Tooth Powder

So, I know there are about a million recipes for toothpaste alternatives out there these days but this is one that I came up with that my kids (8yrs and 2yrs) love, and it made the switch from toothpaste an easy one. After researching ingredients and testing a few things I came up with a recipe that is easy to make, has a minty toothpastey taste and cleans my teeth so well that I don't get any tartar build up like I used to (which means less dentist visits!). At first I thought it would be hard to get used to not having a foamy paste but after I had been using my tooth powder for a while and then went back to toothpaste when I had run out and forgotten to make more, I found the mouth full of foam a really bizarre and kind of gross feeling; so I guess that means I'm well and truly converted.

The recipe includes diatomaceous earth for it's high silica content which is important in the formation of strong enamel and has the added benefit of being gently abrasive to polish teeth and remove plaque and tartar build up. The green clay binds to impurities and toxins in your mouth and also has anti-inflammatory properties as well as containing a variety of important trace minerals. Ground stevia leaf (not to be confused with the chemical filled white 'stevia' you can find in supermarkets) helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that contribute to tooth decay, it also gives a flavor that in my opinion is similar to toothpaste. Lastly, the peppermint essential oil has antiseptic properties and gives the tooth powder that minty toothpastey taste.


1/4 cup diatomaceous earth
1/4 cup green clay (bentonite clay will give similar benefits)
1 tsp ground stevia leaf
20 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix ingredients together thoroughly and store in an airtight container. To use, simply wet the toothbrush and dip it in the powder.


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I share this information as it has been beneficial to my own and my family's health. I encourage you to do your own research and if in doubt consult your doctor.

Infused Oil

I'm a firm believer in if you can't eat something then you shouldn't be putting it on your skin, so rather than wasting my money and health on expensive creams and lotions, after my evening shower I cover myself in virgin coconut oil. Following Ayurveda I have found that slathering my body in oil helps to keep my vata in check and it has the added bonus of making me smell delicious and feeding my skin with lots of nutrients.

I tend to go through a lot of coconut oil and I'm always raiding the pantry to fill up my little amber jar, this time though I wanted to have a play with infused oil to boost the nutrients and healing properties of my moisturiser and to make the ritual of self massage after my shower just that little bit more special.

Having a reasonably well stocked herb supply I grabbed what I had on hand and set up a double boiler. I chose calendula for its healing properties, it is particularly good for promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation. It is used to treat and heal a number of skin conditions including eczema, nappy rash and sunburn, and provides some antiseptic properties. I also chose horsetail for its high silica content which benefits the skin and aids in the absorption of calcium. Horsetail is a diuretic which helps to relieve fluid retention and is also recommended for anemia.
I guessed the amount of herb to oil ratio making sure the herbs were well covered in the melted coconut oil and then I left it for 30 minutes or so to slowly infuse over a gentle heat.

After the herbs had finished infusing I strained them through some cheesecloth and added some clove, lavender and grapefruit oils to the infused coconut oil and left it to set over night.

As an added special treat I took the herbs in the cheese cloth and bound them to make a giant tea bag and put them in a foot bath. Dave and I soaked our feet together whilst we relived the early 2000s and watched Angel.