7 Refreshing Ways To Freshen Your Breath With Herbs

7 Refreshing Ways To Freshen Your Breath With Herbs

We all know that feeling.

You’ve just devoured a spicy or garlicky meal and now your breath tells the tale.

Or your mouth feels dry and tastes bitter.

Or you’re poised to plant a kiss, check your breath and think better of it.

Your friend offers you a sugary breath mint or a swig from her mini bottle of

Listerine.

But harsh, chemical-filled, antiseptic breath fresheners just aren’t your thing?

So, what’s a naturalista to do?

For most of us, bad breath is a temporary – although inconvenient – problem.

Provided that your bad breath is not caused by digestive disorders, periodontal disease,

or other medical problems, using herbs and natural means to freshen your breath are

effective and safe.

Here are a few ideas for herbal breath fresheners.

Eucalyptus is just one of the herbs you can use to freshen your breath.

#1. Eucalyptus

A derivative of this familiar plant, eucalyptol, is actually used in commercial mouthwashes.

It also contains cineole.

Crush 1-2 ounce of the leaves and add them to a cup of vodka; steep for several days and strain

out the leaves, or just leave the leaves in.

Use as a mouthwash as needed to fight bad breath.

If you can’t find eucalyptus leaves, the same method works using other herbs, such as any

combination of spearmint, rosemary, ginger, lavender, peppermint, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg,

or fennel.

#2. Parsley

There is a reason why parsley is served as a garnish on restaurant dinner plates.

Chewed after a meal, parsley freshens breath.

It contains a great deal of chlorophyll, which accounts for its breath-freshening capabilities.

#3. Cardamom

This is an herb – or, more correctly, a spice – that contains cineole, which acts as an antiseptic.

Chew a few seeds to make your breath smell spicy and clean your mouth.

#4. Fresh mint

Growing mint in pots is quite easy, and nipping off a few leaves and chewing them helps

to make your breath fresh.

#5. Anise

If you like licorice, give anise a try.

It is an ancient remedy for bad breath.

You could also chew on the seeds, or make a decoction by simmering 3 teaspoons

of anise seeds in a cup of water for 3-5 minutes.

Cool, strain, and use as a mouthwash.

#6. Cloves

Chewing a few cloves will give your breath a spicy scent.

Clove is also antibacterial, and clove oil is a traditional remedy for toothache.

#7. Dill

Another chlorophyll-rich herb, drinking dill tea or chewing on a few dill seeds after

a meal freshens breath.

Of course, these are just some of the many natural and herbal remedies you can use

freshen your breath.

Whichever remedy you choose, your breath will thank you!

What natural, herbal breath-freshening remedies have you used?

Share your suggestions and experiences with us.

 “Shared at the MMM Link Party”

“Shared at the Holistic Home Linky Party”