charcoal is a traditional remedy for treating excess stomach and intestinal gas. It works by attracting excess gas in the stomach and bowels, which binds to the surface of the charcoal powder. This relieves the discomfort caused by excess gas (flatulence), wind, indigestion and heartburn. The charcoal is not absorbed from the gut.Activated charcoal is also used in hospital emergency departments to treat poisoning. mine have nibbled on the odd bit of coal in the past. and they are all fine