Want to make your own toothpaste? Try this African blend
What's the story
Creating your own African-inspired herbal toothpaste is a fun and meaningful way to bring a piece of African tradition into your everyday life.
Plus, it gives you full control over what goes into your oral care routine.
This tutorial shows you how to craft your own herbal toothpaste using powerful African botanicals renowned for their benefits to dental health, promising a healthier approach to oral hygiene.
Herb selection
Selecting the right herbs
The first step in creating your herbal toothpaste is choosing the appropriate herbs.
In Africa, herbs such as neem, clove, and mint are favored for their antibacterial and refreshing qualities.
Neem, in particular, has a long history of use in Africa for its effectiveness in cleaning teeth and preventing gum diseases.
Clove oil is another potent ingredient with antiseptic properties. It aids in relieving gum swelling and pain.
Base preparation
Crafting your base
The base is crucial for texture and consistency. A common option is baking soda combined with coconut oil.
Baking soda serves as a cleanser and whitener for teeth, and coconut oil allows for easy spreading on your toothbrush.
The standard ratio is three parts baking soda to one part coconut oil, but you can tweak it to your liking.
Natural flavors
Flavoring your toothpaste naturally
To give your toothpaste a pleasant taste, add natural flavors with essential oils like peppermint or spearmint.
These oils provide a refreshing taste and have the added benefit of antibacterial properties, making your toothpaste even more effective.
Remember, a little goes a long way! Start with five drops per cup of base mixture and adjust to your taste.
Botanical mix-ins
Adding African botanicals
If you fancy some true African botanicals in your toothpaste, throw in a little powdered moringa or baobab fruit powder.
Moringa is packed with vitamins and minerals that promote oral health. Baobab fruit powder adds a tangy twist and a dose of vitamin C for gum health.
Use about two teaspoons per cup of base mixture.
Final touches
Finalizing your herbal toothpaste
Keep your homemade toothpaste in an airtight container for freshness. Since natural products don't last as long, whip up small batches to use within a fortnight.
By trying out different herb combos, you can craft your own signature blend that fits your oral health needs and taste buds to a T.