Weleda Ratanhia is my childhood toothpaste, not having used it for the last 20 years I have returned once and for all to the tried and tested. I am a strong believer in natural is better which is why I changed back to this toothpaste. Unlike nearly all toothpastes available today, Weleda do not use Sodium Laureth Sulphate or Fluoride in their products. This is important because both of these commonly used chemicals are well known to have potentially severe health risks attached to them.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate:
Is a chemical also used to degrease car engines, but can be found as a main ingredient in most skincare product as well as nearly all toothpastes. It is cheap and effective at building up a luxurious lather that we have come to expect from our shower gels and toothpastes. However it is also a known carcinogen. Now, all is fine if you do not use it in large quantities and ensure that you wash if off your skin thoroughly. However I would personally prefer to avoid using it if I can.

Fluoride:
Is very effective at protecting teeth from enamel erosion from acid and reduces the capacity for plaque to form into tarter. It is also thought to help strengthen the enamel of children and improve the health of their teeth in later life. However, according to research, fluoride accumulates in the pituitary gland in the brain, which controls hormones that regulate the onset of puberty. There is also concern that it could possibly inhibit the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is also mildly toxic if ingested, and it is for this reason that it is important that toothpaste is never swallowed.

Whilst we all use these chemicals along with many others every day, I would prefer to limit my chemical intake, and therefore have opted for the Weleda route.

~ About Weleda ~

Weleda began in 1921 as a herbal pharmaceutical laboratory and is now a world leading manufacturer of natural holistic pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. A healthy 62% of Weleda's plant based ingredients are organic and grown in a controlled environment. The company also has a strong sustainability ethic, working to high environmental standards as well as fare trade values. The company is based on the values of the work of scientist Rudolf Steiner, who believed in the harmony of spirit and mater and therefore the importance of harmony between the human and nature. Weleda are therefore careful to only use natural ingredients in their products, avoiding any synthetic perfumes, dyes or preservatives.

~ About Ratanhia toothpaste ~

Ratanhia is the main active ingredient in the toothpaste, which is used to naturally strengthen gums. The toothpaste is rather unusual as it is pinkie/red in colour and also because of the absence of Sodium Laureth Sulphate it does not foam up like most other toothpastes do. However, it has a lovely fresh almost minty flavour which leaves your mouth feeling clean. It is also a smooth toothpaste without grainy particles, which I believe is better for the teeth, especially if you suffer from enamel erosion, as I think it lessens the possibility of the enamel being weakened further during brushing.

Therefore as long as you do not mind having a more liquidy toothpaste, as opposed to foamy, and keeping natural and healthy is a priority for you, then I would highly recommend this toothpaste to you as one of the best.