Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Herbal Mouthwash
The herbs in this mouthwash will keep your breath sweet and your mouth feeling fresh and clean. It can also be used as a soothing gargle.
1 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried peppermint
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
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You will need 2 bowls, a fine sieve, a funnel, a paper coffee filter, and a sterilized 10-ounce glass bottle with a tight-fitting stopper.
Place the herbs in a bowl and add the boiling water. Cover and steep for 15-20 minutes.
Strain the liquid through the sieve into the second bowl, discarding the herbs.
Line a funnel with a coffee filter and place in neck of bottle. Drip the liquid through the filter into the bottle. Add the vinegar and shake. Store in a cool, dark place. Use within a few days, shaking the bottle well before use.
Makes about 10 ounces.
Minty-Fresh Toothpaste
This natural toothpaste is easy to make and a pleasure to use for adults and children alike. If you want the toothpaste to look as "minty" as it tastes, add a drop or two of green food coloring.
3 1/3 oz. calcium carbonate (from a pharmacy)
1 1/2 oz. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
about 7 tbsp. glycerin
3-4 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops green food coloring (opt.)
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You will need a small ceramic or glass bowl, a spoon, and a sterilized, widemouthed 5-ounce glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Place the calcium carbonate, baking soda, and salt in the bowl. Stir in sufficient glycerin to make a thick paste.
Stir well and add the peppermint essential oil, drop by drop, until the paste is pleasantly flavored. Add the 2 drops of green food coloring at this state if desired.
Spoon the paste into the jar and keep in a bathroom cabinet. Make sure the lid is always replaced after use.
Makes about 5 ounces.
Citrus Antiseptic Mouthwash
Use this refreshing homemade mouthwash to help fight bacteria. Dilute it and rinse your mouth or gargle after you brush your teeth. Do not swallow the liquid.
3/4 cup vodka
30 drops lemon essential oil
25 drops bergamot essential oil
1 1/4 cup distilled water
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You will need a sterilized 16-ounce glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Place the vodka and the lemon and bergamot essential oils in the bottle and shake vigorously to combine.
Add the distilled water and shake until well mixed. Leave for 1 week to mature, shaking from time to time.
To use, shake the bottle and mix 1 part of the mixture with 3 parts lukewarm distilled water in a small tumbler.
Makes about 1 pint (16 ounces)
Cinnamon Mint Tooth Powder
Peppermint and cinnamon essential oils in this tooth powder help to relieve the discomfort of sensitive teeth. Simply dip a toothbrush into the powder, we slightly, and clean your teeth, paying particular attention to chewing surfaces and the gum line.
13 tbsp. calcium carbonate (from a pharmacy)
4 tbsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
25 drops peppermint essential oil
12 drops cinnamon essential oil
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You will need a food processor or blender, a spoon, and a sterilized, widemouthed 10-ounce glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Place all the ingredients in the processor or blender and blend for 1 minute to combine well. Set aside to allow the powder to settle.
Spoon the powder into the jar and store in a bathroom cabinet. It keeps well if the lid is always replaced after use.
Makes about 10 ounces.
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