White Rabbits!

Gosh, welcome to February but where the hell did January sneak off to?

Last month I gave you a recipe for making your own toothpaste. I wonder how many of you tried it?

Before I give this month's recipe I want to tell you just what a difference using my natural toothpaste has made to me (and my teeth!):

I no longer wake up with 'Morning Mouth' or 'Dog Breath'!

My tongue is now a perfect pink.

My teeth are whiter and the staining has disappeared. (I smoked for 35 years.)

Oh, and I have a bit more money in my purse!

The reasons for this are simple; Coconut Oil is antibacterial and Bicarbonate of Soda is a natural cleaner & stain remover.

In Ayurvedic medicine,  a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent and a form of alternative medicine, coconut oil is swilled around the mouth and known as 'Oil Pulling'.

I am just so glad I decided to take the plunge and do this.

The recipe for this month is for your own deodorant; Why would you want to make your own deodorant? 

Well, for starters there are far too many chemicals in shop-bought ones. Secondly, the aerosol type are not good as you cannot contain the spray to just your armpits. And finally a home made deodorant will work out cheaper in the end and with less waste in the form of packaging.

Natural Home Made Deodorant Recipe

4 tbsp each of witch hazel extract 

4 tbsp aloe vera gel 

4 tbsp mineral water

1 tsp vegetable glycerin

A few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oils

Preparation

Put all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to blend. Spray on as needed.

My goodness, that was easy, wasn't it?!

Please let me know in the comments if you try this & what you think of it.

Till next time................

Go peacefully & naturally,

Lesley

xxx

Brushing Up!

Well I seem to recall that I promised some DIY recipes for you here - and a promise is a promise. :)

But first of all - a question for you; When (if ever) did you last check out the ingredients in your toothpaste?

I have a confession; until about 12 months ago I had absolutely no idea what went into mine!

However when I looked I was horrified. (Of course they make the writing tiny to put you off looking!)I was using Colgate Cavity Protection at the time............. 
Here are just two ingredients:

Sodium Monofluorophosphate
Sodium Fluoride

Well as a hypothyroid sufferer I am aware that fluoride is not good for me so that was enough for me to change my habits.

Many toothpastes also contain that old favourite Sodium Laurel Sulphate - you remember surely - developed as an industrial cleaner and now often to be found in bubble baths, shampoos and - yep, you got it - toothpaste!

So, time to make the change people.

This is a great one to try as there aren't loads of ingredients in it & there are definitely NO chemicals!

No-Fluoride Toothpaste

Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (Holland & Barrett do a lovely one)
1/4 Bicarbonate of Soda (a store cupboard staple!)
2-4 drops of either peppermint or spearmint essential oil
1/4 tsp of Stevia (optional for sweetness - I don't bother)

Simply mix all ingredients together & store in a glass jar. Just dip your toothbrush in, brush and admire your lovely white gnashers!

An alternative version:

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
3 Tbsp Bicarbonate of Soda
35 drops Eucalyptus essential oil (or mint extract)
3 Tsp fine sea salt
1 packet Stevia (optional)

Personally I prefer & use the first blend but it really doesn't matter which you choose because neither of them contains any harmful ingredients and both will be better for you and your teeth than the commercial brands.

Let me know how you get on in the comments below.
Next time; making your own deodorant.

Till then, happy brushing

Lesley

xxx