Coconut OIl

Coconut Oil is Magic

LizB Coconut OIl, Granola 0 Comment
Coconut Oil is Magic
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Coconut oil is the most used ingredient for my skincare products and I always keep a few jars around the house. Not only is coconut oil easy to find, it is versatile and very affordable. There are literally dozens of uses for coconut oil and I almost feel guilty for only paying $7.00 a jar when I get so much use out of it.

 

So what’s the deal with coconut oil and its benefits?

 

Lauric Acid – This is the “magic Ingredient” in coconut oil. Lauric Acid is an anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound in coconut oil. In fact, coconut oil is nature’s richest source of lauric acid which is why it is beneficial to the body in so many ways.

Medium Chained Triglycerides (MCT) – Breaking down this type of healthy fat in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. Most fatty acids consumed in the diet are long-chain fatty acids but medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently. MCT go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick of source energy rather than being stored as fat.

Antioxidants – Especially high in Vitamin E, which proves to be effective for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. The antioxidants protect us from free radicals. Free radicals are organic molecules responsible for aging and tissue damage. These molecules are very unstable and therefore will bond with other molecules, destroy their health and ultimately damage them. This is especially true for the face. Just think of how much contact our face has with, well, air? Antioxidants prevent free radicals from hitching a ride on our skin and damaging the tissue.

In order to reap the full benefits of coconut oil, you will need to buy a certain kind. Unrefined, organic, extra-virgin coconut oil is your best option. But don’t stress out over finding that specific kind, just start with organic and go from there. I usually buy my oil from a local grocery but here is a whole page of choices for your viewing pleasure.

 

Different kinds of coconut oil on the market.

 

Pure: This means that the oil is unrefined without any additives. Pure coconut oil has multiple uses and can be used externally and internally.

Unrefined: Often referred to as virgin or pure. This oil is extracted from the fresh “meat” of the coconut rather than a dry version. The process is quicker this way therefore the oil does not need additives or bleaching. Unrefined coconut oil maintains its coconut smell and flavor.

Organic: Organic oils have been extracted from coconut palms raised on organic manure without the use of synthetic fertilizers. Also, there were no chemical used in the production, giving you pure, chemical free oil. Try to use organic if you are using the oil on your skin. It only takes 26 seconds for our skin to absorb whatever we rub into it. We surely don’t want to rub chemicals and toxins into our skin.

Virgin: One of the most respected and trusted varieties. This version of oil comes from the mild of fresh coconut meat. Little to no heat is used in the extraction therefore, the oil tastes and smells like fresh coconuts. Due to the care of production, virgin coconut oil maintains the most antioxidants and anti-microbial properties.

Refined: This oil has been bleached and deodorized (I’m out on this one). Due to being extracted from the dried coconut meat, the oil has to be purified because of contaminants that arise during the drying process. High heat is used to kill the contaminants and also removes the distinct coconut smell and flavor.

 

Another interesting fact about coconut oil is that it has a high melting point. I keep a jar in my pantry and in the summer the oil is liquid and the winter, the oil remains solid. The oil will melt quickly once introduced to the heat of your hands or body.

So next time you are at the store, make sure you grab a jar of organic, pure coconut oil. Put it on your list! You will be glad you did.  I can’t wait to hear how you use coconut oil.

 

Check out these posts that use Magical Coconut oil.

Wild Orange and Clove Lip Balm

VapoRub for Cough and Cold

Moisturizing Body Wash Recipe

 

Coconut Oil

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Homemade VapoRub for Cough and Cold

LizB Clean Body, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls, Money Saving, Natural Remedies 0 Comment
Homemade VapoRub for Cough and Cold
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This post may contain affiliate links.  You can read the disclosure policy here. 

Spring is just around the corner (yay!) but there is still some funk going around.  Homemade Vaporub will save the day when you need insta relief from cough and cold.  None of the gross ingredients and all of the soothing essential oil love you can handle.

