Natural herbal mouthwashes
Making your own toxin-free 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.
Notes:
If you are looking for specific self-made mouthwashes with therapeutic/medicinal herbs and other natural remedies addressing gum problems such as gum infections, bleeding gums, gum pockets, periodontitis etc., see the extensive listing featured at Herbal, plant-based and other natural gum home remedies and therapeutic mouthwashes.
And if you are looking for similar help with halitosis, see Bad breath: simple rinses, natural mouthwashes and home remedies against offensive mouth odors.
Various suggestions for herbal mouthwashes
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.[1]
Where in the following no specific suggestions are listed, simply prepare as tea or follow the herbalist's instructions for preparation. Mix and match as desired.
Mint (Mentha)
An old beloved standby which helps to freshen breath and increase circulation.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) 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 (Salvia officinalis)
Sage apparently has a stimulating, toning, astringent and antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) effect on gums and mucous membranes. More on sage for gums
Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Camomile soothes and stimulates tissue formation.
Myrrh (Commiphora) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) 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 mouthwashes
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.
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Footnotes
1 Compare Herbs in oral healing: Introduction, general advice & considerations.