Natural herbal mouthwashs
Making your own non-chemical, non-toxic breath freshener
It can be pleasant and refreshing to use a nice tasting mouthwash after brushing one's teeth, particularly if the substance one has used in lieu of toothpaste didn't have a particularly pleasant taste, such as pure salt or baking soda.
All manner of herbs can be used and either prepared at home in an alcoholic solution (tincture) or bought ready-made at the pharmacy and mixed to personal taste.
When buying herbs or herbal extracts such as tinctures, enquire about their origin and try to get organic or wild-crafted quality to avoid pollution with pesticides, herbicides and other toxic agents.
For many suggestions for therapeutic/medicinal herbs and other natural remedies addressing specific gum problems such as gum infections, bleeding gums, gum pockets, periodontitis etc., compare the extensive listing featured at Herbal, plant-based and other natural gum home remedies and therapeutic mouthwashs.
Various suggestions for herbal mouthwashs
Where no specific suggestions are listed, simply prepare as tea or follow the herbalist's instructions for preparation. Mix and match as desired.
Mint
An old beloved standby which helps to freshen breath and increase circulation.
Clove mouthwash
Boil several cloves (sliced or bruised) in water for sixty minutes in a covered pot. Strain after cooling and use. Compare Cloves for toothache.
Sage
Sage apparently has a stimulating, toning, astringent and antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) effect on gums and mucous membranes. More on sage for gums
Camomile
Camomile soothes and stimulates tissue formation.
Myrrh and golden seal mouthwash
Infuse in hot water as a mouthwash. More on myrrh
Rosemary-mint-anise-myrrh mouthwash
Boil water, take off the heat and add one part rosemary leaves, one part fresh mint leaves, one part anise seeds, one part tincture of myrrh. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. Strain after cooling.
More herbs for mouthwashs
Lavender, thyme, and other old standbys.
Sample medicinal herbal mouthwash recipe:
anti-inflammatory, gum tissue toner, increases blood flow, enhances oral flora
10 ml tincture of ratanhia (or tormentil)
10 ml tincture of salvia (sage)
10 ml tincture of arnica
10 ml tincture of propolis
Ask your pharmacist (chemist/druggist) to mix all of the above for you or DIY. Suggested use: 10 drops in water as mouthwash after brushing your teeth.