Conventional VapoRub contains funky and potentially harmful ingredients.

  • Camphor: you cannot swallow because camphor overdose can have severe effects, including death in toddlers.
  • Petrolatum: or Petroleum as the jelly used for beauty products. Originally, petroleum was discovered hanging out on the bottom of oil rigs and although refined, it potentially can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that have been linked to several cancers, including skin, lung, bladder, liver and certain digestive system cancers.
  • Turpentine oil: toxic if swallowed. Used as a paint solvent, turpentine also is an ingredient in Vicks VapoRub.

Homemade VapoRub contains beneficial components that promote healthy respiratory function.

Be sure to use high-quality essential oils (these are the oils I use personally).  Some essential oils on the market contain harmful fragrance and fillers and contain very little of the beneficial plant ingredients.  The oils used in this recipe are safe for adult use only.  If you would like to use for small children or babies, use the child VapoRub Recipe version. As always, if pregnant or nursing, ask your practitioner before use.

  • The main chemical components of Eucalyptus Essential Oil are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol which aids in clear breathing and opening airways.
  • Peppermint Essential Oil has a high menthol content that promotes healthy respiratory function.
  • Lemon Essential Oil supports a healthy respiratory function and gives an uplifting boost to the mood which helps when you are feeling blah because you are sick.
  • Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which is particularly good at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • Beeswax contains powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that are all beneficial to the skin.

Homemade VapoRub (Adult) Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil

2 TBSP Beeswax Pellets

20 Eucalyptus Essential Oil

20 Peppermint Essential Oil

10 Lemon Essential Oil

4-6 0z Jar

Directions:

  1. Melt Coconut Oil and Beeswax in a double boiler (which is placing your jar in a small pot, on low heat with water that only reaches up the side of the jar – make sense?) to melt oil and wax.
  2. Once melted, take the mixture of oil and beeswax off the heat.
  3. Add the oils and stir.
  4. The Vaporub is ready to use once cooled and firm.

Homemade VapoRub Recipe for Small Children

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Coconut Oil

2 TBSP Beeswax Pellets

4 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

4-6 0z Jar

Directions:

  1. Melt Coconut Oil and Beeswax in a double boiler (which is placing your jar in a small pot, on low heat with water that only reaches up the side of the jar – make sense?) to melt oil and wax.
  2. Once melted, take the mixture of oil and beeswax off the heat.
  3. Add the oils and stir.
  4. The Vaporub is ready to use once cooled and firm.

If homemade VapoRub isn’t your thing, there are a few good ones on the market.

Natural Premade Options

Maty’s All Natural Vapor Rub Soothing Relief (Amazon)

Badger Aromatic Chest Rub for Colds (Thrive Market)

If you would like to read more about making your own non-toxic body products, check out the following list. xo

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Himalayan Salt Scrub Recipe

LizB Clean Body, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls 0 Comment
Himalayan Salt Scrub Recipe
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THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. You can read my disclosure policy here.

My first experience with a Himalayan salt scrub was at a Salt Cave in Asheville, North Carolina (you can check out their website here.) If you haven’t been to Asheville, I definitely recommend taking a trip. Great food, delicious coffee, and award-winning breweries line the downtown streets of this mountain town. Most, if not all, downtown businesses and restaurants are locally owned, farm to table, and eco-friendly. Swoon.

Asheville makes my hippie heart happy.

I could go on about Asheville forever but I will save you the rambling and get back to the Himalayan Salt Scrub that was inspired by my last visit. 🙂

Himalayan pink salt is one of the purest salts available for culinary, cosmetic and therapeutic uses. It is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, which is 190 miles from the Himalayan Mountains. The salt is mined by hand, hand-crushed, hand-washed, and dried in the sun.

Benefits of Himalayan Salt 

  • Himalayan salts are a rich source of minerals that are beneficial for skin health by exfoliation and detoxification.
  • They help to revitalize the skin by removing the dry and dead skin cells, bringing fresh new skin to the surface.
  • The exfoliation process helps remove toxins and impurities from the skin while un-blocking pores and reducing inflammation.

