Homemade Tooth Paste

We have been making this for so long now it doesn't even feel odd anymore!

This basic-idea-kind-of-recipe is excellent....lots of trial & error went in to the process to arrive at this combination.

There are lots of nasties in commercial toothpastes that most of us don't even think about even though we use them every day.

Once you get your head around it..it's all good.

One of the key ingredients is bentonite clay.

Great discussion about various kinds of clays just here.

 Fine ground is great but I got mine much cheaper in bulk like this & then just ground it to a powder.

So...

1 dsp of finely ground bentonite clay.

 Add 1/2tsp of good salt: himalayan, celtic, or NZ sea salt

& 1/2 tsp baking soda & a few cardamom seeds -optional.

Grind all together or use a mortar & pestle...just so you don't have scratchy salt or lumps of baking soda in your final paste.

Add 1 tsp of dolomite powder (calcium/magnesium mix)

I often mix these ingredients together & store the excess for another batch or two- saves having to grind them each time.

 Gently melt 1/2 C extra virgin coconut oil over hot water.

 Mix in the dry ingredients.
Add 1/2 tsp liquid minerals..lots of brands out there & the bottle will last forever.
10 drops of either essential oil of peppermint, anise, manuka, tea tree or cloves.
As the coconut oil solidifies give it another good stir so that the clay doesn't sit on the bottom.
And that's it.
Other possible additions are: a little complete vitamin C powder, probiotic capsule contents, propolis tincture &/or 1/2 tsp activated charcoal- helps remove toxins from the mouth & potentially whitens teeth.

Another version.

Goes a very long way.

Great for plaque removal. Keeps teeth stain free. Helps to keep a good microbial balance in the mouth. Commercial toothpaste can really upset oral flora balance.
The baking soda is great for the ph factor & the salt helps keep your gums in good order.
They reckon that 90% of people have some kind of gingivitis so good toothpaste & right brushing technique is really important.
One thing to remember is that you need to run the hot tap when brushing your teeth so that the coconut oil doesn't block the drain! Coconut oils caprylic acid has really good anti-fungal properties, also useful in the mouth.
Every now & then I tip baking soda & white vinegar & hot water down the basin to keep it all clear.

Catherine

Healing Turmeric Milk

A wonderful, healing, nourishing & warming drink that is fragrantly delicious!
Turmeric is a wonderful anti-inflammatory spice & is so enhanced by all the other spices in this gorgeous, golden milk.

Mix: 1 tsp organic turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon & a grind of black pepper (helps the efficacy of the turmeric) to a paste with a little milk.
Leave to stand for 10 minutes.
Add 1 cup of whole milk, preferably raw (or almond, coconut etc)
Heat milk gently, stirring often.
Remove from heat just before it comes to the boil & add 1/2 tsp vanilla essence, 1 tsp of coconut oil & a tsp of honey.
Pour in to lovely mugs & sip nicely to nurture both body & soul.

The spices thicken & sit quite heavily towards the bottom of the cup...just so you know!

Double the quantities for two or make up to your own taste.

I now make up the spice mixture & keep it stored in a jar, to streamline the preparation time.

Please don't use trim milk & never, ever homogenised...it's dreadful stuff!

Catherine