WebMD tells me that: Charcoal is made from peat, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum. Activated charcoal is made by heating charcoal in the presence of a gas. This process causes the charcoal to develop lots of internal spaces or pores. These pores help activated charcoal trap chemicals. Activated charcoal can be used to treat poisonings, but it can also add a spooky element to your cocktails!