When you combine Himalayan sea salt with healthy oils like coconut, jojoba or almond oil, you get a skin refreshing, health powerhouse body scrub.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil

  • Jojoba Oil mimics the natural oils of our bodies, making it ideal for hydrating skin.
  • Due to its antibacterial properties, Jojoba oil can reduce skin inflammation by killing bacteria.
  • Is high is Vitamin E, which eliminates free radicals that are responsible for aging skin.

Benefits of Almond Oil

  • Full of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from oxidative stress, UV radiation, and sun damage.
  • It’s highly emollient, locking moisture inside the skin.
  • Rich in magnesium, calcium, and zinc. These minerals overall are beneficial to skin and nails.

 Coconut Oil Benefits

  • Extremely moisturizing for the skin because it increases hydration and reduces water loss.
  • Contains Lauric acid which is particularly good at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • Absorbs quickly, which leaves silky smooth skin.

Grapefruit Essential Oil Benefits

  • Full of vitamin C, grapefruit essential oil fights against free radicals that damage our skin.
  • Its antiseptic properties help the skin fight against microbial infections.
  • The aroma is uplifting and relieves anxiety and stress.

Rosemary Essential Oil Benefits

  • Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a good way to reduce pain from sprains and joint aches.
  • Inhaling rosemary oil reduces cortisol levels, which calms and relaxes anxiety.
  • Reduces the appearance of cellulite.


Himalayan Salt Scrub Recipe


Ingredients:



 




Directions:


Step 1. In a double boiler, slowly melt the coconut oil until it completely liquefies.




Step 2. Mix the Himalayan salt, dried rosemary, grapefruit essential oil and rosemary essential oil together in a small glass bowl.




Step 3. Slowly add the liquid coconut oil and Jojoba/Almond to the salt mix.




Step 4. Store in a glass jar.






Step 5. Enjoy!


Where to buy Himalayan Salt scrub ingredients.


If your local grocery or health food store does not have the Himalayan salt, coconut oil, almond or jojoba oil, Amazon has great deals. Please be very particular about the essential oils you purchase.  It is very important that you buy high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils and not fragrance oils.


Thrive Market also sells natural, organic products like the ones for this scrub recipe for up to 50% off retail. They carry high-quality products that ship right to your door. You can sign up here for a 30-day trial and snag a free full-sized bag of Thrive Market non-GMO Raw Cashews, for only $1.95 shipping. Sweet.


Good Brands of Essential Oils



Exfoliation Tips 


    

  • Try to exfoliate once or twice a week for best results.
    • 

  • Exfoliate the top layer of dead skin and leave the rejuvenated, healthy skin underneath. This is especially good during the dry, winter months.
    • 

  • Wet the skin first, apply the Himalayan salt scrub and exfoliate in a circular motion. This will give your circulation a boost and leave behind rosy, glowing skin.
    • 

  • Exfoliating during a detox Epsom Salt bath will allow the benefits of Epsom salt to absorb through the skin more easily.
    • 





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			25 Easy Ways to Live Green on a Budget
		

	


	
		LizB
		Clean Body, Clean home, Clean living, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls, Granola, Money Saver, Real Food
		

		 			 4 Comments
		

	
25 Easy Ways to Live Green on a Budget

	

		
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Living green doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you could actually save green by living green, all while staying healthy and protecting our planet.


This list will get you well on your way to living greener and cleaner.


    

  1. Recycle. Check you local county website to see if your area offers curbside recycling.  If not, there may be a recycling location where you can drop off your recyclable.  Recycling greatly cuts down on waste that ends up in the landfills. 
    2. 

  2. Save water. Take shorter showers or install a low-flow shower head. Faucet aerators conserve heat and water and you will earn your money back quickly with the money you save.
    3. 

