Yep, I want to talk about toothpaste. It’s one of those everyday items that we use and most of us don’t even think about it. Kind of like soap.
But you should think about it…. specifically, what is in it? What the are active ingredients? The inactive ingredients- also known as “fillers”?
At the most basic level, regular toothpaste has flouride as it’s active ingredient. There’s a lot of controversy about flouride, the least of which is that it is a neurotoxin (meaning it’s toxic to the brain).
I’m not here to debate, discuss or even share scientific evidence about flouride, but rather to tell you about how you can make your own toothpaste at home, for pennies.
Many of you are already familiar with oil pulling. This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of removing toxins from from the body. Coconut oil has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and is often used for oil pulling. Knowing this, I did some research and started making my own toothpaste.
It has very simple ingredients:
- organic, unrefined coconut oil
- bentonite clay
- himalayan salt
- optional: peppermint essential oil and stevia
I make very small batches (like only 1 Tablespoons worth) since I don’t use any preservatives. I make my own toothpaste without actual measurements/recipe (it’s how I cook meals also). Here’s what I do:
In a small clean glass jar with a lid
- Step 1: Melt about 1 Tablespoon of organic unrefined coconut oil
- Step 2: Add about 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay
- Step 3: Add a sprinkle of himalayan salt
- Optional: Add 2 drops stevia & 3 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Mix it all together using a non-metal spoon/stirrer. Allow to sit/cool and periodically mix it again so that all the clay doesn’t settle on the bottom.
That’s it. I end up making a fresh batch about every 2-3 weeks.
In case you are wondering about bentonite clay, you can purchase it online. I found a 1 pound bag for about $3. I also make a mud mask with the clay.
And that’s it. Just a few ingredients, less than 5 minutes of your time and costs you only pennies.