Natural ingredients including sea salt, charcoal and even cocoa are growing in popularity in the oral care market, due to their wide-ranging health benefits.
Toothpowders in planet-friendly containers, too, are widely used in many other countries and will hit our shelves in April.
Our bodies absorb all that we put into and onto them and the mouth is a primary point of mineral and nutrient absorption. This is why, when choosing oral care products, we should ask ourselves, “Is it good enough to eat?”
When we listen to our bodies, they guide us towards the natural ingredients that will benefit us most at any time and taking heed of this conversation helps boost our overall health.
These needs can vary from person to person, and at different points in our lives. Sea salt has a host of benefits, including keeping oral microbiota in balance, alkalising the oral cavity and neutralising acids.
Charcoal works as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and detoxifying agent, while the superfood cocoa is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and protein. Cocoa also strengthens tooth enamel, helps with stress management and helps control our blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Be on the lookout for coconut oil, which boosts good cholesterol, sesame oil, which is high in anti-oxidants and the oils of medicinal plants including cinnamon and spearmint, both of which freshen the breath and act as anti-inflammatories.
Rosemary oil is an anti-viral agent with immune-boosting properties; the oil of clove bud is the strongest of all anti-oxidants, and sage oil, among other qualities, is also an antiseptic.
As consumers, we are often led towards the unnecessary use of chemicals that are detrimental to our health. Alternatives are at hand.
As Deepak Chopra said: “Not matter how much it gets abused, the body can restore balance. The first rule is to stop interfering with nature.”
Olgani is available online from olgani.co.za and Faithful to Natureand at Wellness Warehouse and selected Dis-Chem, Clicks stores and health shops nationwide.