  3. Use non-toxic cleaning products. Making your own cleaning supplies is easy and very affordable. Not to mention all of the toxic chemicals that you will keep out of your home. Here are a few homemade cleaners to get your house spic and span.
    4. 

  4. Switch to non-toxic body products. If your body products contain harmful ingredients such as toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system. When you make your own products, you know exactly what is in them. You can easily make products like dry shampoo, body wash and toothpaste.
    5. 

  5. Essential oils.  Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from plants.  The oils contain healing properties for relaxation, beauty products, home cleaning and natural medicine. I use essential oils in every body and cleaning product on top of using them topically for colds. These are the oils I use.  They are pure and of the highest quality.
    6. 

  6. Read ingredient labels. Know what you are eating.  What are those long, unpronounceable ingredients doing to your body? Food labels provide key information like serving size, calories, total fat and vitamin content.
    7. 

  7. Shop local. Support the little guy instead of companies that make millions of dollars. Shopping local creates a healthier environment because the goods are located closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.
    8. 

  8. Reuse. The most effective way to reduce waste is not to create it in the first place. Reusing items reduces the need to harvest new raw materials (think trees), saves energy, money, and keeps wastes from the landfill.
    9. 

  9. Buy Organic. There are fewer pesticides on food, it’s better for the environment, and organically raised animals are not given antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts. Organic food can be more expensive but you can save money on food with these 10 super easy tips on eating organic.
    10. 

  10. Grow your own food. No room for a garden? No worries, grow veggies in pots on your patio or herbs in your kitchen window.
    11. 

  11. Compost. Free, easy to make and good for the environment.  You can compost vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags. You can learn more about composting in this article from NRDC.org.
    12. 

  12. Install energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs last 10 years and use 40% less electricity than traditional incandescents. Produce less waste and save more money. Sweet. 
    13. 

  13. Buy a jar of Coconut Oil. Coconut oil can be used so many ways! Here is a list of 14 awesome ways to use it other than cooking.
    14. 

  14. CSA. Community supported agriculture is a partnership between farmers and consumers. You pay a fee at the beginning of a growing season and receive a portion of the farm’s produce each week. Support local farmers instead of huge commercial companies.
    15. 

  15. Switch to cloth diapers. Disposable diapers take 250-500 years to decompose. Switching to cloth will save you over $1000 dollars and keep the chemicals off your little ones bottom.  When my kids were babies, we used BumGenius.  The start up cost was $250 but that’s all we spent until they were potty trained.  If traveling, then we would use Seventh Generation disposable diapers. They are chemical free.
    16. 

  16. Car pool. Find a buddy and take turns driving into work.  You will save money, time, the environment, wear and tear on your car and reduce traffic! You can also use a ride share service like Lyft or Uber.  Of course, I am partial to Lyft. 😉
    17. 

  17. Buy rechargeable batteries. Save money, conserve resources, protect the environment and improve performance by buying recyclable batteries like these. You can use rechargeable batteries hundreds of times! They cost more initially, but save money over time.
    18. 

  18. Have plants to clean the air in your home. Did you know that houseplants can actually clean indoor air of airborne toxins? These 10 houseplants will work extra hard to clean up your indoor air.
    19. 

  19. Use your dishwasher. It uses less water than hand-washing. For an extra bonus use a DIY dishwashing detergent.
    20. 

  20. Invest in experiences instead of things for special gifts. Take a family trip instead of expensive Christmas presents.  Or maybe go see a musical instead of an anniversary present. The memories will last longer than a physical present.
    21. 

  21. Wash clothes in cold water. Washing your clothes in cold water uses less energy and clothes last longer.  If you want to take it a step farther, purchase and energy-efficient washer.  These washers measure the amount of water needed to wash per load.
    22. 

  22. Buy Used. You can find really good deals on barely used products. Start shopping at thrift stores, consignment stores and garage sales. You can window shop online at sites like Thredup, Craigslist or Varage Sale.
    23. 

