Health and Beauty Recipes

*All of these recipes have been tested/are being used by me and my family and/or friends.

Shampoo/Body wash

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup liquid castille soap (we use Dr. Bronner's)
• 1/2 tsp oil (coconut, olive, jojoba, or grapeseed) - I leave this out as it was too heavy on my hair. 
• drop or two of essential oil such as lavender or peppermint

1. Add each ingredient together either in a mixing bowl or directly in the container you plan on using.
2. Mix together and add to a container or spray bottle. Enjoy!

Note: I use a spray bottle because it works so much better for application. Shaking the bottle before each use is recommended but not necessary.

Hand Soap

• 1 part castille soap (we use Dr. Bronner's)
• up to 5 parts water
• drop or two of essential oil like lavender or tea tree

1. Add the ingredients together and mix well. 
2. Pour into an upcycled hand soap container or spray bottle. Enjoy!

Toothpaste

• 3 TBSP Coconut Oil (organic is best)
• 3 TBSP Baking SODA
• drops of mint essential oil to taste
• 1 packet stevia (for sweetness - optional)

1. Mash the coconut oil, stevia, and baking soda until well blended. Using the back of a spoon works pretty well. This can take some time and a little elbow grease. 
2. Add the mint essential oil and blend again. 
3. Add water if necessary for a smoother consistency.
4. Put into a container with an air tight lid for use.

My husband is one of the few who isn't able to get a sweet taste from stevia, but rather a bitter one. Therefore, we leave this ingredient out and find that the toothpaste is still just fine.

Sugar or Salt Facial/Body Scrub

• Olive Oil or melted Coconut Oil - Do NOT melt it in the microwave.
• Turbinado Sugar or other Large Grained Sugar OR Large Grained Salt like Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
• Essential Oil (lavender, tea-tree, orange, lemon, mint) - optional

1. In a ratio of 1 part oil to 2 parts sugar or salt, add ingredients together in a bowl or the final container you would like to use.
2. Mix them together well.
3. Scoop out a small amount with a tea spoon or your fingers and massage on your skin.

Note: This mixture will not stay evenly suspended. With every use you will have to stir it up. I put my scrub in an upcycled body butter container that has a latching lid. It's plastic so I have no worries that it will break if I drop it in my porcelain-cast iron tub. This scrub works best if you're taking a shower or warm bath. Personally, I prefer lavender essential oil because it helps me relax. Who doesn't love a nice, hot, relaxing bath? I used to use a scrub in the morning that had orange essential oil which was great for a quick pick-me-up!