5 Simple DIY Swaps for a Toxin-Free Home

If you've read my first post (thank you!), you know why I started this journey toward low-toxic living. Now, let's get practical. These are 5 beginner-friendly swaps you can make today using ingredients you might already have-and I've included free or low-cost printable guides to make it even easier

1.Sleepytime Herbal Tea (Family-Safe Blend)

This gentle evening tea grew out of a season when bedtime felt a little wobbly — the kind of nights where energy lingers, bodies feel overtired, and everyone benefits from a softer transition into rest.

Rather than trying to “fix” sleep, I focused on creating a calming, predictable evening ritual the whole family could share. After researching traditionally used, kid-appropriate herbs and keeping proportions conservative, this blend became a simple way to signal that the day was winding down.

It’s not meant to force sleep or work instantly. Instead, it supports calm, comfort, and consistency — which, over time, matter far more than quick results.

Why it works:

This family-safe blend focuses on gentle nervous system support and evening comfort, using herbs that are widely known and well tolerated when used appropriately.

• Chamomile offers gentle calming support and helps ease the transition from busy days to quieter evenings.

• Lemon balm helps settle wired-up or overtired energy and brings a light, pleasant flavor kids often enjoy.

• Passionflower, used in a small amount, provides mild nervous system support without overpowering the blend.

• Lavender buds add a soft floral aroma and calming sensory cue.

• Licorice root, included in a small proportion, adds subtle natural sweetness and supports digestion, making the tea more enjoyable for children.

Together, these herbs create a mild, pleasant tea that works well as part of an evening wind-down routine for children and sensitive adults alike.

How We Use It

This tea is best enjoyed in the early evening as a cue that the day is slowing down — often alongside quiet play, reading, or dinner cleanup.

It’s written to be appropriate for children ages 2+, with smaller serving sizes and gentle brewing instructions. Honey may be added for children over one year old, if desired.

For families using calming teas regularly, it’s a good idea to rotate blends, especially since this recipe includes licorice root.

A Note on Safety

This recipe is shared for educational purposes and reflects current best practices for family-safe herbal use. It is not intended for daily long-term use in children with high blood pressure or kidney conditions due to the licorice content. For ongoing nightly routines, rotating with a licorice-free blend is recommended.

As always, herbal support works best when paired with predictable bedtime rhythms and attentive observation of each child’s individual needs.

Helpful Tools:

Teabloom products have become staples in my house since starting this journey. This glass teapot and this tea infuser are the two I recommend the most. I ended up buying 5 of the tea infusers due to their ease of use!

Get it here: Download the free tea card

2.Commercial Toothpaste for Citrus Bentonite Toothpowder

A natural way to clean and remineralize teeth without foaming agents or synthetic flavors.

Tips from My Routine:

It can take a few uses to get comfortable with the texture if this is your first venture into toothpowders. I use my electric toothbrush's massage function after brushing to gently clean the gums and remove the clay texture.

Why it works:

Conventional toothpaste often contains harsh detergents, SLS, synthetic flavors, and even endocrine disruptors like triclosan. After months of watching my son struggle with mouth sores (which is a common problem with SLS sensitivities), I decided enough was enough. This clay-based powder gently polishes teeth, supports remineralization, and leaves your mouth feeling naturally clean-no foaming agents or fluoride required.

Helpful Tools & Supplies:

Glass Jar Set for Storage

Food Grade Orange Essential Oil

Vanilla Powder for Kids Version

Download the recipe here: Get the toothpowder guide

3.Aluminum Deodorant for Tallow & Magnesium Deodorant

Gentle and surprisingly effective, this baking soda-free recipe supports healthy skin flora.

Why it works:

Mainstream deodorants can contain aluminum, artificial fragrance, and parabens-all linked to hormone disruption and irritation. This baking soda-free version is made with nourishing tallow, magnesium for odor control, clays, and essential oils.

What I use:

I waffle between wanting the cylinder deodorant tubes and the classic deodorant tubes. I've used both and still can't say which I prefer! Pro-tip, you can reuse old deodorant tubes as well. So, while you're building up your ingredients pantry and your apothecary, start keeping your favorite type of applicators!

Download the Tallow & Magnesium Deodorant recipe.

If you prefer a non-tallow & vegan friendly deodorant I also have a recipe for that!

4.Store-Bought Toners for Green Tea Facial Toner

A cooling toner made from brewed green tea, witch hazel, and a hint of essential oil.

Why it works:

Most toners on the market are alcohol-heavy, which strips your skin barrier and can cause rebound oiliness. This calming blend of brewed green tea, witch hazel (alcohol-free), and essential oils, balances pH and reduces redness-without the sting.

Why I love It:

This is probably one of the easiest swaps to make. I make a weekly batch, store it in a small spritz bottle and use if after washing my face and before moisturizing. It's light, refreshing, and smells amazing!

Style Tip:

Why choose when it comes to aesthetic vs functional containers-I personally stock both. Pretty bottles for my counters, practical ones live in the fridge or pantry.

What I use:

Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel

Loose Leaf Green Tea

Amber colored glass storage containers

Download it free here: Facial Toner Printable

5.Store-Bought Hair Serums for DIY Hair Growth Oil Trio

Why it works:

Hormonal shifts, stress, and nutrient deficiencies can all play a role in hair loss. Instead of buying $40 miracle oils, I made my own with ingredients like rosemary-infused castor oil, nettle, and pumpkin seed oil-all known to improve scalp health and follicle stimulation.

Why I Made This:

PCOS hair thinning has been a years-long struggle for me. These blends have been a gentle, consistent help.

Reminder:

Hair regrowth takes time. Give it 8-12 weeks of consistency, take pictures, and trust the process!

Recommended Tools:

Scalp Massager for Application and Hair Follicle Stimulation

Pumpkin Seed Oil

PDF Download: Get the full Hair Treatment Guide

Final Thoughts:

Start with just one swap or binge-blend all five (you little kitchen witch overachiever, you!). These recipes aren't just cute DIYs-they're part of my real-life rhythm of keeping my family healthy, grounded, and thriving in a more natural, intentional way.

And while I often recommend and link to organic brands (because that's what I personally use and trust), that doesn't mean everything you buy needs to be organic right away. Start where you are, with what you can afford. Even small steps matter. You'll likely find that making your own products saves you money in the long run, and you can gradually shift toward more organic ingredients as it makes sense for you.

This isn't about perfection-it's about progress and empowerment. You've got this!

Check out the full Printable Library or browse The Nook's Shop for more cozy low-toxic goodness! Thank you for being here!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click a link and make a purchase. I only recommend products I personally use or trust for my recipes and projects.

this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always test products on a small surface first and use caution when using essential oils around children or pets