  23. Switch to an aluminum or stainless-steel sports bottle.  Most plastic containers have a chemical called BPA, which is under investigation for its effects on the health of humans. You can opt for a BPA free plastic bottle but they are known to leach phthalates, a chemical thought to disrupt the endocrine system.
    24. 

  24. Keep food in glass containers. Most plastic containers have a chemical called BPA, which is under investigation for its effects on the health of humans.  When heating in the microwave or washing in the dishwasher can break down the plastic allowing BPA to leach into food.
    25. 

  25. Replace vinyl shower curtains. There are more than 100 different chemicals vinyl shower curtains emit into the air. Trade out the vinyl curtain for a PVC-free plastic shower curtain.

    

    26. 








What are some ways that you live green? Let me know below. 🙂






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			Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash Recipe
		

	


	
		LizB
		Clean Body, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls
		

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Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash Recipe

	

		
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The skin is the largest organ of the body and what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream within 26 seconds.  That’s crazy fast. Once I learned about this, I started to take a hard look at the ingredients that were in my soap and bodywash.  These chemicals are the most common ingredients in commercial body wash.




Triclosan. Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical that’s a known Endocrine disruptor and a skin irritant.  Endocrine disruptor is a term used when chemicals interfere with your body’s delicate hormone system.  These disruptions can cause adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. Triclosan can also be found in toothpaste, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.






Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These particular sulfates are responsible for the foaming action in cleaning supplies and soaps. SLS and SLES are in 90% of commercial beauty products.  SLS’s are known to cause organ toxicity over time,  irritate eyes and contaminate developmental and reproductive processes.






Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin (Formaldehyde). Formaldehyde derivatives are preservatives used to help prevent bacterial growth. These chemicals are linked to allergies, chronic fatigue, depression, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, and can trigger asthma. Overall, they can weaken the immune system and leave you susceptible to other diseases.




Fragrance. The term “fragrance” is unregulated by the FDA.  So basically, companies can put any chemical concoction under the fragrance ingredient similar to how supplement companies use the term “proprietary blend” to sneak in banned substances.  The FDA turns a blind eye and the consumers end up paying with their health. Fragrance has been associated with allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory distress. Perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, and moisturizers often contain fragrance.






Phthalates. These chemicals are some of the most widely used in the U.S. Phthalates increase the flexibility and softness of plastics.  The derivatives of phthalates are often used in cosmetics, deodorants, body washes, hair sprays and moisturizers.  They are known to be Endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females.




Parabens. Parabens are used to preserve and prevent bacteria and mold growth in cosmetic products.   They possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, biopsies of breast tumors have shown traces of the chemical. Phthalates can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.






Synthetic colors. Yellow #5, Blue #1, and Red #40  are three of the most popular FDA-permitted dyes. These dyes are not limited to food and can be found in nearly every product with color. Synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources and are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Union considers synthetic colors a human carcinogen and has banned it from being used.








Yeah, I know that is a lot to take it.  But it’s good to be aware, especially when little ones are involved.


Organic, non-toxic body wash can be expensive. Especially when everyone is on a budget and organic body wash is twice as much as commercial products.


The following homemade body wash recipe has just a handful of organic ingredients and after the initial purchase of the products, will only cost you around two dollars per bottle.  Not to shabby.


Castile Soap.  A versatile soap made from 100% plant oils without any chemical detergents. Since there are not any chemicals in the soap, it is completely biodegradable and earth friendly. Dr. Bronner is the king of Castile soap and you can use the concentrated soap in dozens of ways.


Coconut Oil.   Coconut oil is extremely moisturizing for the skin because it increases hydration and reduces water loss.  Coconut oil also contains Lauric acid which is particularly good at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. I hope that you don’t have fungus on your body, 😉 but if you do, use some coconut oil! Here is a list of other great uses for Coconut Oil.


Jojoba Oil. Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the nut of an indigenous American shrub. Jojoba oil is unique in that it closely resembles sebum, a waxy substance produced by our skin glands, so it can act as a natural skin conditioner.


