I'm a minimalist when it comes to bathroom products. I like things that have multiple functions. I gave up mouthwash a long time ago to simplify my morning routine.
After switching to a homemade toothpaste, I really wanted something that would give me the bright, fresh breath I'm used to. My teeth feel so clean after using my toothpowder, but my mouth isn't exactly minty fresh. I'm still perfecting my toothpowder, but it's dentist approved - which makes me really happy!
Justin does not like toothpowder, so I'm working on making a paste for him. Toothpowder is definitely an adjustment.
Back to mouthwash - I think we can all agree the neon blue stuff isn't natural. This recipe for mouthwash is easy - just the way I like it. The ingredients are distilled water, aloe vera, xylitol, and baking soda. No neon blue in sight.
Aloe Vera
This was inspired during my research in making aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is fabulous for dental health. In fact there are a lot of aloe vera mouthwashes on the shelf at the health food stores. You can read more about the research here.
Rainbow grocery has aloe vera juice in bulk, but you can also easily whip this up yourself! I just went out side and snipped three medium sized aloe leaves. The difference will be the shelf life. The homemade aloe vera juice will last a couple of weeks in the fridge. The store bought aloe vera will last several months in the fridge. Here's even more reading on aloe and dental health.
Xylitol
Xylitol is very popular in dental care. I first learned about it when my Grandmother was in town for Christmas. Not only a wellness guru, but was around when toothpowder was the norm... you know before toothpaste existed. "Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. This is how it protects the teeth from tooth decay."
I bought my xylitol in bulk from Berkeley Bowl. You may need to look in the beauty section. It wasn't in the regular bulk food section, but you should be able to find it any health food store. I also use it in my toothpowder recipe.
Baking Soda
We've talked about baking soda a lot on this blog. It's great for dental health too. "In particular, baking soda can help you to maintain good oral health. An imbalance of acid in the body can lead to a range of health problems, particularly in the mouth. Baking soda works by balancing the levels of acid in the body."
You should be able to buy baking soda from any bulk section or loose in a card board box.
Homemade Mouthwash
Makes 1 Cup, 10 Minutes
- 1/4 Cup of Aloe Vera Juice or 3 Medium Leaves (from backyard plant)
- 1 Cup of Distilled Water
- 2 Teaspoons of Xylitol (bought in bulk from Berkeley Bowl beauty counter)
- 2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda (bought in bulk from Berkeley Bowl)
Place the aloe goop in your blender (tutorial here) with all of the other ingredients. To make distilled water, boil tap water and let it cool. I blend it on high for about a minute and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve. This will keep any of the viscous plant matter out of your mouth wash.
Additionally you can add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a fresh minty taste. If you add the oil, make sure to shake it well before using, and with all mouthwash, don't swallow.
Wasn't that easy? Do you make any of your bathroom products? What's your favorite?
Video filmed with the lovely Christine of Snapshots of Simplicity.
