Skin Cleansing Grains

Note:  You don’t have to use all of these ingredients if simplicity is what you’re after.  Many of these can be used alone.  Or substitute ingredients like coffee, sugar, salt, etc.  See my 2013 post for a more complete list.

• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup ground or powdered azuki bean*
• 6 tbsp bentonite clay
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• 1 tbsp ground, dried rose petals  (optional)
• 1 tbsp ground, dried calendula (optional)
• 1 tbsp ground, dried lavender (optional)
• 1 tsp ground poppy seeds

Instructions for use: Grind poppy seeds, flowers, and azuki beans separately (if you bought whole azuki beans). Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass container.

To use the cleansing grains, take about a teaspoon into the palm of your hand or a small dish and slowly add water until it creates a paste consistency, or whatever consistency you would like. Gently scrub into the face, taking care to be gentle on the skin beneath your eyes. You can rinse off immediately, or leave it on until it dries.

If you would like to use the mix as a weekly mask instead, simply add 1 cup more bentonite clay.  I have written about making my own clay mask here.

Tooth Powder

We didn’t actually make the tooth powder, but we discussed this recipe and the reasons for the various ingredients.  I personally use baking soda and essential oils, but many people agreed that baking soda is too abrasive and that these ingredients are gentler.

• 4 tbsp bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp activated charcoal
• 6 drops peppermint (essential) oil
• 1.5 tsp stevia, powdered and unprocessed
• 1 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Mix all ingredients and store in a non-metal container (see reasons above). To use, dip your dry toothbrush into the mix and start brushing your teeth. Add a drop of water from faucet to moisten the mix more so that it can be easier to distribute as you brush.

Here are many more ideas for tooth powders, pastes, soaps, and other tooth cleansing formulas.