Halitosis or bad breath can create an unpleasant feeling in your mouth and for others around you. Years before mouthwash was available, people used natural herbs for dental care and eradicating dental odors. Many herbs have the same antiseptic qualities as toothpaste for fighting against bacteria, the culprit of bad breath.
Neem
Neem is an evergreen tree part of the mahogany species found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Neem is known for its Ayurvedic properties due to its natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Chewing on Neem leaves or taking Neem supplements will fight against bacteria in the mouth, providing odor relief.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment that helps plants absorb sunlight for energy. Chlorophyll also absorbs odors, so consuming chlorophyll tablets or herbs containing high levels of chlorophyll are good sources for combating bad breath. High chlorophyll containing herbs include parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme and celery. Chew the parsley sprigs for fresh breath and swallow the leaves for continued breath freshness upon digestion.
Mint
Mint is the common ingredient found in toothpaste, which popularizes the notion of having "minty fresh breath." Chewing mint leaves is a great source for immediate results and are particularly effective when fighting garlic and onion odors.
Cloves
Cloves are a common spice native to India and Indonesia. Cloves are the dried flower buds of a certain type of evergreen tree. Cloves can be chewed directly or boiled in water to use as a mouthwash. To make a mouthwash, place three whole cloves in two cups of water, and let boil. Strain the water and use as a mouthwash.
Sage
Sage leaves can be chewed slowly to fight bad breath. Another option is to boil water with one tablespoon of chopped sage. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Drink tea slowly for best results.
Herbal Oils
Peppermint and wintergreen oils are equally effective and can be mixed in distilled water to be used as a mouthwash. A drop or two of the oil can also be mixed in teas, which when exhaling emit a minty sweet breath. Tea tree oil is long known for its antiseptic, antibacterial compounds that make it an effective antiseptic. Adding tea tree oil to your toothpaste or toothbrush will make brushing more powerful as it fights against odor causing bacteria. The tea tree oil itself has a strong aromatic scent that will mask bad breath.
Tags: against bacteria, evergreen tree, fresh breath, water mouthwash