Natural tooth powders and mineral toothpastes have been growing in popularity over recent years, as a natural, gentle yet effective way to take care of your oral health. Here’s a look at the benefits of switching to mineral toothpastes or powders. 

Chemical free cleaning

Conventional toothpastes usually contain harsh artificial ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can cause skin irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin. They also often contain artificial sweeteners and flavourings that are linked to various health risks over long term use. 

Natural mineral tooth powders and pastes have only pure ingredients such as clay, baking soda and herb extracts. These are much gentler and safer to use than regular oral care products, and are available in a range of pleasant natural flavours such as sweet fennel tooth powder. 

An eco-friendly and sustainable choice

Natural tooth powders are often available in recyclable packaging such as glass pots, minimising the plastic waste of conventional packaging that is non-recyclable or ends up being exported to countries with highly questionable recycling practices. 

Many of the ingredients of natural tooth products are renewable or sustainable, or have a lower carbon footprint during manufacturing than conventional products. 

Many varieties of tooth powder are also suitable for vegans, because they contain no animal products and have not been tested on animals. This means that you will have peace of mind that you are using a cruelty-free product. 

Gentle but effective cleaning powers

Many people assume that alternatives to high street brands for oral care will be less effective, but this is not the case. They make use of the natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties of plants, essential oils, and minerals such as organic montmorillonite clay and kaolin. These help to prevent the formation of tartar and plaques with regular use. 

Furthermore, the fine powders have a natural abrasive effect that removes stains while maintaining the condition of the enamel, helping you to achieve a bright sparkling smile. 

A healthier mouth pH balance

Conventional oral care products can sometimes strip helpful bacteria from the mouth alongside the unhelpful kind, particularly mouthwashes. Natural tooth powders encourage a balanced pH level with ingredients that neutralise acids such as baking soda. This can minimise the risk of developing cavities and promote fresher breath. 

Protecting tooth enamel

Enamel is the protective hard outer coating on our teeth that protects the softer inner layers of dentin and pulp, and helps to prevent decay. However, over time, acids, dental plaque, and bacteria can erode enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to infection, erosion, and cavities. 

Natural tooth powders often contain ingredients such as calcium and magnesium, which help to remineralize the enamel and contribute to strong teeth and a healthy mouth. 

Most people are probably aware that natural clays can be used for skincare, but they may be unsure about which products would be best for them, how to use them, and what results to expect. Here we address some of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic clays to help you get the most out of your product.

What are clays composed of?

Clays extracted from the ground and are primarily composed of silica, iron oxide, and a range of other minerals. Some types of clay may also contain plant matter, which is responsible for the green colour of green clay. 

The unique properties of clay have a cleansing and detoxification effect on the skin, and have been used as a health and beauty treatments since ancient times. 

How do I choose the right type of clay for my skin type?

There are various types of clay, and each one can help to address specific issues. Montmorillonite clay is one of the most popular types, and it can be used to cleanse and rejuvenate mature skin. If you have sensitive skin, white kaolin clay is a mild and gentle clay that can even be used on young children. It can soothe irritated skin and improve its texture. 

Green clay  is often used to address oily skin that is prone to acne and breakouts. It deeply cleanses the skin and can help to reduce the production of sebum and bacteria that cause spots. It can also be used to reduce pore size and tone the skin, helping your complexion to look more youthful and even in texture. 

Red clay is rich in iron oxide, which gives it its distinctive red colour. It is noted for its effectiveness in drawing toxins from the skin, and it can have antibacterial and anti-ageing effects. If you want to deeply cleanse your skin and correct a dull and tired complexion, then this may be the right clay for you. 

Bentonite clay is another popular detoxifying clay that can be used to treat acne-prone skin and achieve a smoother and more youthful complexion. It can also be used as a bath soak, a poultice, a foot detox, or a hair rinse. 

How do I use clay as a mask?

Clays are usually purchased in the form of a finely milled powder and mixed with fluid to form a paste, which can be applied on to the face or other area of skin, or massaged into the hair. You can use water, rose water, or even apple cider vinegar to mix with one or two tablespoons of clay powder to form a thick smooth paste. 

Use a wooden spoon rather than a metal one to preserve the ionic charge of the clay. Apply the paste in an even layer to your skin, and leave it for ten to 15 minutes. However, do not let it fully dry out as this can make your skin feel tight afterwards. Rise the clay off with lukewarm water, pat your skin gently dry and apply a moisturiser. 

Getting older is an inevitable part of life, but many of us are understandably keen to do what we can to support healthy ageing. This is not just about the way we look, but also includes maintaining a strong immune system, supple joints and a good digestive system. Here’s a look at how vitamin C and MSM powder (Methyl-sulphonyl-methane) can aid this process.

Boosting collagen production

The building blocks of a fresh and youthful complexion are the proteins that form collagen, which is a substance that supports our skin, bones, muscles and connective tissues. As we get older the body naturally produces less collagen, which is why we become prone to facial lines, sagging jawlines, and muscle stiffness. 

Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production, so by increasing your intake you can maintain optimum levels of collagen to help keep your skin looking smooth and firm. When combined with MSM, vitamin C will work in synthesis to produce a consistent amount of collagen and help to prevent wrinkles and coarsening of the skin’s texture. 

As well as enhancing the appearance of the skin, the two products work together to maintain cartilage and minimise the risk of inflammation in the joints. This can help to keep you more flexible and pain-free as you age, reducing the risk of falls and injuries and making it easier to exercise and keep fit. 

