Bad Breath: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth.

It is often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and consumption of certain foods or drinks. If left unaddressed, bad breath can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and even affect one's mental health. Fortunately, various herbal remedies can provide relief, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and sage, which can be consumed as teas or used in mouthwashes.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs and to follow proper preparation and dosing guidelines to avoid adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bad breath, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bad breath?

The main causes of bad breath are primarily related to oral health, with poor dental hygiene being a significant contributor.

Bacteria in the mouth, particularly on the tongue and between teeth, break down food particles and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) as a byproduct, resulting in bad breath. Additionally, gum disease, periodontitis, and tooth decay can also cause bad breath due to the presence of bacteria and inflammation in the mouth. Other factors such as dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia, can also contribute to bad breath due to the lack of saliva, which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria.

Furthermore, medical conditions such as diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and respiratory tract infections can also cause bad breath.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath due to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the mouth, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common cause of bad breath due to the reduced saliva production, which can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the mouth.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of bad breath due to the inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use is a common cause of bad breath due to the chemicals and tar present in tobacco smoke, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a less common cause of bad breath due to the high glucose levels in the saliva, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and the production of volatile sulfur compounds.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a less common cause of bad breath due to the regurgitation of stomach acid into the mouth, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease is a less common cause of bad breath due to the buildup of waste products in the body, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Liver Disease: Liver disease is a less common cause of bad breath due to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can lead to the production of volatile sulfur compounds and other odorous compounds.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and decongestants, can be a less common cause of bad breath due to their side effects, such as dry mouth or changes in saliva composition.
• Diet: A diet high in sulfur-containing foods, such as garlic and onions, can be a less common cause of bad breath due to the production of volatile sulfur compounds.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bad breath?

The main medicinal herbs used for bad breath are Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha x piperita, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum, Cymbopogon citratus, Salvia officinalis, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Coriandrum sativum, Melaleuca alternifolia.

Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol which has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Mentha x piperita or peppermint oil has a refreshing effect and its menthol component reduces bacteria growth. Zingiber officinale or ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce gum inflammation associated with bad breath.

Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum or Coriandrum sativum have antimicrobial properties that reduce bacteria growth and Cymbopogon citratus, Syzygium aromaticum, Salvia officinalis, and Melaleuca alternifolia also have antimicrobial properties that reduce bacteria growth and help reduce bad breath.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with bad breath due to its eucalyptol content, which has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with bad breath due to its menthol content, which has antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with bad breath due to its gingerols and shogaols content, which have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, thereby reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum helps with bad breath due to its cinnamaldehyde content, which has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus helps with bad breath due to its limonene content, which has antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with bad breath due to its carnosic acid content, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum helps with bad breath due to its eugenol content, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Cinnamomum zeylanicum helps with bad breath due to its cinnamaldehyde content, which has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Coriandrum sativum: Coriandrum sativum helps with bad breath due to its linalool content, which has antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with bad breath due to its cineole content, which has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bad breath?

The main herbal preparations used for bad breath are Decoction, Lozenges, Tincture, Capsules, Tea, Gargle, Salve, Oil Pulling, Powder, Mouthwash.

Decoction of herbs like peppermint, eucalyptus, and sage helps reduce bacteria causing bad breath by creating an antibacterial environment. Lozenges and Capsules containing herbs like neem, clove, and licorice root help combat oral infections and inflammation, while Tea made from herbs like green tea, chamomile, and fennel aids in reducing bacteria and inflammation. Gargling with Salve or Oil Pulling with coconut oil and herbs like turmeric and cumin helps kill bacteria and reduce plaque, while Powder made from herbs like activated charcoal helps absorb and neutralize bacteria.

Mouthwash containing herbs like thyme, oregano, and tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help kill bacteria causing bad breath.

• Decoction: Decoction of plants such as Zingiber officinale helps with bad breath by releasing its bioactive compounds into the water, which are then absorbed and reduce bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Lozenges: Lozenges containing herbs like Echinacea purpurea help with bad breath by providing antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Tincture: Tincture of herbs like Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with bad breath by releasing its essential oils into the mouth, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.
• Capsules: Capsules containing herbs like Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) help with bad breath by releasing its antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Tea: Tea made from herbs like Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) helps with bad breath by releasing its antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, as well as by stimulating saliva production that helps to neutralize acid and wash away bacteria.
• Gargle: Gargling with a solution made from herbs like Salt (Sodium chloride) helps with bad breath by reducing bacteria in the mouth and loosening mucus that can cause bad breath.
• Salve: Salve made from herbs like Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) helps with bad breath by releasing its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.
• Oil Pulling: Oil pulling with herbs like Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum) helps with bad breath by reducing bacteria and inflammation in the mouth, as well as by stimulating saliva production that helps to neutralize acid and wash away bacteria.
• Powder: Powder made from herbs like Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with bad breath by releasing its antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Mouthwash: Mouthwash made from herbs like Chlorhexidine helps with bad breath by releasing its antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth.