Homemade toothpaste with Essential Oils

                    I have been fiddling around with essential oils for some time now. 

 I finally went and got some high quality ones that I am much happier with using.  Slowly I am replacing much of our health needs with essential oils.  Essential oils can be used in place of medications to treat anything from pink eye to headaches.  One of my recent discoveries was making toothpaste using essential oils.

I would have never thought to replace my store bought toothpaste with homemade toothpaste and you may not either.  Here is my journey to changing my mind.

One evening my 6 year old lost one of his front teeth.   I pulled back his lip to take a look and was surprised at what I saw.  His lower front teeth {that had just come in}, had a severe receded gum line.  I was greatly concerned and hit the internet for some probable causes.  Receding gum lines brought all sorts of issues I did not want to know about.  Gingivitis and periodontal disease to name a few.  I was a good mom, washing teeth as often as I remembered.  I knew it was often enough he shouldn't have those kind of issues.  In my search I was surprised to read some causes of receding gumlines.  I have had receding gums for years and this was of interest for me.

Two of my favorite sources for homeopathic remedies are www.ehow.com and www.livestrong.com.

Both of those sites gave great information that changed my opinion on toothpaste.

One of the common ingredients in toothpaste is SLS, a surfactant that is used in everything from shampoo to conditioner.  It is what suds up.  Some claim it is natural derived from coconut oil but it is a know irritant and one of the worst.  It is also the most commonly used. Here is a site that talks about some of the problems with this surfactant.  SLS.  The problem with it in toothpaste is receding gum lines.  It is an irritant that causes inflammation in the gums causing them to recede.

{You also may be interested in Re-minerializing your teeth to help stop and prevent cavities and rebuild enamel. This will have to be a whole other post}

My son's gums were the cause of an under bite that pulled his gums tight around his lower teeth.  Good news is it is not from poor maintenance, bad news is this means braces.  So in order to save for this expense :) here is a great natural at home toothpaste to try.

The great thing about home made is variety.  It is a simple recipe that can be adjusted to taste.  You can also add in oils that fit your family needs.

I decided to use tea tree oil as it is great for killing germs and healing the gums.  It is not an oil that should be swallowed.  For children it may be best not to use Tea tree oil.  There are several oils that can be used and swallowed safely.

Reducing inflammation use one or several drops of each.
Cinnamon
Clove
Tea tree oil

By boiling cinnamon and cloves together for 20 minutes to make a mouthwash that is great for killing germs and reducing inflammation.

Pain and sensitivity

Clove oil

Taste and freshness

Cinnamon
Peppermint
vanilla extract

Minerals

Trace mineral 10 drops added
Powdered Calcium Magnesium ( I use Cal-Mag Citrate by Thorne Research)

Bases that can be used

Aloe Vera gel is great for healing and reducing inflammation.  It can help heal receding gum lines.

Sesame oil fights gum disease and heals receding gum lines by strengthening the tissue.

Coconut oil { greatness of Coconut oil here} has anti inflammatory, anti fungal, and anti bacterial properties.
{Can also be swished for oil pulling, more on that later.}

I do not recommend Glycerin as it can stop teeth from re-mineralizing and often comes from sources that are not organic.
Here is my recipe:

4 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon of baking soda
5 drops of tea tree oil
5 drops of peppermint
8 drops of On guard ( Doterra brand blended oil)  optional
5 drops Cassia or stevia sweetener, Xylitol (which has shown improvement in enamel)

I am surprised how well it worked. 

 No suds and my teeth felt clean. 

 I also noticed that my mouth did not have the inflammation I was used to after regular toothpaste.   My mouth did feel clean and I like the soft taste.  Toothpaste is very sweet normally and this has a subtle taste. I also feel the sweetness in toothpaste leads to sweet cravings.  This just leaves your teeth clean with out the sweet toot.

