Fighting bad breath with
herbal remedies
Bad breath or halitosis is a condition that affects millions of people
but the good news is that there are herbal remedies that can
effectively treat this problem.
Sometimes the cause of bad breath
is very simple, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or eating foods that
have strong odors such as onions, garlic or fish. Other
times,
halitosis can have a more serious, underlying cause such as bacteria
and plaque build-up in the mouth. Halitosis is usually a
result
of odor-causing bacteria that multiplies in your mouth.
When there is a decrease of saliva production in the mouth due to
dehydration or a strict diet, bad breath can be a side-effect.
There might also be a problem in your mouth that causes bad breath such
as an oral infection or gum disease (gingivitis). Conditions
that
affect other areas of your body can also lead to halitosis, the most
common of these being nasal or sinus problems, liver disease, digestive
problems and diabetes.
Symptoms
of bad
breath or halitosis:
- A permanent bad taste in
your mouth.
- Bleeding gums - this can be
gingivitis, a leading cause of bad
breath.
- People with bad breath can
be unaware of the problem, so check
for signs from other people - they might step back when you are
talking.
How can herbal supplements
help bad breath or halitosis?
In many ancient Asian societies people were required to chew cloves to
freshen their breath before they were allowed to have an audience with
the king.
Today, there are several herbal medicines and supplements available to
treat and prevent bad breath.
- Peppermint - place 1 or 2
drops of peppermint oil directly on
your tongue. Peppermint oil not only has a highly pleasant
aroma
but is also an
effective anti-bacterial agent. Drinking peppermint tea will also be
beneficial. Do not exceed the recommended dosages as large
amounts can cause digestive upsets.
- Chewing fennel seeds, anise
seeds or cloves can also help to
freshen your breath. Chew a pinch of fennel seeds
after
every meal.
- Parsley has been used for
centuries to freshen breath and this is
due to it containing chlorophyll that is a powerful breath freshener.
Chew on a fresh parsley sprig after every meal.
- Spirulina supplements are a
good source of chlorophyll and can be
taken daily as a nutritional supplement. Use a spirulina
supplement as recommended.
- Take a zinc supplement daily
to assist in healing mouth sores and
ulcers. The recommended dosage is 30 mg a day.
- Take a vitamin C supplement
to prevent bleeding gums. The
recommended dosage is 60 mg a day.
Further recommendations:
- Brush your teeth after every
meal if possible, otherwise rinse
your mouth with water. Floss at least once a day.
- Use your toothbrush or a
tongue scraper to gently clean your
tongue as bacteria can build up on the back of your tongue.
- Avoid smoking and excessive
alcohol use.
- If you suffer from chronic
sinus infections or a postnasal drip,
use a saltwater solution that you spray directly into the nostrils.
This helps to clean the sinus passages and remove any
bacteria.
- Go for a dental check-up
every 6 months.
- Sterilize your toothbrush by
placing it in a cup of boiling water
with a teaspoon of salt for a few seconds. Rinse the
toothbrush
well. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
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