Commercial products not only take up so much of our budget, they make us ignorant of how the products we use are made. There are products that contain ingredients that we don't really need, or ingredients that are hidden from us (like fish scales in lipsticks).

For the curious in you, the budding chemist, the environmental activist, here is a recipe for that perfect smile.

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE

*Citrus tooth powder

1 tbsp dried lemon or orange peel
6 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt

Place peel in food processor, grind until it becomes a fine powder. Add baking soda and salt, then process for a few seconds more until you have a fine powder. Store in an airtight jar.

*Peppermint Toothpaste

6 tsps baking soda
1/3 tsp salt
4 tsps glycerine
15 drops peppermint oil

Mix ingredients together thoroughly until a paste forms. Store in an airtight jar.

*Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash

250ml distilled or mineral water
1 tsp of fresh mint leaves
1 tsp of rosemary leaves
1 tsp of anise seeds

Boil the water, add the herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash.

*Spearmint mouthwash

200ml water
50ml vodka
4 tsps liquid glycerine
1 tsp aloe vera gel
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil

Boil the water and vodka, add the glycerine and aloe vera gel. Remove from the heat, leave to cool slightly. Add the spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into a bottle, cap tightly.

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If you want to make toothpaste in a bigger amount or the taste doesn't suit you, feel free to adjust the measurements.

To organic living!

RESOURCE: www.guardian.co.uk

Boil a big pot of purified water.
Turn heat down to low when it boils.
Add fresh organic ginger, sliced thinly. Use about two inches of ginger root.
Scrub one organic lemon and one lime. Including the rind, slice thinly, then add.
Add a dash of organic cayenne
Add some honey to taste.
Let it simmer on lowest heat for a couple hours.
Keep it on the stove all day & have a cup whenever possible.
Healthhhhhy Stealthy.

Also recommended for liver cleansing. For this purpose, drink a cup of this warm concoction before your first bite of the day.