Natural Bad Breath Remedies That Work
Herbs are an essential ingredient in a lot of common recipes. Their distinct flavors add a special touch to an otherwise unappetizing meal. But did you know that many of these same herbs can also be used to eliminate bad breath? It’s true, most ordinary cooking herbs are actually being used in many parts of the world as a natural alternative solution to the all too common problem of bad breath.
Eucalyptus: Australian aborigines, who chewed the roots for water in the dry outback, first used Eucalyptus. Inhalation of the vapor of eucalyptus oil aids in treating mucus-producing illnesses such as, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and emphysema. The major constituent in eucalyptus leaves is a volatile oil known as eucalyptol Eucalyptus oil is said to function in a fashion similar to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucus, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as nasal congestion.
However, this herb is best avoided internally as it can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You should not use the oil for infants under two years of age even for inhalation purposes because there is a danger or airway spasm leading to stoppage of breathing, a potentially fatal consequence. Then again the oil may increase bronchial spasms in asthmatics and shouldn’t be ingested by people with severe liver disease or any inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or kidney.
Thyme. This commonly used herb grows in many parts of the world but is very abundant in the cold climates of Europe and northern America. It contains several elements that can help reduce the symptoms of whooping cough such as spasms and mucus. Traditional European medicine makes use of the leaves and flowers of thyme as a common ingredient in many herbal drugs and supplements. Unlike eucalyptus which is extremely potent, the extracts of thyme have a very low toxin count, making them very safe to use even in infants.
Despite this, you should still take extra care when administering thyme-based medications to very young children. Excessive dosages of this alternative medication can lead to complications in breathing.
Myrrh: The reddish-brown resin of myrrh was used for preserving mummies in olden times. It found its place in the treatment of infectious diseases like leprosy and syphilis in ancient times. Herbalists and naturalist also suggest this herb as a remedy for bad breath and other dental problems. Resin, gum and volatile oil form the three main constituents of myrrh. These contribute to its efficacy. It is also known for its astringent properties and it has a calming effect on inflamed tissues which may be present in the mouth and throat. It is usually safe to use. .
Bloodroot: Native Americans employed bloodroot extensively in ritual and medicine. The dye was used as body paint. Sore throats, cough, rheumatic pains, and various types of cancer were all treated with bloodroot. Alkaloids-principally sanguinarine-constitute the primary active compounds in bloodroot. These are sometimes used in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products because they inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.
Because of its natural toxins, bloodroot can be dangerous if ingested in excessive doses.
Caraway. This herb is an annual plant native to Europe and Asia. Its seeds have been used as a common spice for hundreds of years. Lately, it has also been found to possess components that can relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders as well as improve the metabolism especially for children.
There are practically no side effects to consuming caraway in moderate amounts. However, the oil extracted from this herb must not be used on infants and children two years old and younger as this can cause some minor allergic reactions.
Peppermint. This is another common herb that is also used for medicinal purposes. Falling under the carminative category, peppermint is good for digestion because it helps to expel excess gas from the body.
Although relatively safe for most people, the oil derived from peppermint can be too potent for some individuals, causing minor gastrointestinal complications.
Sage. For centuries, this herb has been used in thousands of recipes all over the world. Medically, sage leaves have a record of being an effective cure for sprains, inflammation and external wounds. In addition, sage extract can be used as a mouthwash to help eliminate infection from oral bacteria, as well as to treat sore throats and mild cough.
Very high amounts of Sage (several times greater than one receives if taking sage as instructed), may lead to convulsions.