Beyond natural toothpaste
We're passionate about making the best natural toothpaste on earth. As botanical ingredient lovers and eco-friendly people, we know how important it is to find sustainable ways of living that don't harm nature or our environment - which is why at Truthpaste HQ, we look into all things zero waste, organic ingredients, and natural health & wellbeing.
Are probiotics a game-changer for oral health?
You will often hear them referred to as ‘good’ bacteria. This is an oversimplification.
The role of probiotics has been historically largely focused on gut health. However, over the last decade, more research has led to mounting evidence of the multiple benefits of oral probiotics in keeping a healthy oral microbiome.
7 Reasons Why You Should Floss Everyday
Flossing is one of those things that a lot of people know they should do, but don’t always make time for. Here are 7 reasons you should make flossing a daily habit:
Coconut oil benefits that science agrees with!
Oral health and mental health: the overlooked link
5 warning signs of gum disease
Research shows that 90% of adults have or have had some form of gum disease. Do you know the warning signs?
We don’t often give our gums much thought. They are essential in keeping harmful bacteria at bay and your teeth firmly where they ought to be. Poor gum health can carry much more serious risks than just bad breath or loose teeth.
From Toothache to Triumph!
"I was a pain-riddled woman desperately mashing up clove oil, coconut oil, neem and tea tree with some bicarbonate of soda."
Read all about how one woman turned her toothache into a passion for an eco friendly, botanical toothpaste.
5 tips to go organic on a budget
Buying organic is better for the health of us, our wildlife, and our environment. But choosing organic foods over non-organic can often add a lot more to our weekly food bills. These 5 handy tips will help you to eat organic without breaking the bank!
5 Benefits of Organic farming
Whilst Organic is a term that is largely linked to farming and food, it’s a subject that we are passionate about at Truthpaste HQ. We actively look for ingredients that are certified organic to go in our award-winning formula.
Organic farming is so much more than just ‘no pesticides’. This carefully designed method of farming food sustains soils, biodiversity, ecosystems and people.
Aloe Vera: Uses, benefits and its effect on dental health
The soothing succulent and natures wonder plant: aloe vera benefits
How well do you #KnowYourNaturals? We thought we would dedicate this blog to the aloe vera benefits because this super succulent is magical!
The latin name: Aloe Barbadensis
Where to find it:
You can find Aloe Vera growing wild in most tropical climates, although it is believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula. We have spent a long time diligently looking for the most ethical and quality Aloe Vera. This comes all the way from Spain to go into your truthpaste!
The earliest recorded use of Aloe Vera comes from a 16th century BC Egyptian medical record called the Ebers Papyrus. Known as ‘The Plant of Immortality’ it has been used throughout the centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico, and Japan.
Aloe Vera Uses
What isn’t it used for? From a pleasant way to decorate your home to banishing dandruff, Aloe Vera is used widely for so many things. Described as ‘The Wonder Plant’, Aloe Vera is used in food, drink, cosmetics and holistic remedies.
Aloe Vera Benefits
Aloe Vera was an obvious choice for the truthpaste formula. With six different antiseptic properties it’s been shown to fight the causes of gingivitis or periodontitis, reduce inflammation of the gums and soothe sensitive teeth.
How to use Aloe Vera
If you don’t live in a warm climate where types of Aloe Vera can be found in reasonable abundance, you may not necessarily have discovered this plant yet. Don, 35, a film maker from South London says; “I first discovered in El Salvador after a day of filming. I had sun cream on - but not on my legs. We were riding around in the back of an open back pickup and my legs got so burnt so badly, that by evening I was vomiting and nauseated. A member of the community centre who was looking after us cut a huge leaf off an Aloe Vera growing outside, slit it down the middle and opened it out and laid a leaf on each of my legs. In the morning the burn was gone, and I’ve never had a tan like it. The leaves were so thick, not like ones you get here in garden centres they were literally the size of my leg. I’ve deeply respected the plant ever since.” This wasn’t the only time that Aloe Vera came to Don’s rescue. “Years later, visiting Columbia, I suffered a fissure and used Aloe Vera to soothe the inflammation. I learnt how to prepare it by soaking in water to take it internally*. There’s a toxin that is bad for our stomach in it so it’s important to know how to do this properly.” We want to stress that you should NEVER try to do this without professional advice and guidance.
For others Like Caroline, 34, a data analyst from Worthing. Aloe Vera was a staple part of the household cupboard. “We use it for everything - we drink it, take supplements with aloe in, have aloe suncream, toothpaste, moisturiser and conditioner. I’ve even made up ’super shots’ with Aloe Vera to help prevent a hangover on a girls night out”
Katie, 41, from Harrogate, was recently introduced to the natural benefits of Aloe Vera when looking for a natural antibacterial hand gel. “There just wasn’t any available, and with 2 young children, I wanted to find an alternative. The Alo e Vera gel means that our hands don’t get dry as they did with some of the shop bought gel. It was after buying it, I learnt about the many other uses for it. I love it!”
We love to hear new and innovative ways that our customers are using natural products around the home, or in their day-to-day lives (whatever that might entail in the current climate!). We’d love to hear from you. Have you got a top tip for using Aloe Vera? Let us know! We will be posting the best ones, so do include a photo for us!
Aloe Vera, like any natural remedy, needs to be treated with care and respect. Whilst its benefits are arguably varied and versatile, it's important that it is used correctly.
So before you rush to order a 12 foot plant from the internet, remember that you shouldn’t use Aloe Vera internally if you are under 7, pregnant or breastfeeding. Aloe Vera can have a laxative effect so you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist before ingesting.
Sources:
Ajmera N, Chatterjee A, Goyal V. Aloe vera: It's effect on gingivitis. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17:435–8.
Davis RH, Donato JJ, Hartman GM, Haas RC. Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1994;84:77–81.
