Now that the rainy season is here and humidity is on the rise, many of us are searching for ways to cope. As the humidity rises, the temperatures do too! I have never felt so hot in all my life. Summer is time for the outdoors back home, but in Japan - it's indoors and under the airconditioner that's the only place to be. If anything like me, charcoal was thought to only be for a braai (aka barbeque). Summer back home is when charcoal is most certainly out to be enjoyed braai'ing with friends. In Japan, then the charcoal comes out in summer, it means run indoors!
Bamboo charcoal, known in Japanese as "takesumi" (竹炭). 竹 is bamboo and 炭 is charcoal.

I discovered takesumi inadvertently a few months ago, and after doing some research, bought some bags of takesumi to try. Bamboo charcoal is highly porous and capable of absorbing pollutants from both air and water. As such, bamboo charcoal also has the ability to absorb moisture in the air and balance indoor humidity levels, making it ideal to use during the rainy season.

Though takesumi has many uses, some possibilities include: Purify drinking water; control humidity; air purification; deodorizer - Bamboo charcoal can also absorb odours. Perhaps this will frighten gas leakages within my home to not drop any as they might get an unwanted insert to control odour!?

and add to bath water - Takesumi makes the water more alkaline, similar to hot springs.