Bad Breath Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Bad breath is an unpleasant and often embarrassing oral health issue characterized by a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth.
Herbal remedies offer a natural and effective approach to treating bad breath, leveraging the antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of various herbs to combat the underlying causes.
Certain herbs such as peppermint, parsley, and basil are commonly used to freshen breath due to their minty flavor and aroma, while others like neem, sage, and thyme exhibit antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and fungi responsible for bad breath.
Herbal preparations like mouthwashes, toothpastes, and chewing sticks infused with herbs like turmeric, ginger, and eucalyptus have also been found to be effective in reducing bad breath due to their anti-inflammatory and deodorizing properties.
What causes bad breath?
The primary causes of bad breath are poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as they lead to the buildup of bacteria and volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth.
Secondary causes can include consuming pungent foods like garlic and onions, as well as smoking and drinking coffee, as they release strong-smelling compounds that contribute to bad breath.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing bad breath include a diet high in processed foods, a lack of regular exercise, and inadequate sleep, as they can lead to poor digestion, inflammation, and dehydration, creating an environment conducive to bad breath.
Additionally, a diet lacking essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron can also contribute to bad breath, as deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to changes in oral flora and gum health.
What herbs heal bad breath?
The medicinal herbs used to treat bad breath are aloe vera, peppermint, and neem, which have been traditionally used to alleviate halitosis.
Aloe vera's therapeutic action is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help reduce gum inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
Peppermint's bioactive compounds, such as menthol and menthone, have a deodorizing effect, while neem's bioactive compounds, including azadirachtin and nimbin, have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.
By incorporating these herbs into one's diet or using them as mouthwashes, individuals can effectively combat bad breath and maintain good oral health.
What preparations treat bad breath?
The herbal preparations used to treat bad breath are diverse and offer a natural alternative to conventional remedies.
Infusions of various medicinal plants can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and alleviate symptoms, while teas made from roots and leaves can help to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.
Mouthwashes and gargles can be prepared from the extracts of certain plants, which help to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms and soothe the mucous membranes.
Additionally, some herbal preparations can be used as chewing sticks or mouth fresheners to leave a pleasant taste and help to combat bad breath.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat bad breath.