toothpaste

A healthy, natural alternative to chemical-ridden tubes 

Eggshells provide calcium. Oak bark is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Fennel is antifungal, antibacterial, protects teeth and gums and freshens breath. Cinnamon is antimicrobial and antiviral. Cacao fights plaque, prevents cavities and hardens tooth enamel. Baking soda whitens teeth and kills bacteria. Activated charcoal whitens teeth. Coconut oil kills harmful mouth bacteria, reduces plaque, fights gum disease and prevents tooth decay

And all the essential oils have been chosen due to their beneficial effects on teeth, mouth, gums and breath 

Ingredients:

Makes 300g 

1/4 Cup Ground Eggshells / Ground Calcium Magnesium tablets for Vegans

1/4 Cup Ground Oak Bark 

2 Tablespoons Ground Fennel 

2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon  

2 Tablespoons Ground Cacao 

2 Tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda   

2 Tablespoons Activated Charcoal 

1 teaspoon Doctor Bronner’s Castile Soap – flavour to suit 

1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt     

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil 

5 drops each of Essential Oils; Clove, Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Myrrh, Peppermint, Wintergreen & Lemon 

What you’ll need:

Coffee Grinder

Sieve 

Measuring cup

Mixing Bowl 

Glass Jar 

Directions:

I use boiled egg shells, which I rinse and boil again for a few minutes to get rid of any pathogens. Air-dry them then grind the shells or tablets in a coffee grinder until they become a fine powder. Don’t worry about any stray egg – just sieve it out using a fine sieve 

Break up the oak bark into smaller pieces. Grind in the coffee grinder until they become a fine powder. Use a fine sieve to remove any stringy bits of bark 

Grind the fennel, cacao and cinnamon if using seed / bark form in the coffee grinder. Alternatively, buy them ground. The cacao should be 100% raw and I recommend organic fennel and cinnamon if possible 

Heat the coconut oil in its jar in a bowl of boiling water until it becomes a liquid 

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl 

Add Essential oil after the coconut oil 

Mix well 

Store in a recycled jam jar  

Extra Info:

It might look a little different from your normal toothpaste – the dark brown colour comes from the cinnamon and the cacao – but it tastes great!

I always ask the tree’s permission before taking the oak bark. You’ll know if it’s a yes or a no. Select young branches about 1 to 3cm in diameter. Use a sharp knife to remove small strips of bark, cutting along the length of the branch. Dry the bark strips in a warm place 

I hardly ever eat eggs, except when I’m dancing for hours each day with my teachers in Devon. The Rill Centre is kind enough to collect the shells for me whilst I’m there. With so many participants, I get enough for a 6-month supply of toothpaste! Why not try collecting at a retreat or asking friends, family or neighbours to collect them for you? They last a while in the fridge 

Play around with the essential oils to suit taste. I also find Patchouli, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Orange and Tea Tree also work well