Even though I floss and brush regularly, dental care is challenging this year for several reasons. I have the time, knowledge and skills to be proactive and make my own simple solutions. I always feel comforted and empowered when I can use something made from my own garden. These recipes are inexpensive, effective, easy to make, and sustainable due to the recycling of packaging. I love the these homemade products taste and the difference I see in my mouth as I use them.
Sage Mouth Wash
1 cup aloe vera juice
1 cup of infusion of sage and vervain
2 TBSP of tincture (see below)
2 tsp of baking soda
5 drops of fennel oil
3 drops of peppermint oil
3 drops of spearmint oil
10 drops of neem oil
3 drops tea tree oil
3 TBSP of vegetable gycerine
Dental Health Tincture-white oak bark, sage, oregano, calendula, oregon grape root, blackberry leaf, myrrh, ginger, fennel, rose hips, clove, rosemary. I make enough for an entire year and store it until needed in an amber jar. Use 190 proof alcohol to make your tincture if possible
Mix all of your ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a bottle and shake. Use within 1-2 months. Does not have to be refrigerated but may start to ferment at some point.
Homemade Herbal Toothpaste
8 TBSP of coconut oil
4TBSP of Baking powder
stevia and essential oils to taste (mint, spearmint, fennel)
Melt the coconut oil over low heat in a double boiler. Once totally cool pour into a food processor and whip with the other ingredients. If not cool enough the essential oils will release as you mix and potentially burn your mucous membranes. Once smooth and creamy remove from the machine. Store in clean tins or condiment containers. A dollar store or a sporting goods retailer will have squeezable bottles made of silicone. These are the easiest to fill, transport and use.
Sage is a shrubby perennial that is native to Europe. It grows well and overwinters even in my climate. In any garden that I have had it establishes itself as a “mother plant”. The stems are square, woody, long and often leggy. With time and age my plants become less attractive but more productive in leaves. This herb can be sensitive. If you offend it, neglect it, damage it when harvesting-you may not see it the following year. The downy, oval shaped, opposite arranged leaves have a “sage” green color. The flowers are purple (sometimes white) tube shaped, growing widely spaced on terminal racemes. Salvia is thought to be good for stress, depression, vertigo, hot flashes, migraines, digestive issues, flu, congestion, menstrual problems, arthritis pain and staph infections. She is a wonderful gargle for sore throats. As a bath Sage has been used to address all kinds of skin issues. There is a long history of using this plant as a symbol of wisdom, longevity, and protection. I like hanging bundles of the fresh herb in my house, washing the floors with the tea, or burning dried leaves to clean out energy from a space.
Contraindications:Large does in pregnancy. Do not use while nursing as it may dry up your milk supply. Do not use in therapeutic doses long term.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 