A natural herbal homemade toothpaste that doesn't make you gag, doesn't scratch the enamel off the tooth, leaves a fresh smelling breath and smooth teeth, the holy grail. This toothpaste is like a tooth scrub, cleansing mouth mask and tooth massage therapy wrapped up in one. There is clay and ground-up herbs that give the scrub effect, the clay is also like a cleansing mask, and oils that are the massage therapy element.
This toothpaste has not been clinically tested by anyone but me and mine. So like with all-natural DIY recipes I recommend doing your own research and playing around to find what works for you. That is the big strength of homemade products, they are endlessly customizable.
This recipe contains coconut oil, oregano infused olive oil, french clay, herbs, and mint essential oil.
Coconut oil: This ingredient plays a double role in this recipe. First, it’s a lubricant and it keeps the herbs and clay from being too abrasive on the tooth’s enamel surface. Secondly, it acts as an antimicrobial. Coconut oil is comprised of medium and long-chain, mostly saturated, fatty acids. 48% of coconut oil is lauric acid. In this study, researchers assessed the antibacterial activity of short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids against various oral microorganisms. They conclude that “the fatty acids exhibited patterns of inhibition against oral bacteria with some specificity… Formic acid, capric, and lauric acids were broadly inhibitory for the bacteria.”
Sage leaf: Did you ever notice that sage leaves look like a tongue. The herbalist Susan Weed teaches that many herbs have a resemblance to the part of the body they benefit. In this study researchers evaluated the effects of a mouthwash containing Sage (Salvia officinalis) extracts on Streptococcus mutants and found that it significantly reduced the colony count.
Clay: I used French clay for its’ toxin and microbial extraction properties. It is also very mineral-rich and can assist in remineralizing teeth. From my research bentonite Clay has more calcium than French clay and it also has absorbing properties. I intend to try bentonite for the next batch.
Oregano infused olive oil: Oregano essential oil is a strong antimicrobial, I chose to use my infused oil for similar, if less potent, effect. The liquid oil is important for the texture of the toothpaste in the winter when the coconut oil is solid, without it the toothpaste would not be pasty but be very hard.
Licorice root powder: firstly it is a little sweet and it churns the earthiness of the clay flavor. Secondly in a study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, by Stefan Gafner Ph.D., two compounds found in dried licorice root are reported to be effective antibacterial substances that can prevent the growth of several bacteria linked with cavities and gum diseases. The compounds, licoricidin, and licorisoflavan A inhibited two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease and licorice also inhibited a third gum disease.
Peppermint essential oil: Besides smelling great and tasting super fresh this essential oil can act as an effective antiseptic solution against oral pathogens (source).
So we have a lot of antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic and cleansing components here that synergistically promote oral health.
Herbal Toothpaste:
1 tbsp + 2 tsp coconut oil
⅓ tbsp clay
⅓ tbsp sage powder
⅓ tbsp licorice powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp oregano infused olive oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil (make sure to use only food-grade essential oil, if unavailable omit this ingredient.)
Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl and transfer to a jar or tube.
Do you use a homemade toothpaste? Has it been successful? Please let us know in the comments.