How to Use Herbs to Treat Bad Breath

There are many bad breath remedies available in the store but believe it or not, your everyday household herbs can be a resource to banish bad breath odors. There are a variety of ways you can use the herbs, from chewing on the leaves, boiling them into a drink, or using them as a mouth rinse. Using herbs to get rid of your bad breath could be just the remedy you've been looking for.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Treating Your Bad Breath with Herbs

1
Use peppermint. Peppermint oils can provide the mouth with a fresh and clean feeling. You can either chew on a mint or use the oils to make a tea. To make a tea mixture from fresh or dried peppermint:
- Add a heaped teaspoon of the dried or fresh peppermint to a cup of boiling water. Allow it to steep for a few minutes. Strain and drink.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you don't like it unsweetened, add a little lemon to improve the taste. However, many people love the refreshing taste of peppermint on its own, so try it first to see if you will enjoy the taste.
By using a small teaspoon of myrrh and mixing it with two cups of boiling water, the drink could help you alleviate the effects of bad breath. To see great results, try taking 5-6 teaspoons a day.^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Use clover. Clover leaves contain helpful oils that aid you in the fight against bad breath. They have anti-microbial effects and antiseptic properties, which help to decrease foul odors in the mouth. You can chew on a few pieces or try boiling the leaves and drinking it as a tea.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Boil two cups of water and add 4 leaves of clover, let this seep for 20 minutes, strain tea and drink.
- This could also be used as a mouth rinse that can be used a couple times a day.^{[4]XResearch source}
4
Try parsley. Chewing on a piece of parsley can help freshen your breath. Oftentimes found on your plate with your meal, try chewing on it after you’ve finished eating. Parsley has high levels of chlorophyll found in it, which is a compound known to have anti-bacterial properties, which help fight bacteria that contributes to bad breath.^{[5]XResearch source} Try this quick process to get rid of bad breath:
- Dip a handful of fresh parsley leaves in vinegar and then chew them thoroughly for a minute or two. You can repeat this as often as necessary to freshen your breath.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using Alternative Methods to Treat Bad Breath

1
Brush your teeth with baking soda. Baking soda has the ability to balance the pH levels in your mouth, which makes it hard for bacteria to fester and grow in your mouth. It can also remove strains on your teeth. While it’s a powerful tool to alleviate the effects of bad breath, use sparingly as it can cause corrosion of your teeth.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can brush your teeth with baking soda after you first brush using your normal toothpaste. You can also try using toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient so you won’t have to deal with the direct harsh effects of the baking soda.
- You can also use it as a mouth rinse by dissolving it in a glass of warm water and gargling. Try using it several times a day.^{[8]XResearch source}
2
Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has acidic and antiseptic properties which break down plaque and can fight the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Stir a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink before each meal. Alternatively, you could drink a diluted tablespoon of diluted vinegar after each meal.
- To use as a rinse, stir a teaspoon of the vinegar in cup of warm water and gargle.^{[10]XResearch source}
3
Use lemons. Lemons and other citrus fruits contain high acidic and citrus properties which stimulate your saliva and aids in the prevention of bacteria growth on your tongue and gums.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a cup of water with a pinch of salt. Use as a gargle before bed.^{[12]XResearch source}
4
Chew on cinnamon. Cinnamon sticks can release essential oils that kill bacteria that cause bad breath odors. It also has a good taste!^{[13]XResearch source}
- To use cinnamon as a rinse, add a teaspoon of it to a cup of water and boil for five to ten minutes. Strain the solution and rinse your mouth. Repeat twice a day.^{[14]XResearch source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Improving Bad Breath by Developing Good Habits

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Develop a good hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day could improve your symptoms of having bad breath. You should aim to brush your teeth in the morning once you get up, right before bed, and after each meal if you can.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Going to the dentist regularly can help keep you on a good dental hygiene routine.
- Scraping your tongue with a tongue scraper can help remove any leftover bacteria that may not be picked up from the toothbrush.^{[16]XResearch source}
2
Eat a better diet. A poor diet can contribute to having bad breath. Avoiding fried foods, foods high in trans fat, sugar, sticky foods, soda, and foods that give off strong odors can improve your overall bad breath.^{[17]XResearch source} Implementing a healthy diet that includes eating foods high in fiber, citrus fruits and vegetables, and foods high in probiotics are types of food that could help combat your bad breath.
- Onions and garlic are foods that give off the strongest odor. Eat them in moderation and try to brush your teeth or chew gum after a meal with them.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day prevents your mouth from becoming dry, which is a one of the causes of poor hygiene. Try drinking at least eight ounces a day.^{[18]XResearch source}
Excessive alcohol and smoking leads to not only serious health illnesses, it can also contribute to bad breath. These activities lead to an increased risk of gum disease which is another cause of bad breath.^{[19]XResearch source}
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Question
What are natural remedies for bad breath?
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Expert Answer
You can treat bad breath with natural methods, like chewing herbs. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is unpleasant but can be treated naturally. Chew different herbs like cardamom, mint, basil, licorice, cinnamon, or fennel seeds and see which one works best.
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Tips

Don’t be afraid to try a couple of the remedies to see which one you like or will be the most effective for you.
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Warnings

If you are allergic to any of the herbs mentioned, don’t use that herb.
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If you are unsure whether any of the suggested remedies will have a negative reaction while using medication, consult with your physician before you try the remedy.
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