AromaTherapy
What Is AromaTherapy?
Therapy Makes Scents
50 Uses of Essential Oils
Herbal Info
Introduction To Herbs
Collecting Wild Herbs
Grandma/Grandpa's Remedies
Herbal Tea Collection
Top Ten Researched Herbs
Growing
Common Companions
Drying/Preserving
Feeding/Fertilizing
Harvesting/Drying
Growing Indoors
Insects In The Garden
Planting/Cultivating
Natural Child Care
Herbs & Children
Natural Remedies For Children
Using Essential Oils With Children
Herbal Medicine For Children
Herbal Treatments For Children
Natural Beauty
Homemade Beauty Solutions
Essential Oils In The Bath
Essential Oils & Affect On Skin
Natural Health Care
Miscellaneous
Therapeutic Teas & Mixtures
Honey As A healer
Aphrodisiacs
Herbs For Liver Problems
Herbs For Obesity
Herbs For Quitting Smoking
Infertility
Native American Herbal Remedies
Natural Care For Hair Loss
Dealing With Head Lice
Herbs For Arthritis
Natural Arthritis Care
Herbs For High Blood Pressure
Herbs For Kidney Stones
Blood/Circulation
Herbs For Circulation
Herbs For Hypoglycemia
Herbs For Diabetes
Herbs For High Cholesterol
Herbs For Edema
Resources
Herbs
Aromatherapy
Alternative Treatments
Natural Products
Ayurveda
Conditions and Diseases
Beauty
Nutrition
Health Care
Self Help
|
Natural Oral Care
Homemade Toothpaste
Toothpaste is an essential product for routine dental care, yet it often receives little attention. You might pick up whatever is on sale, promises whiter teeth or tartar control, or tastes the best. However, commercial toothpastes contain chemical additives - saccharin, harsh whiteners or bleaches and artificial flavors and colors - that may cause allergic reaction. Making a custom toothpaste allows you to select ingredients to fit your specific needs, such as gum problems or sensitive teeth. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint and thyme, along with the gently abrasive actions of sea salt, clay and baking soda, can sweeten your breath, remove plaque, keep your gums healthy and destroy harmful bacteria without chemicals.
Application:
First, floss your teeth. Moisten your toothbrush and apply some toothpaste to it. Brush your teeth in small circular motions for two minutes; then brush your tongue a few times. Rinse with water and gargle with mouthwash.
Gently abrasive clay for plaque removal
Mineral-rich cosmetic clay is available in most health-food stores and comes in the form of a white powder. It is gently abrasive, but also suitable to use on sensitive teeth. The cosmetic clay can remove stubborn plaque deposits and contains minerals that help to strengthen tooth enamel, the basic shield against tooth decay.
Vegetable glycerin for a creamy consistency
Vegetable glycerin provides a base for diluting the essential oils and gives the toothpaste a creamy consistency, so it can be spread easily over the teeth. It also imparts a sweet, natural flavor that children will enjoy.
Myrrh tincture for gum inflammation
Tincture of myrrh is available at health-food stores; its anti-inflammatory and astringent effects can help to combat the swollen and bleeding gums that are typical in the early stages of periodontal disease.
Orange essential oil for fresh breath
Orange essential oil helps to freshen the breath and leaves a delicate, fruity aftertaste.
Clove essential oil for pain relief
Cloves are an ancient toothache remedy; clove oil is a mild anesthetic that temporarily deadens the nerves in the teeth. Clove-oil toothpaste is a boon for very sensitive teeth and for pain caused by sweet, cold or hot foods and drinks.
Toothpastes
For sensitive teeth
- ¼ cup white cosmetic clay
- ¼ cup vegetable glycerin
- 20 drops tincture of myrrh
- 4 drops orange essential oil
- 4 drops clove essential oil
For fresh breath
- ¼ cup white cosmetic clay
- ½ cup vegetable glycerin
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 20 drops tincture of myrrh
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
- 8 drops spearmint essential oil
For periodontal disease
- ¼ cup white cosmetic clay
- 1/8 cup baking soda
- 1/8 cup finely ground sea salt
- ½ cup vegetable glycerin
- 20 drops tincture of myrrh
- 8 drops tea-tree essential oil
- 8 drops thyme essential oil
Use
- Put all ingredients in a bowl, and whisk them thoroughly until smooth.
- Fill a plastic toothpaste tube (available at camping equipment stores) with the paste. Fold the end of the tube over several times until it is firmly sealed. Or fill a jar with the paste.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from bright light. Use within 6 months.
If you're short on toothpaste, you can also brush your teeth with a little fine-ground salt and apple juice. The salt tightens the gums, and the apple juice gently whitens the teeth. Rinse thoroughly.
Oral-Hygiene Tips
- Replace your toothbrush with a new one about every 4 weeks to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Use unwaxed dental floss or an oral irrigation device to remove stubborn plaque deposits and food particles.
- If you cannot brush your teeth, eat an apple or chew non-sticking, sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow and inhibit acid formation that damages the teeth.
- To avoid eroding the gumline, use a soft toothbrush. Never brush your teeth so hard that your gums bleed, and don't brush more than 3 times a day.
|
Colds/Flu/Respiratory
Beating The Cold Bug
Herbs For Common Cold
Herbs For Cough
Natural Asthma Care
Natural Care For Fevers
Digestion/Stomach
Herbs For Constipation
Herbs For Diarrhea
Herbs For Digestion
Herbs For Motion-Sickness
For Men
Herbs For Prostatic Hypertrophy
Herbs For The Prostate
Herbs For Impotence
Natural Care For Prostatis
For Women
Anemia During Pregnancy
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Fertility & Contraception
Herbs For Childbirth
Herbs For Delayed Menses
Herbs For Menopause
Herbs For Post Childbirth
Herbs For PMS/Menopause
Herbs For Post Partum
Herbs For Pre-Menstrual Tension
Headaches/Migraines/Insomnia
Get A Good Night's Sleep
Herbs For Headaches
Herbs For Insomnia
Herbs For Migraines
More On Insomnia
Injuries
Herbs For Burns & Scalds
Natural Care For Bone Fractures
Herbs For Dog Bites
Skin Ailments
Herbs For Eczema
Herbs For Poison Ivy
Natural Acne Treatments
Natural Care For Dermatitis
Natural Care For Stretchmarks
Natural Care For Wrinkles
Stop Cold & Canker Sores
Natural Pet Care
Herbal Healing For Pets
All Purpose Herbal Pet Kit
Dealing With Fleas
Pets & Essential Oils
Traveling With Catnip |
