My favorite recipe for homemade natural toothpaste

You'll need:

3 tbsp organic virgin coconut oil
3 tbsp baking soda
25 drops peppermint or other flavorful essential oil
1 packet stevia (optional)
2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

Combine coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint oil to form a paste.  Baking soda is salty, so if you want a sweeter taste to your toothpaste add the packet of stevia and mix well.  If you prefer the smoother texture of commercial toothpastes you can add the vegetable glycerin at this point and stir together.  I don't mind the taste of the baking soda, so I leave out the stevia and the glycerin. 

If you don't use the glycerin, you will need to use a jar or tin that has an opening large enough for you to dip your toothbrush into.  If you make the smoother version with glycerin you can use a squeeze bottle (available just about everywhere).

The toothbrush:

My toothbrush is made by Preserve (www.preserveproducts.com) from recycled yogurt cups.  I got mine at Trader Joe's, but they are also available on Amazon.  It comes in a postage paid mailer that you can return to the company for recycling.  How green is that?

Homemade Natural Deodorant

Homemade Natural Deodorant

 

You'll need:

6-8 tbsp coconut oil (solid state)
1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c cornstarch or arrowroot
a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mash all ingredients together to make a paste.  The consistence will vary depending on the amount of coconut oil you use and the temperature of the room where you are making this recipe.

Some people report getting a bit "yeasty" after using this deodorant, so using arrowroot instead of cornstarch may solve that problem.  I have super sensitive skin so I had to adjust the recipe after developing a red, itchy rash that caused my skin to rub off (gross, huh?).  I now make mine with just the coconut oil and a small amount of baking soda.  Even with the reduced baking soda I will get the rash after using it a few days in a row, so I keep a second small container with plain coconut oil and use that on alternate days.  I also skip the essential oil since I just adore the smell of coconut and don't want to cover that up.

I suggest making a half or quarter batch unless you are sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.   You can always dilute it with more coconut oil if you have to, but if you aren't able to tolerate one of the ingredients you'll have to toss it.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

It's getting to be that time of year again when we have to face dry skin and chapped lips.  Here is a super easy and inexpensive recipe for homemade lip balm to help you battle the elements.

Coconut Oil and Beeswax Lip Balm

You'll need:

• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. grated beeswax
• a few drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
• a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
• a tiny bit of non-toxic crayon for color (optional)

In a glass bowl, mix together all the ingredients.  Microwave for 30 seconds.  Remove and stir.  Repeat, if necessary, until everything has melted.  Pour into small lip balm tins, pots, or sticks.  Alternate method:  place glass bowl or container into a small pan.  Add water until it reaches halfway up the bowl.  Heat on medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.  Be careful removing the bowl - it will be hot!

Store unused portions in the fridge or decorate the tins with custom labels and give as gifts. CPS Container & Packaging Supply has a huge variety of small containers to choose from.