What to Avoid in Toothpaste, and How to Make Your Own Fluoride has made the news (again) recently, for potentially being linked to autism in children to being under fire in U.S. Federal Court because of dental fluorosis. An ongoing concern is the safety of water fluoridation, with some cities actively fighting fluoridation of their drinking water, such as Portland, OR. But this got me thinking about the toothpaste we use, which might also contain fluoride—as well as other ingredients we should consider avoiding. After all, one of the fastest ways to absorb something into the body is through the mouth. Also, when dangerous ingredients make their way down the drain, they can wreak havoc on the ecosystem and harm wildlife. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock There seems to be a general consensus among health advocates—from Environmental Working Group to Dr. What else in your toothpaste should raise a red flag? The Eco-Dentistry Association emphasizes the important step we should all be taking: Read your labels! So what then are some alternatives?
Homemade vitamin C (NaturalNews) Vitamin C is best known for strengthening the immune system. This potent antioxidant also has many other important roles that control significant aspects of our health. Vitamin C helps detoxify our bodies, protects and promotes healing of all of our cells, and helps us deal with both mental and physical stress. It also supports healthy bacteria in our gut, neutralizes free radicals, is anti viral and anti bacterial, prevents and kills cancer cells, and so much more. Most people, especially children, would benefit from more vitamin C. Natural vitamin C complexes from wholefoods are more potent than store-bought vitamin C tablets. Full disclosure, I meant a fully-grown, large watermelon. Rosehips, parsley, cilantro, and coriander are also very potent vitamin C suppliers. The best vitamin C is the vitamin C that comes as food. Save money with your own vitamin C supplement Any organic orange, lime, or lemon peels left over from the fruit you buy will do the trick. Sources: Close
Folk Remedies For You How to Make a Homemade, All Natural Deodorant for Men Natural hair care, homemade moisturizers, and chemical-free household cleaners are all things that we are making in order to clear the toxins from our homes! But aluminum-free deodorant — one that actually works — can be difficult to replace. Especially for the men in our lives! After formulating two very effective, family-friendly homemade deodorant recipes: …I set out to meet the more specific needs of a man. After trialing a few different recipe combinations, this one’s a winner! And it certainly stood the test with by far the best odor and wetness control. Deodorant for Men — The Recipe Ingredients*Use organic ingredients when possible. Method 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Notes -When choosing a probiotic supplement for this deodorant it is important to find one that is shelf stable. -Use good, manly smelling essential oils, any scent or combination of scents will do. Where Can I Get This Stuff? -Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this project!
DIY all-natural eye-emphasizing mascara Mascara is the one cosmetic I wear on a daily basis, and the one item in my regular beauty routine that, up until now, I have still been purchasing ready-made (as opposed to making it in my kitchen). You see, I’ve tried to make my own mascara in the past (oh, have I tried), but all of the recipes called for coconut oil. While this may work outdoors in the wintertime (burr), since coconut oil has a melting point of 76°F, it was constantly smudging all over my face! I love the ingenuity of these DIYs but they were just not working out for me. So I gave up. So I did. Ingredients*: 2 teaspoons of pure aloe vera gel. *Makes 1 tube of mascara Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together until smooth and consistent. To fill the tube, use an oral syringe (these can be purchased at the drugstore for a few dollars and will make the process significantly more simple). That’s it! Unlike the coconut oil DIY mascaras, this mascara dries on the lashes and so does not smudge.
How To Make Your Own Tea Tree Shampoo | Edens Garden Tea Tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is a concentrated oil from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia; a tree native to Australia. It was introduced to the Western world by Captain James Cook in 1732. Since then it has been used as an antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and as an analgesic for sore muscles. It is still one of the most popular essential oils today. 1. This condition is often caused by a dry scalp. 2. Natural Tea Tree oil shampoo will ensure that your hair follicles do not get clogged with harsh chemicals that that can make your hair dry and brittle. 3. For a natural head lice treatment, mix 2 ounces of Sweet Almond oil with 15 drops of Tea Tree oil. Why Make Your Own Tea Tree Shampoo? The main reason to take the time to make your own Tea Tree oil shampoo is because you can be sure it contains only natural ingredients. Sodium Laureth Sulfate: this agent gives your shampoo its foaming effect, but it is a known cancer-causing substance. Tea Tree Shampoo Recipes
Homemade Vitamin C Medicago Sativa, Pea family Some folks would say “alfalfa is only fit for livestock,” but you might be surprised to discover that alfalfa was cultivated for medicinal purposes long before it was grown for fodder. Alfalfa has been used for centuries to treat jaundice, arthritis, muscle problems, and kidney disorders. The Native Americans used it to promote blood clotting and to increase energy and bone strength. Alfalfa is also a well known remedy for intestinal difficulties and for easing menopause. Alfalfa is high in protein and calcium, as well as other minerals and B vitamins. Alfalfa Lore The first mention of alfalfa was found in old text written by the emperor of China in 2939 BC. Alfalfa Success Story Chainsaw Roy, a friend of mine who lives down the road, continually tells me how great alfalfa is and how it saved his life. Alfalfa Flowers Prices of Alfalfa Soar Should I Eat Alfalfa by the Bale? An entire bale is too much for a human to consume. Sprouting Alfalfa Alfalfa and Weight Loss
How to Save Yourself If You Choke Alone Heather CallaghanActivist Post Have you ever heard or spoken the tired line of "single-dom" - but if I don't get married, I might choke alone and die and no one will ever find me in my apartment until weeks later... But married people choke too - anyone can and they might be alone. The method of running into or bending over a couch arm has worked for people, but it doesn't seem fail proof when you think of the abdomen clenching up in anticipation. And, what if there is no furniture; what if you are driving; what if you are too weak to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself? This method created by Firefighter/medic Jeff Rehman is the simplest and most effective way to self-perform a life-saving maneuver while choking. It can be done anywhere where this is ground beneath you. It involves a belly-flop like maneuver that can quickly force air out of the lungs, dislodging the object or food. Whatever you do, do not panic. Image: A.D.A.M
Fire Cider RecipeMommypotamus It’s no secret that I believe in fairy tales . . . But they’re mostly of the modern day sort. Occasionally, though, I come across a recipe or ingredient that seems like it was pulled directly from one of Grimm’s stories. How else could one feel about keeping dragon’s blood in the cupboard, and enchanted fire cider in the fridge? Though not imparted with any actual mystical powers, fire cider truly is magical in its own right. Because it takes about a month to mature, I recommend starting a batch now so you’ll be ready for fall. How To Take Fire Cider Many people take 1-2 tablespoons throughout the fall/winter months as a preventative measure, or every three to four hours if symptoms are present. Here are some more ways to use it: Fire Cider Recipe I first read about fire in Rosemary Gladstar’s book, Herbal Recipes For Vibrant Health. Ingredients Optional Additions: Several sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)½ teaspoon black peppercorns Equipment Quart-sized jarWax paper Instructions
DIY Aloe Vera Gel This Instructable will show you how I (and I emphasize I) make homemade Aloe Vera Gel. I personally use it as a moisturizer on my aging sun-kissed, exposed chest skin and neck, hoping that it will rejuvenate it over the long run and keep that part of my skin looking young. One of the reasons I am posting this tutorial is because I know this mixture helps heal sunburns. My husband burns easily and in a pinch, I have rubbed straight aloe vera goo from the plant on his bright red extremities. It just works. I grow my own aloe vera plants. The original source I used for this recipe is here: Cheryl's Delights Blog. The recipe is spot on, I have personally used it, and I am going to share the process of making it with you. Please remember that this post is for information only, and it is not intended to recommend treatment. ~ Thanks!