For my Kids I made this:

5 tablespoons Coconut oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
5 drops peppermint
1/2 tsp cinnamon or Vanilla extract
sweeten with stevia or Cassia essential oil optional

Mouth rinses can also be made very similar to toothpaste.

*Cinnamon and Clove rinse
Add essential oils to distilled water or boil cinnamon and cloves in water for 20 minutes.

*Tea tree oil in water  (2)

*Aloe Vera and peppermint rinse
Reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, and restores tissue

*Sesame oil swish for killing bacteria and strengthening tissue.  (2)

Using natural home care can take time for results.  It takes time for the body to heal and rebuild.  Give it time to see the benefits of using naturally safe products.  

It does take some getting used to and my husband is not convinced.  I suggest doing your own research and learn for yourself why this is a good choice for your family. 

I am not a doctor, dentist, or a health professional.  I am only a mom that is looking for natural and safe products to use in place of commercial products.  I encourage doing your own research and making sure these suggestions are safe and appropriate for your family.




References:

1.http://www.livestrong.com/article/270335-tea-tree-oil-for-receding-gums/
2.http://www.livestrong.com/article/277208-natural-remedies-to-strengthen-receding-gums/

Homemade Body Wash #3

I have been experimenting on different ways not only to save money but also to reduce chemicals my family uses.  What I have learned is liquid soap products have lots of bad stuff I do not want to use.  Bar soap is generally safe, especially if you buy handmade.  Handmade soaps can cost upwards of $4 and more. Lets face it, Bar soap is not fun to use.  It gets slimy and tends to leave a film on my skin.  Making liquid body wash from bar soap does work but again, still tends to be a bit drying and leaves that film.  I wanted to make my own wash from scratch but if lye isn't used than all sorts of surfactants and fillers are needed to create the right slip and foam.  In studying these fillers, they usually are derived and that is what makes them not natural and are toxins or irritants that I do not want to use. 

Some of these products to keep an eye out for are:

SLS
SLSA Both are surfactants that make washes sudsy.  They are very irritating to the skin and can damage the cells.  It is a good idea to do some research on sulfates to know for your self.

This site has great info about safer products to use http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/.  This site gives a list of ingredients to avoid and companies that they approve.  However, I do believe making it at home can be cheaper and easier.



Here is what I have decided to use for our family body care product:

Castile soap is made with vegetable oils or olive oil.  It can have several beneficial oils and then made with lye for a true soap product.  It does not foam much and is very thin.  But it can be customized and using a foam bottle it does take care of the lather.  Because it is thin it makes it perfect for a foam pump.  Foam pumps are important as Castile soap is not tear free.  The foam is easier to control.  A little goes a long way. 

Dr. Brommer's is easy to purchase in most stores.  The most common Castile soap brand. 
I use one part soap to 3 parts water.  Add fragrance in essential oils that you like and that are good for your family skin.  Make sure to check on safety of use on youngsters.

Some good essential oil combo's

Lavender and vanilla for relaxing. Lavender is anti fungal and anti bacterial.  It is a good all around choice for skin care.

Eucalyptus

Lemon or Orange for uplifting

Sandalwood is anti bacterial and anti fungal.  It can be used for acne prone and oily skin.

Geranium has some "anti aging" qualities as it treats wrinkles.  It is good for restoring skin and is good for sensitive skin.

Oils can also be added to the custom soap.  Adding oils can help in moisturizing.  Only small amounts are needed. Olive or grape seed can be added.

DIY Vapor rub

Vick's vapor rub is one of my favorite products, I just do not think I can live with out it.  But I just do not like the petroleum jelly it is made from.  I have read about petroleum jelly and see that it has some great benefits.  { I believe only come from its sealing ability on the skin} I think those benefits are the same for other oils like coconut oil and Shea butter.
Here is the list form Vick's of ingredients:
Inactive Ingredients
"Regular: Cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, special petrolatum, thymol, turpentine oil
Lemon: Cedarleaf oil, lemon fragrance, nutmeg oil, special petrolatum, thymol, turpentine oil"
Reference: http://www.vicks.com/products/vapo-family/vaporub-topical-ointment/

Do you want turpentine oil on your skin?

