10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Bad Breath
Herbal essential oils are natural aromatics that can help combat bad breath by neutralizing odors and promoting oral hygiene.
Oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and clove are commonly used due to their antimicrobial and freshening properties. These oils can be diluted and applied directly to the mouth or used in diffusers to create a pleasant environment. Regular use of essential oils may help reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath.
However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using them, especially for those with sensitive mouths or existing health conditions.
Table of Contents
1. Mentha piperita
Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are effective in combating bad breath.
The essential oil of peppermint contains high concentrations of menthol, which has a cooling effect and helps to freshen the mouth by masking unpleasant odors. Its strong, fresh scent is known to neutralize oral bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Peppermint essential oil can be used in mouthwashes, gum care products, or even diluted and applied topically for a refreshing effect.
Due to its natural antibacterial properties, it is a safe and effective alternative to synthetic oral care products for maintaining fresh breath.
2. Origanum vulgare
Origanum vulgare, commonly known as oregano, is a herb widely used in aromatherapy for its potent essential oils that can help combat bad breath.
The essential oil of oregano contains high levels of carvacrol and thymol, which are natural antimicrobial agents that effectively reduce oral bacteria responsible for halitosis. These compounds work by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microorganisms in the mouth, making oregano oil a valuable natural remedy for freshening breath. When used in oral hygiene routines, such as mouth rinses or diluted topical applications, oregano essential oil can provide a long-lasting effect against bad breath.
However, it is important to use the oil in properly diluted form to avoid irritation, as it is highly concentrated and can be too strong for direct use.
3. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a popular herb whose essential oil is widely used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
The essential oil of rosemary contains compounds like cineole and camphor, which are known for their antimicrobial and deodorizing effects. These properties make rosemary essential oil a natural remedy for combating bad breath by reducing the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. When used in oral care products or diffused in the air, rosemary essential oil can help freshen breath and promote a cleaner oral environment.
Its refreshing scent also makes it a pleasant addition to daily hygiene routines.
4. Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their aromatic and therapeutic properties.
The essential oils derived from black pepper, particularly from its dried fruit, possess antimicrobial properties that can help combat bacteria responsible for bad breath. These oils are known to stimulate saliva production, which naturally helps in neutralizing oral odors and maintaining fresh breath. Due to their strong and spicy aroma, they are often used in oral care products and natural remedies for freshening the breath.
However, it is important to use these oils in moderation, as they can be potent and may irritate the mucous membranes if not diluted properly.
5. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a herb widely used in traditional medicine for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.
The essential oil extracted from fennel seeds contains compounds like anethole, which have natural antimicrobial properties that can help combat oral bacteria responsible for bad breath. This essential oil is often used in oral care products due to its ability to freshen breath and promote a clean oral environment. When used in moderation, fennel essential oil can be a safe and effective natural remedy for temporary relief from halitosis.
However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use to avoid irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are widely recognized for their therapeutic properties.
The essential oil derived from lavender is known for its calming and antiseptic qualities, which can be beneficial in addressing issues like bad breath. When used in oral care products or as a natural mouth freshener, lavender essential oil helps neutralize unpleasant odors by reducing bacterial growth in the mouth. Its pleasant floral aroma also provides a long-lasting fresh scent, making it an effective alternative to conventional mouthwashes.
However, it is important to use lavender essential oil properly, as undiluted application can cause irritation, and it should be used under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional.
7. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties, making them beneficial for combating bad breath.
The primary active compounds in sage essential oils, such as thujone and camphor, help to neutralize oral bacteria that contribute to unpleasant odors. These oils can be used in mouthwashes or diffused in the air to freshen breath naturally. However, it is important to use sage essential oils with caution, as they can be potent and may cause irritation if not diluted properly.
Overall, sage essential oils offer a natural and effective alternative for maintaining fresh breath when used correctly.
8. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as Australian eucalyptus, is a popular source of herbal essential oils that has been traditionally used for its fresh, invigorating aroma and various therapeutic properties.
The essential oil derived from this plant contains compounds like eucalyptol, which have antimicrobial effects that can help reduce the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Due to its natural cleansing properties, eucalyptus globulus essential oil is often used in oral care products such as mouthwashes and toothpaste to combat halitosis. Its refreshing scent also provides a pleasant and long-lasting effect, making it an effective natural alternative for freshening breath.
When used properly, this essential oil can be a safe and beneficial addition to a holistic approach for managing bad breath.
9. Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, contains essential oils that are renowned for their aromatic and antimicrobial properties.
These oils, derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, have been traditionally used in various cultures for their ability to freshen breath and combat oral bacteria. The primary compounds in cinnamon essential oil, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, exhibit strong antibacterial effects that can help reduce the presence of odor-causing microbes in the mouth. When used in moderation, cinnamon essential oil can be a natural and effective remedy for temporary bad breath.
However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use, as undiluted essential oils can irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
10. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a popular herb used in aromatherapy and natural remedies, including for the treatment of bad breath.
The essential oil derived from thyme contains powerful antimicrobial properties that help combat the bacteria responsible for causing halitosis. When used in oral hygiene routines, thyme essential oil can freshen breath and reduce the buildup of odor-causing microbes in the mouth. However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use, as it is highly concentrated and can irritate the mucous membranes.
Overall, thyme essential oil offers a natural and effective alternative for managing bad breath when used safely and consistently.