10 Best Herbal Creams For Bad Breath
Herbal creams for bad breath are topical applications that help alleviate halitosis by targeting the oral and nasal areas.
These creams typically contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and peppermint, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
For example, creams containing sage and myrrh have been shown to reduce bad breath and improve overall oral health, boosting confidence and social interactions for individuals who suffer from this condition.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for bad breath, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with bad breath because of its antibacterial properties.
The active compound, melaleuca oil, contains terpenes that inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and E. coli, which contribute to bad breath. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth, tea tree creams help to eliminate the source of bad breath, promoting fresher breath and a healthier oral environment.
Regular use can lead to improved oral health and confidence.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with bad breath.
- Cineole: Cineole has antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby alleviating bad breath.
- Terpinen-4-ol: Terpinen-4-ol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help soothe mouth sores and reduce bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Linalool: Linalool has antiseptic properties that help combat the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, thereby reducing bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: Essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia is commonly used in creams for bad breath due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: The leaves also contain compounds like cineole, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that help combat bad breath.
- Leaves: The leaves' essential oil can also help freshen breath by reducing bacteria growth in the mouth, contributing to its use in creams.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for bad breath.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia from a pesticide-free area to ensure quality.
- Steam distill the leaves at 100-150 degrees fahrenheit for 2-3 hours to extract essential oil.
- Combine 20 grams of the extracted essential oil with 80 grams of emulsifying wax in a double boiler.
- Mix 50 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of vitamin e oil into the mixture and heat until melted.
- Add 10 grams of distilled water to the mixture and stir until it reaches a consistent cream texture.
2. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The menthol present in peppermint has the ability to kill bacteria in the mouth, particularly in the gum crevices and between teeth, which are common sources of bad breath. Additionally, peppermint's cooling sensation can help stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize acid and wash away bacteria, further reducing bad breath.
Regular use of peppermint creams can promote a fresher, healthier mouth.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with bad breath.
- Terpenes: These volatile compounds have antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, contributing to bad breath.
- Phenolic compounds: These antioxidants have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce the proliferation of bacteria and inflammation in the mouth that can cause bad breath.
- Carboxylic acid: This compound has a numbing effect on the mucous membranes in the mouth, helping to reduce the sensation of bad breath and provide temporary relief.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: These are the primary part used due to their high content of menthol and menthone, which provide antibacterial properties to help combat bad breath.
- Stems: Stems of Mentha x piperita also contain menthol and menthone, which are used in creams for their deodorizing and antibacterial properties.
- Roots: Roots of the plant contain menthone and other compounds that contribute to their use in creams for bad breath, although they are less commonly used than leaves or stems.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for bad breath.
- Infuse 30g of dried m x piperita leaves and flowers in 500ml of carrier oil at 60°c for 2 hours.
- Strain the oil mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids after 30 minutes of pressing.
- Combine 10g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter in a double boiler and melt at 40°c for 10 minutes.
- Gradually add 50ml of the infused oil to the melted wax mixture and stir at 30°c for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and let it set at room temperature for 30 minutes before unmolding.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, creams helps with bad breath because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The active compounds in Echinacea, such as alkylamides and polysaccharides, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, which can help alleviate bad breath. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can help combat the bacteria that cause bad breath.
By reducing inflammation and killing bacteria, Echinacea purpurea creams can help promote a healthy oral environment and fresher breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea creams that help with bad breath.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, specifically echinacoside, have antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as echinacin, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the gums and mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help protect the mouth from damage and reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make creams for bad breath.
- Roots: They are rich in compounds that have antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bad breath-causing bacteria.
- Leaves: The leaves contain essential oils and compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and protect oral tissues.
- Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea contain flavonoids and other compounds that have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off bad breath-causing bacteria.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for bad breath.
- Harvest echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in the summer months when the plant is in full bloom 1 to 2 cups.
- Dry the echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in a low-temperature oven at 100°f for 2 to 3 hours.
- Infuse 1 cup of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in 4 cups of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil and mix it with 1 cup of beeswax and 1 cup of shea butter in a double boiler at 160°f for 30 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken before transferring it to a container and labeling it for use within 6 months.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, creams helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties.
