Natural, homemade toothpaste contains herbal ingredients as opposed to commercial toothpastes on the market. The different herbs in homemade toothpaste, or even commercial toothpaste marketed as natural, contain different properties for oral hygiene. Knowing about different herbs in homemade toothpaste gives you the ability to research different natural brands and make your own at home.
Bloodroot
Bloodroot aides in fighting plaque.
Bloodroot is a perennial flowering herb that is a member of the poppy family. It is popular in natural toothpaste formulas because of its reported benefits. Such benefits include its ability to aide in the removal and prevention of plaque buildup on the teeth. This could be partially due to the reddish-orange juice of the plant that is slightly acidic. It also aides in gum health and is found in commercial toothpastes for treating gingivitis. Bloodroot essential oil or extract can be used in homemade toothpaste recipes.
Licorice Root
Licorice root serves as a natural sweetener in homemade toothpaste and other herbal concoctions, but it also possesses an interesting flavor. In herbal remedies, licorice root is used to curb smoking cravings when you're trying to quit and it also possesses some astringent properties, making it useful in tightening the gums. It can be purchased whole or in powdered extract form like most herbs for your mixing convenience.
Myrrh
A double blind study conducted by New York University Langone Medical Center compared the use of herbal mouthwash versus commercial mouthwash for effectiveness with 89 people. The mouthwash containing myrrh and a range of other herbs proved to be more successful in treating inflammation caused by gingivitis and periodontal disease. The medical center reports that myrrh is widely used in herbal medicine practices for oral health. Commiphora myrrha, the plant from which myrrh essential oil, resin and extract is obtained, hails from Ethiopia and similar regions. This historical plant has roots, so-to-speak, in biblical stories, and it has wide uses in the perfume industry. It's astringent properties and microbial action makes it a useful ingredient in your homemade toothpaste.
Peppermint
Peppermint is aromatic, spicy and beneficial.
In homemade toothpaste, peppermint serves a wide array of benefits. For instance, it's a naturally flavorful herb, making it widely popular in nearly every commercial toothpaste and mouthwash on the market. It also creates a tingling, cooling sensation that is also slightly spicy. This aides in creating a clean feeling when used in oral applications. Aside from these benefits, it is believed to be helpful in relieving irritable bowel syndrome.
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