Although many people are fine with the average commercial mouthwash, some prefer a natural mouthwash recipe that doesn't contain ingredients such as alcohol, fluoride, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sugar or artificial sweeteners. Mainstream dentistry considers those ingredients safe, but some people interested in a more natural approach often prefer to avoid them. One option is to use essential oils that help to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, and their benefits in oral care abound:
According to the IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy, a composition of olive oil extract, black walnut green hulls, clove leaf, thyme herb, grapefruit seed extract, chamomile flower, green tea leaf, Oregano leaf, peppermint oil, Aloe vera, Calendula flower, Echinacea purpura, gotu kola extract, Cinnamon bark, Eucalyptus leaf, Lavender oil, etc was effective in preventing and treating oral diseases and maintaining good oral health. This composition provided a permanent solution for oral disorders like gingivitis, periodontal disease, stomatitis and halitosis. Build-up of tartar on teeth is prevented and it suppresses oral and throat cancer.
Natural Recipe
Consider gargling this recipe a couple of times a day:
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons echinacea tincture
- 3-4 drops myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Blend the ingredients in a dark container, and store in a cool, dark place. When it's ready for use, close your mixture and shake it well. Swish it in your mouth for up to a minute. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with water.
Both essential oils in this recipe have research that backs up their antimicrobial activity. A research report published in the Drug Invention Today notes that tea tree oil possess potent antibacterial action.
Just the Essentials
Echinacea is an immune-stimulating herb that can help fight inflammation and infection; however, you can make natural mouthrinse with just water and essential oil. Add one to two drops of essential oil to a quarter cup of water, and gargle with it. Tea tree and myrrh are good choices, but if your main concern is fresh breath, you can use peppermint or spearmint essential oil.
Buying Essential Oils
While the Fragrance & Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) was set-up in the year 1991 by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, the quality of essential oils on the market yet varies greatly, so researching what you buy is a must.
As a start, look for essential oils in dark bottles (usually brown or blue) that protect the oils from the light. High-quality oils usually include both the Latin and the English name on the bottle and contain no additives. You should prefer a mouthwash that can kill 99 percent of germs on contact, reduce plaque and help prevent gingivitis.
