Want to combat bad breath without all the added chemicals? This Herbal Mouthwash Recipe is a super easy DIY that you can make at home with all natural ingredients, leaving all the nasty stuff behind.
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What’s wrong with commercial mouthwashes?
When you pick up a bottle of store-bought mouthwash, you will find some pretty harmful chemicals.
Flouride being a huge one, touted for preventing tooth decay, is actually a neurotoxin and can cause a ton of health issues you may not even think are linked to your oral hygiene regimen.
Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are also common villains in oral care products. These both kill off beneficial bacterial in your oral microbiome.
Don’t forget all those coloring agents; why does it need to be bright blue or green? Those artificial colors are linked to all sorts of side effects and cancer risks, containing chemicals like proplyparaben- which poses a risk for developmental and reproductive toxicity. The list goes on.
Let’s Scrap The Chemicals For Good!
There is a better way. With a homemade herbal mouthwash recipe, you’re in charge of the ingredients and can incorporate a variety of medicinal herbs that support your specific oral needs.
Instead of just killing everything in your mouth, with a burning flavor bomb, you can learn which herbs have natural antimicrobial properties and soothing qualities.
These herbs can slow bacterial growth, calm irritated gums, and freshen the breath without harming your body.
What you will need:
- Saucepan
- 3 tsp. dried herbs of your choice (read below for some suggestions!)
- 1 cup filtered water
- Fine Mesh Strainer or piece of cheesecloth
- Bowl
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 cup Aloe Vera Juice
- 1/2 tsp xylitol (optional)
- Spoon
- Glass Bottle
How to Make Homemade Herbal Mouthwash:
- In a small saucepan, combine the herbs of your choice and water over medium-low heat. Cover and bring to a simmer.
- Remove the herbal concoction from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 minutes to infuse.
- Strain the herbs, using a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl, from the water leaving behind an herbal tea.
- To the bowl of tea, add the salt, baking soda, aloe vera juice, and xylitol (if using), and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a bottle and store it for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer.
- Use after brushing and flossing, shaking before each use. Swish 1 tablespoon in your mouth for 20-30 seconds, and then gargle to help disinfect your throat. Spit and rinse your mouth.
Herbs for Happy Mouths:
- Sage: antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties that support oral health: proven to be as effective as an anti-inflammatory product for mouth ulcers and gum inflammation.
- Peppermint: volatile oils that help slow bacterial growth and fungus in the mouth, including staphylococcus and candida. Especially great if you just love that minty flavor.
- Calendula: high antimicrobial, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties; proven to reduce dental plaque, bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
- Rose Petals: astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties; increases resiliency and elasticity of gum tissue; analgesic properties that soothe the gums and throat.
- White Oak Bark: antiseptic and antibacterial qualities; helps ease swollen gums and oral sores and cuts, including gingivitis.
- Aloe Vera: antibacterial and anti fungal properties, making it a potent antiseptic in difficult to reach spots; reduces bleeding and inflammation of the gums; promotes healing after extractions.
- Xylitol: a natural sweetener that doesn’t cause cavities; may have beneficial effects for the oral microbiome.
Herbal Resources:
We love mountain rose herbs for high quality organic dried herbs. Many of these suggested herbs can very easily be grown at home no matter what the size in pots on your porch if you don’t have access to any growing space.
Customize for your needs:
Having fresh breath does not have to be limited to conventional mouthwashes. Above are just a few suggestions of herbs you could use to help you on your path of good oral hygiene.
You could add other herbs like clove oil, or tea tree oil (I would avoid for pregnant women and children) all depending on your specific needs and preferences.
This homemade mouthwash recipe is a great alternative and can be adapted over and over again for each individual in your household. You are completely in charge!
You’ve got this:
Ditch those harsh chemicals once and for all, and start making your own herbal mouthwash today! You can take your dental health into your own hands, as well as many other of your personal care products. This recipe is a great addition your oral hygiene routine, and extremely easy to do.
Please share all of your wonderful recipes of your own homemade mouthwash in the comments. We love hearing of all the fun combinations you all come up with!
Herbal Mouthwash Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Bowl
- Glass Bottle
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
Materials
- 3 tsp dried herbs of your choice peppermint, sage, rose petals, calendula, white oak bark
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup aloe vera juice
- 1/2 tsp xylitol (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the herbs of your choice and water over medium-low heat. Cover and bring to a simmer.
- Remove the herbal concoction from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 minutes to infuse.
- Strain the herbs, using a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl, from the water leaving behind an herbal tea.
- To the bowl of tea, add the salt, baking soda, aloe vera juice, and xylitol (if using), and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a bottle and store it for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer.
- Use after brushing and flossing, shaking before each use. Swish 1 tablespoon in your mouth for 20-30 seconds, and then gargle to help disinfect your throat. Spit and rinse your mouth.
