How to Make a Herbal Tooth Powder With Comfrey
Comfrey, a perennial herb native to Europe, is frequently used in many skin creams and facial products. English settlers brought it to America for healing skin wounds and burns which, they observed, often helped the skin heal faster. Scientists first started studying comfrey in detail in the early 1980s and noted that the plant contains an alkaloid (pyrrolizidine), which may be toxic. Since then, there have been four documented deaths from comfrey overdose. In 2001, the FDA banned the sale of oral products containing comfrey. However, comfrey's popularity has not diminished, and it is often still used in many homemade health products.
Things You'll Need
- Lobelia
- Cloves
- Large bowl
- Stir spoon
- Oak Bark
- Comfrey
- Horsetail
- Peppermint
- Measuring spoons
- Mortar and pestle or grinder (optional)
- Glass jar with lid
Instructions
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1
In a large bowl, mix together one part each of lobelia and cloves.
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2
Add three parts each of comfrey, oak bark, horsetail and peppermint. Stir thoroughly.
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3
Measure 1/2 to 1 tbsp. of the mixture at a time into your mortar and pestle, or grinder, and grind to a fine powder.
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4
Pour the powder into a glass jar that has a lid and continue the process until all herbs have been finely ground. Close the jar securely and store it in a dark, cool location when not used.
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1
Tips & Warnings
These directions use parts, not set measurements, which allows you to make as little or as much as necessary. If you are making it only for yourself, consider using 1 tbsp. as one part.
You can substitute comfrey for other herbs such as rosemary if you are uncomfortable with using a potentially toxic herb. This substitution may also be done with lobelia if you cannot get your hands on it.
Other herbs than cloves and peppermint may also be used for flavoring. Consider cinnamon, lemongrass, orange zest or spearmint if you don't like the current taste.
Make sure your herbs are completely dry if you have harvested them yourself. Herbs with some moisture in them will get moldy and stale, even in a dark cabinet.
Consult your doctor before using this recipe if you are: pregnant, breast-feeding, allergic to one or more of these herbs, or have a history of liver disease or weakness.
Do not give this tooth powder to children.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly and avoid swallowing.
References
- "The School of Natural Healing"; John R. Christopher; 1976
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Comfrey
- Herbs 2000: Comfrey