You may not think that a topical use product needs to be organic or used from non petroleum products, I would suggest doing a test.  Cut a clove of garlic and rub it on your heel.  It takes a minute for the taste of garlic in your mouth.  You can also do this with Vick's and feel the coolness go through your blood as it moves up your legs.  Your skin is taking it inside your body.  This means your organs have to clean it out of your blood.  Another reason I did not want to use Vick's is that petroleum jelly should not be placed in the nose.  Guess where everyone puts Vick's?   If it is inhaled it collects in the lungs and can cause a rare disease called lipoid pneumonia.

Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petroleum-jelly/an00947

It is easy to make some at home and you can customize it for your family.

I started with an empty vitamin container and some coconut oil.  Any oil will do to get the essential oils on the skin.  Even a lotion base will work.

Coconut oil 2-3 tablespoons
Rosemary  oil7 drops  Great for relieving pain and clearing congestion
Eucalyptus oil 10 drops Great for clearing sinuses
lavender 6 drops Clears sinuses and relaxes
peppermint 8 drops Clears sinuses

You can also try Thyme, cedar, and campor { which is in Vick's} Pine, spruce.
There are many oils that improve congestion, coughing, and asthma symptoms.  I added lavender to help calm and help sleeping.  I just used what I had on hand.  You may try sharing your oils with friends to make all the different mixes with out buying it all yourself.

Once you choose your oils and carrier oil like Olive oil, Grape seed oil, Shea butter, Ghee {clarified butter}, or plain lotion.  Add in your essential oils  to your liking.  I rub it on the chest and heels of the feet.  It works for about four hours.  I have been using it for Little mans teething.  It clears up his constant runny nose from his new incoming teeth well.

I did melt my coconut oil and mixed in the essential oils.  I wanted it to dry smooth to look more store bought.  I am still a sucker for pretty things. 

Soon to come is making Homemade Ghee.

Vapor bath balms.


Other uses for essential oils.



Eucalyptus Oil  Uses
Rosemary Uses
Lavender uses
Peppermint uses

How to infuse oil.

I love using natural oils for my skin and for my families skin.  It is a great way to moisturize and to use for massaging. For my little man I like to use Grape seed oil and now that he is older, almost 7 months, I want to try adding some infusions.  You can infuse oil with different herbs to help treat the skin, aches, and to help relax.  It can also leave a nice scent.  I prefer using oils on my children as I know exactly what is in it.  Most of the oils are food grade and organic.  This eliminates pesticide residue and there is only  one ingredient.  Oils can be used just out of the shower,  You will be amazed at how soft your skin will be.  My baby boy has never had a diaper rash and I feel it is the oil I use to massage him. 

Start by choosing an oil.  Of course you can also use infused oil for cooking,

Olive oil
Almond oil
Grape seed oil
Jojoba oil

There are several more.  I have purchased some online and now I buy them at the grocery store in the baking isle.

Next you can choose what to infuse it with.

I wanted to use Chamomile for a relaxing affect.

 Chamomile is known to calm and soothe.  The scent is relaxing and great for soothing the skin.  It is a great tea for calming for bed.  It is not recommended for pregnant women.

Lavender is great for reducing stress and relaxing.  It works well with chamomile or on its own.  Besides, it has a great scent.

Dandelion has many great qualities for healing.  Externally used is works well in a massage oil for treating aches and pains.  This would also be a good oil to use for cooking with or making dressing. I will be making this infusion soon.  

I chose not to use Dandelion at this time, I wanted to plant some in a clean space in our yard.  Be aware of dogs and foot traffic where you cultivate it, if this is what you want to use.

