Many commercial toothpaste options come with undesirable ingredients like synthetic surfactants, preservatives and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Finding a natural alternative can become expensive, and there is also a common trend of grass roots companies being acquired by the very same companies that manufacture the conventional products you may be trying to avoid.
Thankfully making your own toothpaste is incredibly fun, satisfying and relatively inexpensive once you invest in a few raw materials. And as with many other homemade recipes you can play around with the ingredients and ratios until you find something that works perfectly for your needs!
Here’s a simple base recipe for toothpaste made using Zeolites, a group of incredibly potent detoxifying clays that come from volcanic ash. Zeolite clay has a vast, microscopic surface area which makes it ideal for absorbing any harmful bacteria in your mouth and gums. You can either add the liquid to make paste or use the mixture as a dry tooth powder, which is especially travel friendly!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 tbsp zeolite clay
- 5-6 drops (or to taste) organic liquid stevia leaf extract (optional but this will make you use it more!)
- 2 tsp cinnamon (you can use more or less according to your taste)
- A pinch of fine Himalayan pink rock salt
- Filtered water – start with a tablespoon and increase as needed
Optional:
- A few drops of peppermint essential oil or any other desired oils.
- Melted organic coconut oil – when this cools off again it will give your mixture a thicker consistency, if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Calcium carbonate powder – available from any health food retailer.
- Baking soda – will help to whiten teeth but make sure you’re buying it aluminum-free.
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small airtight container and store away from direct sunlight or in the fridge. Try to make small batches and use within 2-3 months of mixing.
Madeleine Brown
