Would you be surprised to learn that as many as 1 in 10 people currently suffer from bad breath?
Yes, there are just a few things more socially awkward than having to keep a lid on your mouth (literally) all the time, for fear of being repulsive. Bad breath can actually interfere with your personal and professional relationships, as it is considered a real turn off in all parts of the world.
The good news, however, is that bad breath is not likely to represent a threatening medical condition, although it can in a few cases.
Clinically referred to as “halitosis,” there are effective natural remedies that can be employed to alleviate this problem, in whole or in part.
Commonly Used Natural Remedies Include:
Cinnamon
Is it a coincidence that many products sold for treating bad breath include cinnamon? Not at all, but rather because of its proven track record on the uncomfortable condition.
In fact, cinnamon is effective in treating bad breath via two methods:
- It is naturally a very pleasant smelling spice, which easily masks foul odors.
- Cinnamon is a natural anti-septic that inhibits bacterial multiplication in the mouth, allowing your breath to stay fresher, longer.
To make best use of cinnamon as a remedy for bad breath, boil one tablespoon of the powdered spice in a cup of water, allow to cool then store for use as a mouth rinse, twice daily.
Clove
Cloves possess a very distinct aroma, and have been used successfully for centuries in the treatment of bad breath. Like cinnamon, clove has natural anti-bacterial properties that inhibit the growth of odor producing bacteria in the mouth.
There are actually two ways that clove may be employed in your quest for fresher breath:
- Chewing- chewing a few pieces of clove is likely the faster (though not necessarily the more comfortable) method for improving breath. Within a few minutes, noticeable elimination of foul odors should have occurred
- Rinsing/ Drinking- by adding a teaspoon of ground clove into a cup of boiling water, you can make an effective tea or mouthwash for later use. For best results, drink or gargle with the liquid twice daily.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a relatively unheard of herb, whose parts can be used for a variety of purposes, including its ability to treat bad breath of a particular origin – mucus or catarrh. Specifically, infected green catarrh typically associated with nasal discharge when ill (that frequently drips down into the back of the throat). This discharge is particularly offensive, and is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria.
Fenugreek helps to effectively thin catarrh secretions, and prevent bacterial overgrowth in the mouth and throat.
For this particular use, one teaspoon of ground seeds need to be boiled in a cup of water, then strained to retain the solution. Drinking just once cup a day is usually enough to improve discomfort and odor you may experience.
Eucalyptus Oil
A mainstay of many oral health products, eucalyptus threw its hat into the ring of breath enhancement a long time ago. Eucalyptus has the unique ability of reducing Sulphur metabolizing bacteria in the mouth, and prevents them from coating on the tongue leading to that infamous “white streak.” One study found that over the course of 4-12 weeks, bad breath was reduced significantly in the group using eucalyptus as opposed to the group not using it.
For best results, and convenience, a mouthwash made of a few drops eucalyptus oil in water is effective when used twice daily. Additional aromatic oils, such as peppermint and liquid menthol can be added to the mix to make a potent matrix of breath enhancers.
Conclusion
There are many more natural remedies that can be used to treat a case of bad breath, from bloodroot, myrrh, sage to even just plain water. While they all accomplish the goal of reducing bad breath, they primarily do so by masking the root cause.
Other variables, such as your diet, presence of any health conditions or overall oral hygiene all play a role in determining your best route of action.
If you suffer from severe and chronic bad breath, a visit to your dentist is a good idea as there may be dental problems like gum disease that contribute to you bad breath.