Minimal Suds

Some things are never too late to learn. Lately, I've taken to brushing my teeth. That's always a good thing. Actually, I've been taught to brush my teeth since I was a young kid. The difference in the new routine is an ingredient, not the frequency. You've probably heard of it before - sodium bicarbonate. A common household ingredient, baking soda is not only great in cooking, etc., it's also wonderful for dental hygiene, and hair cleansing.


Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide is the most common combination of ingredients for DIY toothpaste, based on a sample of Google search results. Another two ingredients that were fairly common were glycerin, and sea salt. Many recipes added a drop of an essential oil for taste, most often a minty type. Interestingly, one site recommended unsweetened cranberry juice as a rinse that could be swallowed - tasty, and harmless.

Those who commented on the recipes said baking soda whitened their teeth in a natural, cheaper way. One woman gave it to her mom, a former smoker, to successfully clean up the ill dental affects of the habit.
After flossing, I would like to try baking soda, salt, and a little water to brush with, and then gargle with peroxide, to clean up the rest of the bacteria.

Another uncommon usage for baking soda has turned into a regular task for me. At the end of July, 2010, I was in Alabama, enjoying a crazy few days during my older sister's wedding. In the midst of it, I began weaning myself off of regular shampoo and conditioner. I was inspired by a comment from my oldest sister, saying it might be possible that our locks would begin to clean themselves naturally after two weeks, if we removed all detergents. On impulse, I went from multiple hair washings to zero, for two weeks (I did shower without washing my hair, for bodily cleanliness though!). Doing a little research, I found a few daring souls successfully scrubbing their hair with baking soda. I had to try it, for after weeks of letting my hair go without traditional shampoo, my hair was not magically clean. Nor naturally clean. I used many up 'dos in that time, out of necessity. Thanks, sis. ;)

Here is my current routine, performed satisfactorily ever since the fateful beginning. I shake about two tablespoons into a cup, and add some water. The consistency is usually a thick liquid, but not a paste. Experiment until you find your own best amount. I massage it into my scalp only, around the crown and sides and top. This takes around thirty seconds. You can take more time if you want. Rinse that out well when you're done. From my ears down to my ends, I pour apple cider vinegar to neutralize the acid in the soda. Generally, I use one part vinegar to three or four parts water. For dryer hair, use more vinegar. Since I still have some organic conditioner left, I use some on my ends right before the vinegar rinse.

My hair is very healthy, shiny, and growing! Massaging my scalp really helps the hair lengthen. I only need to wash it once a week. Besides saving immense time, this also allows natural oils to hydrate and protect my hair.

Hooray for natural ways to stay clean and beautiful!