A nice Chamomile mixed tea was available at New Seasons.  It has flower heads, leaves, and added mint.  This should work great for massage oil. 

 

I added oil to a dish and soaked the tea in the oil over several days.  I strained it through a coffee filter.  It is ready to go.

 It turns a great soft green, that how you know it is infused.  You can also set the oil and tea in the sun for 2-3 weeks to get a deeper infusion. 

Make sure to do a sensitivity test on the skin. Place a drop on the inside of the wrist. Allow it is soak in and set overnight.  If there is not reaction in the morning, than it is fine to use on little ones skin, {or any one your concerned about}.

Ideas for using your infused oil.

Massage is what I originally started with, but now that I have made it I love the smell.  I plan on using it in a salve for aches and pains, minor abrasions, and bruising.  It can be added to sugar scrubs, lip balm, and body butters.  Tonight I am started a lavender one for a sugar scrub.  All great body care items for Mother's Day.

Linked at http://www.pincushioncreations.com/
 http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Homemade Lavender bodywash

Having a great scent in the morning shower is always helpful in rising and shining.  Shining is not always the case, especially here in Portland.  I thought I might add some great scents that are beneficial too. 

I started with a nice glycerin soap.  It is made locally in Sherwood, Or.  I love buying fancy soaps but I never use them.  They smell great, look pretty, and everyone reaches for the liquid soap instead.  This is a great way to use up those  soaps you have laying around.

Bar of glycerin soap
1 tsp glycerin
4 drops of Tea tree oil
 10 drops or more to your liking of Lavender essential oil
2 Tablespoons of Oil {Olive oil and grape seed works well.}
Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
 1 gallon water
 I have found that using different soaps brings different results.  I always start with half the water.

 I used Meadow foam Oil, I have it on hand for some soon to be made body butter.

Add the grated soap and melt.  Then I add the rest of the ingredients and let it sit over night. 
The last Body wash I made was very liquid for many hours so I poured it in to my container.  It turned to gel overnight and was difficult to pour out.  I have learned to let it sit overnight.  This soap was still liquid in the morning.  I decided to heat it and let the liquid evaporate off.  I let it simmer with the lid off for a half hour and then let it cool.  By the afternoon it was lumpy and gel.  I then blended it with my hand blender.  It came out creamy and very nice.

I used a recycled soap bottle and added a quick label with chalk paint.  The oil in the wash does not leave a residue but does leave my hands soft and not dried out like bar soaps usually do

.
Tips:
Cheaper soaps may need more glycerin while better quality soaps may not need it at all.  It is a bit of a gamble on how much of water, glycerin, and oils.  The best thing to do is start with less water and let it set.  If it is to stiff then add in more water and blend.   I check the soap by using some to make sure I am not watering it down to much.  A smaller bar will use less water.  

Here is m first Body wash How to.   

Linked at http://www.pincushioncreations.com/ 
 http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Latte Buff Bar

I definitely have a passion for making my own body care.  This is my new favorite bar.  It is a shower buff bar that moisturises.  Use it in hot water so it can melt the butters on your skin and it exfoliates  at the same time.  The coffee in it may help with cellulite appearance and it smells great.  Cocoa butter has a soft smell that goes great with the coffee for a fantastic shower. 

 1/2 cup Cocoa butter
1/2 cup Shea or Mango butter
1 Tablespoon bees wax
1 tablespoon carrier oil,
Grapeseed is my favorite
1/8 cup oatmeal
Tablespoon coffee grounds
Tablespoon Lavender
essential oil and scent optional

 Mix butters and wax melt on medium low heat.  Add other ingredients and place in the refrigerator.
Stir as it cools to help suspend coffee and oatmeal throughout.  Then pour in molds.

 I made a mold from a children's pedia care box.  I took it apart and placed the top inside for extra support.  The box is waxed so it is great for sliding out the bar.

It turned out great.