Strengthening the immune system 

Infections and viruses present more of a threat as we get older, because the body may be less able to fight them off, or to bounce back quickly after an illness. Colds or bouts of flu that we shook off in a couple of days when we were younger can linger, or even develop into more serious respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. 

Vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off pathogens. When combined with MSM, vitamin C also has an antioxidant effect that can protect the body against harmful free radicals, reducing the damage to cells that could expedite the ageing process and increase the chances of serious disease.

MSM also has a natural detoxifying effect and can boost liver function. This can improve general health and wellbeing and lead to brighter and clearer skin.

Tips for getting the most from your supplements

Always use good quality supplements derived from natural sources such as organic rosehip. Follow the recommendations for dosage and be consistent with taking them. You should take them as part of a healthy balanced diet, rather than as a substitute for nutritious food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats.

Pay attention to your hydration levels to support soft and supple skin, and limit your intake of alcohol to within the recommended guidelines of 14 units per week. If you smoke, consider quitting as this will significantly age your skin. 

The summer equestrian season is stepping up a gear, even if the weather doesn’t seem to have got the memo. It’s an exciting time with plenty of adventure ahead, but it also takes preparation and good health management to ensure that your horse is on top form for competitions this summer. Here are some top tips. 

Step up training gradually

Put together a training schedule to gradually step up the amount of work your horse is doing, rather than push them too far too soon and risk injuries. Incorporate a variety of exercises to improve their suppleness, strength and stamina. Mix up hacking, flatwork and jumping to keep them interested and enjoying their work. 

Hydration and cooling

The summer weather has been rather underwhelming so far. In fact, cooler temperatures can suit horses (and riders) very well, especially if you are planning to take part in demanding competitions such as show jumping, cross country or dressage. 

If the temperatures do hot up, you may want to consider giving your horse electrolytes to replace the minerals they lose through sweat.  After intense exercise, sponge or hose your horse down to help them cool off and feel comfortable. Ensure they always have access to fresh water. 

Consider giving feed supplements

There are a plethora of supplements available to support various aspects of your horses’ health and wellbeing. Each horse is unique and will have their specific quirks and needs. This may depend on their age, breed, previous medical history, and the amount and type of work that they do.  

A popular natural supplement to support bone and tissue health in horses, particularly competition horses or older horses, is Zeolite Clinoptilolite. This is a high quality palatable powder that contains silicon, which is a mineral that plays a key role in bone formation and the production of cartilage. 

This can help to support greater levels of flexibility, suppleness, and joint mobility, ensuring that your horse can always perform to the best of his ability. It can also help older horses avoid lameness and injury and help them to continue enjoying an active life. Zeolite also supports good digestion and can improve skin and coat health. 

Get yourself fit as well

Competitions demand a good level of all-round fitness from the rider as well as the horse, so consider your own fitness routine. Adjust your diet accordingly to ensure you are getting good sources of energy and are the optimal weight for your horse. 

Aim to do a mixture of exercise that includes cardiovascular training and work to improve your leg and core strength, and overall suppleness, balance and stamina. 

Take part in mock competitions

If you have the opportunity, mock competitions are an excellent way to prepare mentally and physically for the real thing. They can also help you to get on top of logistics such as loading, journey times, packing, and any extra tack or equipment you may need. 

When it comes to skin care, there is such a dazzling array of products to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. It seems that there is a product for every skin type, purpose, and fragrance preferences, and you could probably spend all day browsing slickly marketed cosmetic brand names.  

However, many commercial products have a daunting and opaque list of ingredients, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the active ingredients are and where they have been sourced. This can be off putting for people with sensitive or problem skin, and also for the increasing numbers of consumers who want eco-friendly products. 

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that natural products such as cosmetic clays offer the same or better quality of care, without any of the drawbacks that synthetic products can have for our health and the environment. Indeed, natural clay has stood the test of time, and its use for cosmetic purposes can be traced back to ancient times.

The origins of clay masks

The use of clay as a cosmetic tool can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. It is thought that the legendary beauty Queen Cleopatra used clay from the Dead Sea to make masks and maintain her complexion, because of the nourishing combination of minerals, algae, and sodium the sea clay contained. 

In ancient Greek and Roman societies, the natural healing powers of clay were used to rejuvenate the skin, and also treat rashes, wounds, burns and stings. In Asia, clay was used not only for skincare, but also to cleanse and condition hair and to detoxify the digestive system.  

On the American continent, bentonite and kaolin clay were used by native people to make poultices to treat wounds and bites, and draw out infections. This is because certain types of clay have naturally occuring ultra-absorbent properties, which draw out toxins and promote faster and more effective healing. 

The modern resurgence of cosmetic clays

The instinctive understanding of the healing and therapeutic powers of clay demonstrated by ancient civilizations is now underpinned by modern science. For example, research has shown that clay is naturally absorbent and effective at drawing out excess oil and impurities from the skin. 

This is why clay masks are often used to treat acne and blemishes. Clay also contains natural minerals that help to soothe inflamed skin, leaving it looking more even toned and softer and brighter.

Cosmetic clay products avoid or make very minimal use of artificial additives, which is better for people with sensitive skin who may find that conventional products cause reactions and irritations, leaving them with dry or red skin that looks in worse shape than before.

Natural clay products are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, so they can be an eco-friendly choice that will not damage the environment if it makes its way into natural waterways.