If you want your smile to light up a room, chances are that you are big on oral and dental care. But do you know, it is not only the toothpaste and toothbrush that does all the cleaning?
Research shows that mouthwashes are an added benefit to oral care. They are used to maintain fresh breath all day. But what if you go natural with them?
It’s no secret that natural products are preferred because of their low cost and high effectiveness. Thus, herbal mouthwashes are an alternative to traditional commercial products. They use natural botanicals like leaves and essential oils to freshen breath and promote gum health.
With herbal mouthwashes, you can have a cheap, DIY approach to oral hygiene that offers unique benefits beyond mere minty freshness. If you are ready to see more, this article will explore how to DIY herbal mouthwashes.
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The Importance of Oral Health
Oral health is not limited to the best smile and white teeth — it’s about maintaining healthy gums, avoiding odor, preventing tooth decay, and overall general oral well-being. Herbal mouthwashes support your mouth in ways chemical-filled alternatives might not.
Even more so, it does not have the side effects that are attached to many chemical-filled mouthwashes. And if your rationale for generic products is a minty-fresh feeling after use, you can get that and even more with herbal mouthwash.
Common Herbal Ingredients for DIY Mouthwash Recipes
Peppermint
If you’re looking to make your own mouthwash, peppermint is a go-to ingredient due to its fresh and invigorating scent and taste. Peppermint is known for its antibacterial properties, which can help fight off bad breath and keep your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. Plus, peppermint has a natural cooling effect that leaves your mouth feeling tingly and revitalized.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular herbal ingredient often used in DIY mouthwash recipes due to its powerful antibacterial properties. When added to a homemade mouthwash, tea tree oil can help reduce plaque buildup, prevent gingivitis, and soothe gum irritation.
Its natural disinfectant properties also make it a great choice for those looking for a more holistic approach to oral hygiene. Just be sure to dilute the oil properly before using it, as it can be quite strong if applied directly to the skin or mouth.
Clove
Clove is another good ingredient commonly used in DIY mouthwash recipes. Clove contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent bad breath.
It also has analgesic properties, making it great for soothing toothaches and gum pain. Additionally, clove is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the gums.
DIY Herbal Mouthwash Recipes for Fresh Breath
Peppermint and Green Tea Mouthwash
This homemade peppermint and green tea mouthwash can help freshen your breath and promote oral hygiene. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions to suit your preferences.
- One cup of brewed green tea (cooled)
- One teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves or a few drops of peppermint essential oil
- One teaspoon of baking soda
- One teaspoon of honey
- One teaspoon of witch hazel
Instructions:
- Brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the green tea into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Add the dried peppermint leaves or peppermint essential oil to the green tea.
- If desired, add the baking soda, honey, and witch hazel to the mixture.
- Close the jar or bottle tightly and shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Cinnamon and Clove Mouthwash
This homemade cinnamon and clove mouthwash will not only freshen your breath but also provide antibacterial benefits for your oral health. Here’s a recipe for a DIY cinnamon and clove mouthwash:
Ingredients:
- One cup of water
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a few cinnamon sticks
- One teaspoon of whole cloves or clove essential oil
- One teaspoon of baking soda
- One teaspoon of honey
- One teaspoon of witch hazel
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Add the ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the boiling water.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture to remove the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves if using.
- Pour the infused cinnamon and clove water into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- If desired, add the baking soda, honey, and witch hazel to the mixture.
- Close the jar or bottle tightly and shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Store the mouthwash in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Sage and Chamomile Mouthwash
For a calming and antiseptic mouthwash, brew a strong sage and chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a rinse to support healthy gums and fresh breath.
Ingredients:
- One cup of water
- One tablespoon of dried sage leaves
- One tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers
- One teaspoon of baking soda
- One teaspoon of honey
- One teaspoon of witch hazel
Instructions:
- In a small pan, bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Add the dried sage leaves and chamomile flowers to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture to remove the sage leaves and chamomile flowers.
- Pour the infused sage and chamomile tea into a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Close the jar or bottle tightly and shake well.
Final Thoughts
Using herbal mouthwashes can be a fun way to boost your oral hygiene routine. Experiment with different recipes to find what works best for you, but always remember that consistency and proper oral care habits are the real keys to a healthy smile. So go ahead, swish away, and let your fresh breath and happy gums do the talking.
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