 This is oily it can cause showers and baths to become slippery.  You may want to be very careful when using and do not use on bottom of feet.

I love to hear from you and please feel free to Pin to Pinterest or Pinspire.

Linked at

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Pucker Up Lip gloss

Here is another recipe for making lip gloss.  It is a bit more complicated than the Bottle cap lip gloss.  Making your own body product gives you the chance to control what goes in and what best fits your needs.  You can flavor them or tint them as you want.   My boys love using them, especially when they get to help make them.

I purchased my Butters online Amazon has a good selection as well as other sites.  I have yet to find  any thing local.  I ordered enough for several projects. Coconut oil can be at any grocery store.  I also like Bramble Berry, she has great recipes and products.  Chocolate has great properties for your skin as well. 

Here is what you need:

6-8 Chocolate chips
1 tble beeswax
1/4 c Cocoa butter
3 drops vit e
1 Tble Coconut oil
12 containers or reuse candy tins

 I bought the containers at the beauty store and the beeswax at New Seasons grocery store.

 Here is the amount I used of both. It is hard to measure exactly with these products. Melt at medium heat. Add in Vit E last. Pour into containers with a spoon and let cool.

 I made two types of packaging one with the Homemade Lip Gloss label and one with the Pucker Up Pretty.  I thought they were fun and great for Valentines gifts.  I have a few more products to make for basket gifts I will be showing them soon.

Body Butter Bar

Here is another one of my favorite body products.  I have searched high and low to find the best body butters and bars. Often they are scented with strange things like Lemon grass, Red Clove or heavily with Lavender.  I like these scents but not so much on me.  I decided to come up with my own Body bar that is scented just right.  The cocoa butter is a great scent alone as well.

This works great for those handy man hands or gardener hands.  Using it after a shower is great for moisturizing and conditioning the skin.  I like to use it at night for my face.

Here is what you will need.

1/4 c Mango Butter
3/4 c Cocoa Butter
1 Tble Beeswax
6 drops grape seed oil or other carrier oil like Olive or Almond.
3-6 drops Aloe Vera
1 tsp vitamin e
essential oil of you choice scent to preference. light is 1/2 tsp heavy is 2tsp
1 tsp corn starch. to reduce oiliness

 I used these heart shaped tins just in time for Valentine gifts for teachers and for friends. This recipe made 4 bars. Make sure to oil the tins before hand with the carrier oil or any other. Cup cake tins will work just fine as well.  If they get stuck in the pans, just hover over a heated stove to lightly melt and tip out.

 Mix butters in a pan and melt slowly to avoid grittyness.  Once they are melted  add the corn starch.  This helps with the greasiness of the butters and will brown for added color. This can be skipped if preferred. Take of the heat and add the scent, oils, Aloe Vera, and Vit E.

 Let cool in the fridge or out on the counter. Once dried, tip out of tins and wrap.  I attached labels with glue dots.

See me at this link and check out other homemade body products I have made.

Bottle Cap Lip Gloss

I love making Body products and love using them.  Here is my idea for a simple lip gloss and lip stain while reusing items you may have in you home.


Bottle Cap Lip Gloss

Here is what you need:

1 Tablespoon Vaseline, I like the cocoa butter Vaseline though plain will do just fine.
2 Chocolate chips
Oil candy coloring for lip stain. Wilton is what I used.
6 clean bottle caps
1 tin container

 I used a votive holder and placed the chocolate chips, Vaseline, and a small amout of lipstain.
I might call it a smidgen.

 I takes about 5 minutes microwaved, stiring a bit in between, to melt the vaseline.

 Using a small spoon pour into each bottle cap.  Either hot glue them into the tin or use glue dots, they hold them in place well.

 Small tins work great for one. Larger tins can hold several styles.  I used pink lip stain, chocolate, and plain.  Plain is great when using the cocoa butter Vaseline.

My kids loved these and want to take them everywhere we went. Have fun making yours.