evidence: Activated charcoal is a black powder that’s odorless. It usually comes from plant sources like coal, wood chips, coconut shells, moss, or tree bark. Because it can neutralize some harmful substances in the body, medical professionals use it to treat certain kinds of drug overdose and emergency poisonings. [...] You can buy over-the-counter activated charcoal products that claim to remove toxins from the body. It's not clear whether these products do what they claim. You shouldn’t use these products to treat poisoning. While daily use of OTC supplements might be safe, they aren’t medically recommended for health reasons. [...] Never self-administer activated charcoal in the case of drug overdose or poisoning. Call 911 and get to the hospital right away.