Homemade Personal Hygiene Alternatives

Ever stop to think what our ancestors used as personal hygiene products? What would they use to create natural ingredients? They obviously knew what to find around the garden (herbs, flowers) or home (essential oils, spices) to create their own toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash etc. Here are a few quick recipes that can help you create the best natural products for you and your loved ones.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe
I learned that aluminum was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and even more recently learned of it’s potential link to breast cancer. So I set out to rid my life of aluminum.  After trying several natural deodorants, the brand that seems to work best for me is Tom's of Maine (can be found at Walmart in the pharmacy area or Baxtrom's Independent Grocers in the organic section). Always try to purchase paraben and aluminum-free natural brands. If you feel adventurous you can even make your own..give it a whirl, it may work for you.

Instructions;
1.In a reusable and resealable container, mix 1 part baking soda with 6 parts cornstarch. 

2.Close the container and shake vigorously for about one minute, to thoroughly mix the two powders.  

3-Then dab a small amount to the skin of your armpits with a soft cotton cloth, cotton ball, or cosmetic applicator.  

4-Apply as if you were lightly applying baby powder or cosmetic powder.

Homemade toothpaste recipe

Skip the harmful chemicals in many commercial toothpastes and make your own. This is a simple, inexpensive, odor-eliminating, tooth-whitening, and very effective formula. I have made this recipe before and it does work well.
I often use Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste (fluoride-free). You can purchase this at Baxtrom's Independent Grocers in the organic section and in the Walmart pharmacy area.

Ingredients;
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon essential oil
(sold at natural food stores)
A few drops filtered water

Instructions;
1-Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms.

2-The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.
3-Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.

Homemade shampoo recipe
Today, many commercial shampoos have cleansers that are too harsh and have a drying effect on the scalp, making it produce too much oil for those suffering with an oily hair condition. Normal hair is easier to maintain but it too can benefit from a milder shampoo.

Shampoo Recipe;
Instructions;
In a blender, combine 1 ounce olive oil, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Use as regular shampoo.

Natural conditioner recipe

Avocados contain vitamin B6 & vitamin E

Ingredients;

-1 small jar of real mayonnaise

-1/2 of an avocado

Instructions;

1-Put together in a medium bowl and squish together with your hands until it's a minty green color.

2-Smooth into hair all the way to the tips. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel.
3.Leave on for 20 minutes. For deeper conditioning put a hot, damp towel around your head.
4-If you have really long hair and only need deep conditioning at the ends, cut the ingredients in half and apply only to the ends and just wrap them.
5-Use fresh.

Homemade Mouthwash
This recipe is also a super-easy one, mixing chemical-free ingredients into a
refreshing mouthwash. Essential oils will keep your gum healthy and protect
your teeth from damages.

Ingredients:  - ¼ teaspoon of baking soda - 2 ounces of filtered water - 1 drop of Tea Tree oil - 1 drop of Peppermint or cinnamon oil Instructions; 1-Mix all of the ingredients together. Keep in glass container. 2-Use this mouthwash to rinse out your mouth repeatedly after carefully brushing your teeth.  So there you have it, a few natural healthy options to great personal hygiene alternatives. In health... The Health Nut!!!