Herbal Recipes for Teeth And Mouth Collected by Kirsten Anderberg
Herbal Recipes for Teeth And Mouth
Taking Care of Your Teeth Naturally "Modern" society is used to buying everything necessary for oral hygiene in prefabricated, mass-produced packaging. But people all over the world use natural toothbrushes made from plants which contain beneficial oils and properties, growing around them. The precursor to the modern toothbrush was a twig. This article will explore different ways to take care of your teeth and mouth naturally, without paying off a major corporation for those benefits...(Read More...)
The following recipes were collected by Kirsten Anderberg over a 30 year period. She makes no medicinal claims about these
recipes and cautions people to make sure you know what herbs and plants you are dealing with before using them.
Orange Tooth Powder
2 T. dried lemon or orange rind ** 1/4 c. baking soda ** 2 t. salt
Grind rinds in food processor, adding other ingredients and processing until fine powder. Store
in an airtight container in bathroom. To use, pour a little into hand and rub moistened toothbrush into it, then brush.
Variation on Orange Tooth Powder
1 t. orange tooth powder above ** 1/4 t. hydrogen peroxide
Mix together and brush teeth normally.
You can also rub sage over your teeth to clean and whiten them.
Rosemary
Rosemary Mint Mouthwash
2 1/2 c. distilled water ** 1 t. fresh mint leaves ** 1 t. rosemary leaves ** 1 t. anise seeds
Boil water, then remove from heat and add all ingredients. Let steep (sit) for 20 minutes. Cool, strain, use as mouthwash.
Mint
Clove Mouthwash
3 T. cloves (bruised or sliced) ** 1 pint water
Boil water, remove from heat and add cloves. Cover, let sit for 1 hr. Cool, strain, use.
To make mouthwash for sore gums or toothache: boil water, then remove from heat and add any of the following herbs: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Lavender, Calendula. Strain.
In the 1972 classic book, "The Tooth Trip," by hippie dentist Thomas McGuire, D.D.S., the author speaks of three plants with "fairly good bristles," which make good natural toothbrushes. The three plants are Marshmallow Roots, Alfalfa Roots, and Licorice Roots. To make marshmallow root toothbrushes, he suggests you cut 5" long pieces of the root (pick straight sections), and then unravel or peel the two ends, like untwisting a rope. You then boil them with a few cinnamon sticks to flavor and soften them. Once they are tender, remove them carefully from the boiling water and soak them for 24 hours in brandy to dry and strengthen them. Then the roots are died in a warm oven or warm room. Once they are dried, you can bundle them together and attach them to a handle or just use them with your fingers. To use root brushes, you need to soak them a few minutes in warm water to soften them before you can use them, but then you can add toothpowder or paste and brush just as you would with a nylon bristle brush.
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To make alfalfa root toothbrushes, he says you can take alfalfa roots that are thick around in diameter, and then strip off the outer skin or bark. Then you dry them slowly at room temperature. When the roots are dry, cut them into 3-5" pieces. Then hit each end with a hammer to break up the fibers and form a brush. Beat it only enough to make bristles. Then you can fold the roots in half and bundle them. Remember to soak them in warm water before using.
And the last toothbrush he suggests from natural fibers is made from licorice root. He says this one is especially good for tender and delicate gums...Select straight roots and cut 3-5" pieces, then dry them by mild heat, then take off the outer layer of skin at each end. Fold the roots over and bind. The number of roots needed for a root brush varies with the size of the roots. Other plants/trees used for toothbrushes around the world include bay, eucalyptus, oak, neem, fir, and juniper.
DISCLAIMER: Do not eat or drink tea from any plant you have not fully studied and identified properly. Please consult with your local alternative herbal care specialist before using herbs you are not familiar with.
Kirsten Anderberg. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint/publish, please contact Kirsten at kirstena@resist.ca.
Kirsten Anderberg. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint/publish, please contact Kirsten at kirstena@resist.ca.