The active compound thymol in thyme has been shown to effectively combat bacteria in the mouth, including those responsible for halitosis. Thyme creams can be applied to the tongue, gums, and teeth to reduce bacterial growth, thereby eliminating the source of bad breath. Additionally, thyme's deodorizing properties help to eliminate volatile sulfur compounds, which contribute to bad breath.
Regular use can lead to fresher breath and a healthier oral environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris creams that help with bad breath.
- Thymol: Thymol has antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol exhibits antimicrobial activity that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, leading to a reduction in the causes of bad breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in the mouth and prevent the formation of volatile compounds that contribute to bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: Thyme leaves are rich in oils with antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria causing bad breath.
- Essential oil from leaves: The essential oil extracted from thyme leaves contains compounds like thymol, which is effective in reducing oral bacteria.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers have similar antimicrobial properties to the leaves, which help prevent bacterial growth that leads to bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for bad breath.
- Harvest 10 grams of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers in the early morning for optimal potency.
- Infuse 10 grams of the harvested thymus vulgaris in 100 milliliters of carrier oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the herbal extract.
- Mix 20 grams of beeswax with 100 grams of coconut oil and 10 milliliters of the herbal extract in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 160 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes and allow it to cool before whipping into a creamy texture.
5. Origanum majorana
Origanum majorana, also known as sweet marjoram, creams helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties that help to combat the bacteria responsible for halitosis.
The antibacterial agents present in sweet marjoram creams can effectively reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby eliminating the source of bad breath. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe and calm the oral tissues, promoting a healthy mouth environment that helps to prevent bad breath.
This makes Origanum majorana creams a natural and effective solution for eliminating bad breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Origanum majorana creams that help with bad breath.
- Carvacrol: This phenolic compound has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby eliminating the primary cause of bad breath.
- Thymol: As a phenolic terpene, Thymol has potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for bad breath, keeping the mouth fresh and clean.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help combat the oxidative stress and bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, leading to fresher breath and a reduced risk of bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of sweet marjoram used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antimicrobial properties, which help to kill bacteria responsible for bad breath.
- Flowers: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect the mouth and gums.
- Stems: They are used for their astringent properties, which help to reduce inflammation and dry out the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sweet marjoram for bad breath.
- Harvest 1 cup of fresh origanum majorana leaves and flowers in the morning.
- Dry the harvested origanum majorana in a single layer at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Combine 1/2 cup of dried origanum majorana with 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with bad breath because of its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in sage, particularly camphor and thujone, help combat oral bacteria that cause bad breath, or halitosis. Additionally, sage's antimicrobial properties reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. By using sage creams, individuals can enjoy fresher breath and a healthier oral environment.
This makes sage an effective natural remedy for tackling persistent bad breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with bad breath.
- Carvacrol: This monoterpenic phenol has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
- Linalool: As a terpene, linalool exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat oral pathogens and inflammation that can lead to bad breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid has potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which help protect against oxidative stress and bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, both of which can contribute to bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which help reduce bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Roots: They are used for their antimicrobial properties, which help fight off bacteria and other pathogens responsible for bad breath.
- Buds: They are used due to their ability to reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria that cause bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for bad breath.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of dried salvia officinalis leaves in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.
- Infuse 2 tablespoons of dried leaves in 8 ounces of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth into a clean glass container after 2 weeks of maceration.
- Mix the infused oil with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Whip the cooled mixture with a hand mixer until light and fluffy for about 5 minutes.
7. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, creams helps with bad breath because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
The active ingredients in lemongrass cream, such as citral and geraniol, work to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
Additionally, lemongrass cream's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth, further reducing the likelihood of bad breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus creams that help with bad breath.
- Citral: A naturally occurring terpene with antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
- Limonene: A monoterpenic compound with antibacterial properties, effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath, such as Streptococcus and Escherichia.
- Geraniol: A monoterpenic alcohol with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the oral cavity that cause bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: They are rich in citral and geraniol, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate bad breath-causing bacteria.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes contain essential oils with antimicrobial properties that help in reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby alleviating bad breath.
- Leaves: The essential oils extracted from the leaves also have a deodorizing effect, which helps in eliminating volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for bad breath.
- Harvest cymbopogon citratus leaves in the morning when the plant is at its highest concentration of citral.
- Dry the harvested leaves in a warm place with good air circulation for 7-10 days.
- Create a decoction by steeping 1 part dried cymbopogon citratus leaves in 4 parts distilled water for 30 minutes.
