Bad breath
Everyone has bad breath, or halitosis, at some point. With some people, it becomes a chronic problem. If you don't want to continually use commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes, there are natural alternatives that not only freshen your breath, but will help kill the bacteria that cause it.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of your bad breath, your symptoms may differ slightly. If it is caused by eating certain foods, like onions or garlic, your breath will smell like these foods. If it is caused by bacteria or other health issue, the breath can vary from mildly bad to downright foul. It is often a sign that something else is wrong. You may also experience a bad taste in your mouth.
Causes
Bad breath is caused by a number of things. It could be due to bacteria in the mouth, sinus or throat infections like tonsillitis, bowel sluggishness, stomach or intestinal problems, or the use of alcohol and tobacco. Dehydration may also contribute to the condition. Another cause can be dental problems like tooth abscesses and periodontal disease.
Bad breath can also be caused by the nose and nasopharynx, which is located right above the base of the tongue, or by stress. Serious medical problems like diabetes, ulcers, acid reflux, hypoglycemia, respiratory troubles or kidney or liver malfunction can also be the cause. Your breath can also be influenced by what you eat and how you eat. Dairy can cause your breath to smell if you have lactose intolerance.
Cautions
If the condition persists, see your doctor or dentist. It may be sign of a more serious health issue that needs to be addressed.
Herbal Treatments
As well as taking the herbal remedies below, which can help with the problem, you may also want to look at treating the cause, such as gum infection/disease - gingivitis, poor digestion - gastritis, indigestion. As always, see your health professional about these problems.
Internal Applications
- Alfalfa – taking alfalfa tablets can help to eliminate halitosis.
- Anise – chewing anise, fennel, cardamom or dill seeds can help mask odor. Anise, which tastes like licorice, will kill the bacteria that cause your breath to smell. Use as a mouthwash before swallowing.
External Applications
- Cloves – this herb is a very strong antiseptic. Make clove tea by adding 3 whole cloves or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves into 2 cups of hot water. Allow this to steep for 20 minutes, stirring it once in awhile. Strain the mixture and use this liquid as a gargle or mouthwash twice a day.
- Fennel – you can chew the leaves and build up saliva in your mouth to get rid of smelly breath. Alternatively, mix the contents of a fennel capsule with baking soda and make a paste for brushing your teeth, gums and tongue. Fluid extract of fennel can also be rubbed onto your tongue and gums.
- Parsley – well-known for freshening the breath, parsley can be chewed quickly when you don't have time to go brush your teeth. Basil, rosemary, mint, thyme and wintergreen work this way as well.
- Lemon – take a wedge of lemon and sprinkle it with salt. Suck on the lemon wedge to get rid of garlic or onion breath.
- Cinnamon – keep cinnamon sticks on hand for freshening your breath. Suck on a cinnamon stick whenever you need to relieve breath smells.
- Sage – chew fresh sage leaves. Sage contains essential oils that are antibacterial and will get rid of bad breath.
- Myrrh – this antiseptic herb will kill bacteria causing bad breath. Add 5 to 10 drops of myrrh tincture in a glass of water and use as a mouthwash. If you add the tincture to mint or rosemary tea, it will not only kill the bacteria, but the tea will make the myrrh taste better.