Why do you buy the products you buy and what would it look like if you made certain things instead? Once I started asking myself this question and analyzing my status quo, I discovered some amazing and simple DIY items that aid my life so much that I feel compelled to share them as often as I can.
Now, don’t get me wrong — I’m not expecting everyone in the world to start making all their products at home. But I do believe that creating awareness about how easy some products are to make and how effective these homemade versions can be allows us all to begin the conversation. In this way, whatever you choose, you are empowering yourself to make a more intentional choice.
I offer these DIY recipes to support your journey with simple and easy-to-use tips that can offer life-changing results.
Bone Broth Slow Cooker Recipe
This magical liquid provides your body with gelatin, collagen, glucosamine, magnesium, calcium, and much more. It’s easy to make and consuming it regularly can result in stronger bones, healthier joints, and a more robust immune system.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken feet or bones of any kind
- 2 tablespoons of Bragg organic apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion quartered (skin on)
- 3 garlic cloves (skin on)
- Pink Himalayan sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Filtered water
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in slow cooker
- Fill with water until feet/bones are covered.
- Cook on low for 24 hours minimum.
- Strain when done and refrigerate (good for three days) or freeze.
Note: you can re-boil refrigerated broth every three days to maintain freshness.
DIY Toothpaste
This toothpaste has done for me what all commercial toothpastes claim to accomplish but never do – freshen breath, fight plaque, and whiten teeth – and without the questionable ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Baking soda
- Clove essential oil
Directions:
- Add equal parts oil and soda into a container and mix well.
- Add 2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of each used.
- Mixed until fully blended.
Note: When using this toothpaste, remember to spit into the trash and not the sink. The coconut oil will clog your sink over time.
I made a batch in a small mason jar using 2 tablespoons of both oil and soda.
How to Practice Oil Pulling
This technique has been around for thousands of years and is used to create a healthier microbiome in your mouth. That means, it gets rid of nasty bacteria. Coconut oil in particular has both antibacterial and antifungal qualities. People who regularly practice oil pulling report benefits ranging from healthier gums, to brighter skin, to an improvement in overall well-being.
Directions:
- Measure out up to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil.
- Put it in your mouth.
- Swirl around for up to 20 minutes.
- Spit into trashcan when done and rinse mouth with water.
I often do this while I’m showering and accomplish two tasks at once. Again, you don’t want to spit it out into the drain, though, as oil can clog your pipes.