- Mix the decoction with 20% beeswax and 80% coconut oil in a heat-proof mixing bowl.
- Whip the mixture until it thickens and becomes a smooth, even cream.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, creams helps with bad breath because of its antibacterial properties.
The essential oils in rosemary, such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, including those that cause bad breath. Additionally, rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce gum inflammation and promote a healthy mouth environment, further contributing to fresher breath and overall oral health.
Its benefits make it a popular ingredient in natural oral care products.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis creams that help with bad breath.
- Carvacrol: This phenolic compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, rosmarinic acid helps to reduce inflammation in the gums and mouth, preventing the formation of volatile sulfur compounds that contribute to bad breath.
- Cineole: This monoterpene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the population of bacteria that cause bad breath and alleviate inflammation in the mouth.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: Used to make creams for bad breath because of their antibacterial properties that help reduce oral bacteria.
- Flowers: Used to make creams for bad breath due to their antimicrobial properties that help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- Buds: Used to make creams for bad breath as they contain antibacterial compounds that help combat oral infections.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for bad breath.
- Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning for maximum essential oil content.
- Steep 1 cup of rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers in 2 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of glycerin and 2 ounces of beeswax in a saucepan.
- Add 2 teaspoons of the rosmarinus officinalis infusion to the saucepan and stir until the beeswax melts.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool and thicken for 30 minutes before pouring into containers.
9. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with bad breath because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
The active compound, gingerol, has been shown to reduce plaque formation and inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which are common causes of bad breath.
Additionally, ginger's warming and soothing effects can help to reduce gum inflammation and promote a healthy oral environment, making it an effective remedy for bad breath and promoting overall oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with bad breath.
- Gingerols: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
- Zingerone: As a phenolic compound, zingerone has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums, a common cause of bad breath.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to eliminate the underlying causes of bad breath, such as oral infections and fungal overgrowth.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for bad breath.
- Rhyzomes: These are the most commonly used part of ginger due to their high content of essential oils, which are responsible for their antibacterial properties and ability to combat bad breath.
- Roots: The roots of ginger are also used to make creams for bad breath as they contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to soothe and heal oral infections.
- Stems: Although less commonly used, the stems of ginger can also be used to make creams for bad breath due to their ability to stimulate saliva production, which can help wash away bacteria and other particles that cause bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for bad breath.
- Infuse 5 grams of dried zingiber officinale in 100ml of coconut oil for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Combine 10 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Add the infused zingiber officinale mixture to the beeswax and shea butter mixture stirring until combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool and harden for at least 30 minutes before scooping into containers.
10. Sideritis scardica
Sideritis scardica, also known as ironwort, creams helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb has been traditionally used to treat various oral health issues, including gum inflammation and infections. Its active compounds help to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby eliminating the root cause of bad breath.
Additionally, Sideritis scardica creams may also help to soothe and calm the gums, reducing irritation and promoting a healthy oral environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sideritis scardica creams that help with bad breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound with antioxidant properties, which helps to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.
- Caryophyllene oxide: A sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which helps to combat the inflammation and bacterial overgrowth associated with bad breath.
- Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth, thereby alleviating bad breath.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of ironwort used to make creams for bad breath.
- Leaves: Sideritis scardica leaves are used due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat bad breath-causing bacteria.
- Flowers: Sideritis scardica flowers are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe mouth tissues and reduce bad breath.
- Stems: Sideritis scardica stems are used due to their antimicrobial properties, which help kill bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ironwort for bad breath.
- Harvest 30 grams of fresh sideritis scardica leaves by cutting them with scissors in early summer morning.
- Dry the harvested leaves in a dark place at 30 degrees celsius for 2 hours to remove excess moisture.
- Combine 10 grams of dried leaves with 100 grams of petroleum jelly in a heat-resistant mixing bowl.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes with constant stirring until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Pour the mixture into small glass jars and allow it to cool down completely before capping and labeling.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for bad breath?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with bad breath is a blend of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
Peppermint oil's antimicrobial properties reduce bacteria that cause bad breath, while tea tree oil's antiseptic properties combat germs and inflammation. Eucalyptus oil's decongestant properties help to clear sinuses and reduce postnasal drip, which can contribute to bad breath.
When applied topically to the gums and tongue, this trio works synergistically to promote fresh breath and a healthy oral environment.