Aloe & Mint Natural Toothpaste - Visual Recipe

Since I am about half way through my tube of toothpaste, I decided it was time to learn how to make it on my own. In doing research I found mostly tooth powders and very liquidy concoctions predominated the homemade toothpaste market. This recipe is a fine medium between a thick commercial toothpaste and a liquid herbal toothpaste. In developing this recipe, I tried to strike a balance of liquid, grit, flavor and practicality. I really like the idea of making toothpaste for two reasons. Firstly, it's overall more cost effective than store brought toothpaste. (Especially if you have all the things you need already.) Secondly, I feel it provides one step towards reducing my dependence on consumer products. It's a bit empowering to be able to make a daily essential on my own rather than just accepting the product as a given manufactured entity.

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TOOLS
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Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Wooden stirring stick
Mortal and pestle set
2 oz squeeze bottle
Funnel

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INGREDIENTS
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2 T Aloe Vera (food grade, 100%)
2 T Glycerin
2 t Baking Soda
1 t French Green Clay
2 t Dried Peppermint Leaf
1/2 t Orris Root Powder
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
3 drops Vitamin E Oil

Note on Aloe Vera: Do not use the kind of aloe intended for sunburns! That is a topical ointment and shouldn't be consumed. You will want 100% aloe leaf gel for this recipe. It comes as a liquid dietary supplement in a jar at health food stores.

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DIRECTIONS
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Start with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a bowl.

Add in 2 tablespoons glycerin.

Stir well.
Aloe will separate a bit. You want this.

Add in 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Use 1 teaspoon if you aren't that keen on the taste.

Stir until a little foamy.

Add in 1 teaspoon of french green clay.

Stir until it takes on an even light green color.
Right now it will taste like a late night pottery studio.

Grind 2 teaspoons peppermint leaf into a powder.

Add the peppermint leaf to the mix.
Stir until a medium earthy green.

Add in 1/2 teaspoon of orris root powder.

Stir well to break up any orris root that may clump.

Add in 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
Add in 3 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Upon adding these oils, you will notice quite a change in the consistency of the toothpaste. Right now the recipe is very close to the right consistency, but I will likely revisit this one later.

Finally, transfer the toothpaste to a 2oz squeeze container for use.
A funnel will be very helpful during this step.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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1) Squeeze three of four drops of the toothpaste onto your toothbrush.
2) Scrub in well.
3) Spit.
4) Rinse.
5) Have shiny, clean and minty teeth.

Please note: This recipe will not bubble in your mouth like some commercial toothpastes. There is typically an ingredient in those to create bubbling. Bubbles do not equal cleaning power though. The clay and baking soda will more than take care of cleaning duties in this recipe.