Vitamin E Oil. A nutrient for your skin, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Free radicals form due to environmental exposures such as pollution and ultraviolet radiation, which damage cells and might contribute to cardiovascular disease and cancer.


Essential Oils.  Essentials oils are created by extracting the oils from plants, trees and shrubs. Plants and trees contain medicinal properties and when the oil is extracted, the medicinal properties can be used externally to assist in healing the body. Synthetic oils are labeled as “fragrance” oils and you want to stay away from those.  There are many quality oils on the market. I personally use doTerra and am happy with their oils.  If you have another brand you love, please leave me a comment.  I would love to try other brands.


Homemade Moisturizing Body Wash Recipe


Ingredients:

1/2 cup Castile soap

2 Tbsp Coconut oil

1 Tbsp Jojoba oil

1 Tbsp Vitamin E oil

20-30 drops Essential oils of choice (lavender, almond, vanilla….the possibilities are endless). This ingredient is optional.


Directions:


1. Melt Coconut oil in a double boiler.  A double boiler can be made by placing a small glass jar in a pot of water.  Put water into the pot and allow it to only come up the side of the jar by 1 inch. Simmer the jar of coconut oil until it becomes liquid.




2. Combine the castile soap, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E oil in a measuring cup.  I like to use measuring cups because it is easier to pour from when filling the soap pump.




3. Pour the melted coconut oil into the measuring cup and stir well.




4. Add Essential Oils. Pour 20 – 30 drops and mix. The last batch of homemade body wash was made with almond castile soap and the smell was already amazing so I didn’t add any oils.


The soap pump I used was repurposed from a Meyer’s hand soap pump that I cleaned and dried. Once I removed the label, it made the perfect pump for the homemade body wash.




In fact, I added some flowers, wine and Wild Orange & Clove lip balm to the homemade body wash and gave it to my mom for a birthday gift.




I hope you enjoy this homemade body wash recipe and I have a feeling that you will.


Bye friends. xo




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			Wild Orange and Clove Lip Balm
		

	


	
		LizB
		Clean Body, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls
		

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Wild Orange and Clove Lip Balm

	

		
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I am kind of addicted to lip balm.


The kind of addicted that if I leave home without it, I think my lips will immediately turn into dried up little french fries. Forgetting it ranks right up right up there with forgetting my phone, the kids……you know, important stuff.


Do you feel me?


Great.  Then you will really enjoy making this sweet little gem of a balm.


Do you know how many ingredients are in Wild orange and clove lip balm? Five! Yes, only five.  All ingredients are super easy to find and can be bought online so you will never even have to leave the comfort of your home and therefore cut down on the risk of french fry lip.


This balm uses wild orange and clove essential oils.  When buying essential oils, make sure they are 100% real oil and not synthetic fragrance oils.  Some essential oils that you would find at the grocery or drug store have more chemical fragrance than oil. So make sure you are on the lookout for that, especially when using essential oils on your body.


One day, I will write and write and write about the amazing benefits of essential oils. But until then, check out how I make wild orange and clove lip balm.


 




Wild Orange and Clove lip Balm


Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Beeswax

1 Tbsp Shea Butter

3 Tbsp Coconut Oil

20 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil (suggested oils)

10 drops Clove Essential Oil (same place as above)


Tools:

12 Empty Lip Balm Tubes

Small pot

Glass jar or glass measuring cup


Step 1.


Put the beeswax, Shea butter and coconut oil into a double boiler.  You can make a double boiler by placing a small glass or mason jar in a small pot of water.


Here is an example of a double boiler for your viewing pleasure.


The water should only reach a couple inches max up the side of the glass container.  Turn your stove on simmer and slowly let the wax, butter and oil melt. In this instance, I used a glass measuring cup because it has a little pour spout to make pouring the lip balm into the tubes a little easier.


Cast of melty characters.


 




Step 2:


Once completely melted, remove the mixture from the double boiler.


