Drawing the Line.

I've been diving into herbs for six or seven years now.  Head first.  I've traded my diet soda for fresh herbal teas. I've tossed my aspirin for White Willow. I've let go of hair dying in favor of Henna. But recently I was asked to do something I could simply not do. 

The herbalist opinion on dental care is an interesting one to say the least. With many people developing their own powders or pastes, it seemed we had reached some kind of agreement: Use toothpaste, but make it healthier, make it safer.  Oh but that was not for very long. 

Some prominent herbalists came out against the powders and pastes- stating their ingredients were either too strong, not strong enough, or just plain wrong. Well, my teeth loved them, but I'm not a prominent herbalist, am I? 

Suddenly every herbalist I knew was trying something crazier than any thing I've ever tried. And I wash my face with something we affectionately call "Miracle Mud". Brushing your teeth... with a stick. Licorice root to be precise. 

My first reaction was, "Well, if ______ recommends it, maybe it's amazing." I went to my trusty herb shop and picked some up. I came home excited to convince Mark to try them with me. We diligently rubbed them around for what felt like days. And then looked in the mirror...

Our teeth looked yellow, still had gunk on them, and were flecked with bark. Mark, who loved chewing things, had worked his into what looked like a crappy paint brush and his teeth looked worse than mine. And our breath smelled like breath. Not the clean smell you hope for after brushing. 

You know, I'll stick with my brush, thanks! 

Let it be stated that I have found my limits. I may treat yeast infections with garlic cloves and use lavender powder to freshen the carpet, but this was too much, even for me.  I guess this is a good lesson in knowing the limits of your crunchiness. 

I did find a use for the licorice stick though :)