnetic waves from computer monitors but it also generates negative ions. More accurately, the infrared rays emitted constantly from charcoal reduce moisture in the air into fine particles that naturally change into negative ions.
Use and care Your binchotan charcoal is already washed and ready to use. Please do not wash with detergent or soap. Please do not use with flavoured cordials or juices. Please remove the binchotan from the bottle you are using it with before washing it. Pouring boiling water over the binchotan will release the impurities it has been holding. Do not drink water that has been left standing with the binchotan for more than 48 hours.
Occasionally you will notice tiny particles / fragments of the charcoal in the water, but do not be alarmed as it will do you no harm if you swallow them (active charcoal tablets are prescribed to treat diarrhoea, digestion and flatulence).
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