Step 3.


Add your essential oils (20 drops Wild orange, 10 drops Clove). Oil drops can come out pretty fast so keep those hands steady. Stir to combine.  Get onto the next step pretty quick before the balm starts to solidify.




Step 4.


Slowly pour the balm into your empty tubes. Let the balm harden before putting the caps on.  It won’t take long, about 5-10 minutes.






This recipe makes 12 tubes of lip balm. Enough to share!  Unless you’re a hoarder and if so, that’s cool, at least you will always have soft lips.


 


Try this recipe out and let me know what you think!


 


**Citrus oils + sun may cause skin sensitivity is some folks.  I’ve personally never had a problem with skin sensitivity after using citrus oils but I need to throw that out there. xo




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			Homemade Whitening Toothpaste
		

	


	
		LizB
		Baking Soda, Clean Body, Coconut OIl, Essential OIls
		

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Homemade Whitening Toothpaste

	

		
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This homemade whitening toothpaste gets 5 stars for how easy it is to make. 6 stars for how healthy and white it makes your teeth.


I had been thinking about making toothpaste for a while. For a long while actually, and I put it off until I couldn’t squeeze one more drop out of my Tom’s toothpaste tube.




This is the toothpaste I usually use. Tom’s of Maine Propolis & Myrrh Natural Fluoride Free Toothpaste


Worst case scenario, I make the toothpaste and hate it. No problem, I can just run out to the store and buy some more. Best case scenario, it’s awesome and my teeth are clean and sparkly.


This is how I did it.


Homemade Whitening Toothpaste


Ingredients:

6 Tbsp Coconut oil

4 Tbsp Baking soda

2 packages Stevia

30 drops Peppermint (or Cinnamon) Essential oil




1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler. A double boiler isn’t anything fancy and you can make your own by just placing a jar inside of a small pot with water. Make sure the water only reaches about halfway up the side of the jar and that the burner is on simmer so that no water makes it into your coconut oil.


Coconut oil liquefies pretty quickly so you won’t have to wait long until it melts. It usually only takes 5-10 minutes.




2. Once the coconut oil is liquid, carefully take the jar out of the pot and add these guys (stevia, baking soda and essential oil) to the same jar. Stir very well. In fact, give it a stir every five minutes or so until the toothpaste becomes firm (30 minutes-ish). If you don’t stir often, the baking soda will settle to the bottom and that would make for very salty toothpaste at the end.


Lesson learned the hard way.




3. TADA! Now put a lid on that bad boy and you just made yourself a healthy, cheap and effective toothpaste that will last a few weeks. Awesome!




 


When you use your toothpaste, use a spoon or ice-cream stick to get the toothpaste out of the jar and then apply it to the toothbrush. Dipping you brush into the toothpaste could add bacteria to the jar. Not Awesome!


So, fast forward a few weeks and I was on my way to my first dentist appointment in two years(!).


I was nervous because I just knew there would be a cavity or two that made a home in my teeth. Also, I was curious to see if my homemade toothpaste was actually keeping my teeth clean.


After my cleaning, the dentist gave me a cavity free bill of health and told me that my teeth look great and really white!  Which, if you know me, is shocking because I drink about a gallon of coffee every day.


Overall, she was really surprised that I hadn’t been to the dentist in a couple of years. That gave me the courage to tell her that I have been making my own toothpaste.  My dentist seemed surprised but listened politely to my process and toothpaste ingredients.  Her only suggestion was to cut back on the baking soda because too much could be abrasive on my teeth. So I did.


No more tubes of toothpaste will be harmed in the cleaning of my teeth.


So go ahead and make yourself some best case scenario toothpaste.


Now it’s time for my disclaimer.  I can’t promise everyone will have the same results.  I do floss everyday and the results haven’t been observed over an extended period of time.  But I will let everyone know how it’s going after my next dentist appointment in August. 


P.S.  Spring has sprung here in Nashville.  SO EXCITED!




 


 


 


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