10 Best Herbal Teas For Bad Breath

Herbal teas for bad breath are a natural remedy that helps to eliminate halitosis by reducing bacteria in the mouth and freshening breath.

Examples include peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile teas, which have antibacterial properties and leave a refreshing scent.

Drinking these teas can improve lives by boosting confidence and reducing social anxiety caused by bad breath, allowing individuals to feel more comfortable in social situations and engage in everyday conversations with ease.

The following article describes in detail the most important teas for bad breath, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The menthol content in peppermint tea helps to kill bacteria in the mouth, reducing the causes of bad breath. Additionally, the cooling sensation of peppermint tea helps to stimulate saliva production, which in turn washes away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

This makes peppermint tea a popular remedy for bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with bad breath.

• Menthol: Menthol has antibacterial properties that help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which is a primary cause of bad breath.
• Limonene: Limonene is a terpene that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent the buildup of bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Catechin: Catechins are phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the formation of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: They contain essential oils that help to kill bacteria in the mouth, reducing bad breath.
• Stems: They contain menthol, a natural decongestant and antibacterial agent that helps to freshen breath.
• Buds: They are rich in menthone, a compound that has antibacterial properties and helps to reduce mouth odor.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for bad breath.

1. Harvest fresh leaves of mentha x piperita from your garden or a nearby field in the early morning.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves gently with cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried mentha x piperita leaves in one cup of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean cup or teapot.
5. Serve the mentha x piperita tea hot or iced and enjoy the refreshing flavor and aroma.

2. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, teas helps with bad breath because of its antibacterial properties, which reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.

The tea's anti-inflammatory effects also help to soothe and calm the gums and mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and irritation that can lead to bad breath.

Additionally, Echinacea's ability to boost the immune system may help to prevent infections that can cause bad breath, promoting overall oral health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with bad breath.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to reduce bad breath by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are a primary cause of bad breath.
• Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea angustifolia teas have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and gums, thereby reducing bad breath.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Echinacea angustifolia teas have antioxidant properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums, which can contribute to bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make teas for bad breath.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea angustifolia are primarily used due to their high concentration of medicinal compounds that help in reducing bad breath.
• Leaves: The leaves are used as they contain volatile oils, which contribute to their antimicrobial properties and help in combating bad breath-causing bacteria.
• Roots (second mention): The roots are also used in teas for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing inflammation in the mouth and preventing bad breath.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for bad breath.

1. Gather 1 ounce of dried echinacea angustifolia root and flowers from a trusted herbalist or supplier.
2. Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried root and flowers for every 8 ounces of water.
3. Steep the herbs in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to release active compounds.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
5. Serve the tea immediately and enjoy within 24 hours of preparation.

3. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, teas helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties.

The active compounds in lemon balm, such as rosmarinic acid and borneol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath, specifically those found in the mouth and throat. Additionally, lemon balm's calming effects can also help reduce stress and anxiety, common underlying causes of bad breath.

This results in fresher breath and improved oral health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with bad breath.

• Rosmarinic acid: As a phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid helps to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby decreasing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Linalool: As a terpene, linalool has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, such as Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, which contribute to bad breath.
• Limonene: As a terpene, limonene also has antimicrobial properties that help to reduce the population of bacteria in the mouth, leading to a decrease in volatile sulfur compounds and bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: Leaves: Used to make teas for bad breath due to their antibacterial properties that help combat oral bacteria.
• Flowers: Flowers: Used to make teas for bad breath due to their ability to freshen breath and reduce inflammation.
• Stems: Stems: Used to make teas for bad breath due to their antiseptic properties that help eliminate bad bacteria in the mouth.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for bad breath.

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried melissa officinalis leaves and flowers for every 8 ounces of water.
2. Heat 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes to reach optimal temperature for steeping.
3. Steep the dried melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in the hot water for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
5. Serve the tea hot or chilled with a recommended daily dosage of 1 to 3 cups.

4. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties.

Thyme contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, particularly those responsible for bad breath, such as Streptococcus and E. coli. By reducing bacterial loads, thyme tea can help to alleviate halitosis and promote a healthier oral environment, leaving the breath fresh and clean.

It is often used as a natural remedy for this common issue.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with bad breath.

• Thymol: Thymol helps with bad breath by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, such as Streptococcus mutans, which can cause bad breath.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol helps with bad breath by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the mouth, including those that cause gum disease and bad breath.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps with bad breath by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds by oral bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: They contain thymol, which has antibacterial properties that help combat the bacteria causing bad breath.
• Buds: Rich in oils and compounds like thymol, they contribute to the tea's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Stems: They also contain thymol and other compounds that help reduce bad breath-causing bacteria and inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for bad breath.

1. Harvest a large bunch of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers from a sunny location.
2. Rinse the thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt.
3. Chop the thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers into small pieces using a sharp knife.
4. Steep one teaspoon of chopped thymus vulgaris in a cup of boiling water for five minutes.
5. Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and discard the solids.

5. Origanum vulgare

Origanum vulgare, also known as wild marjoram, teas helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as carvacrol and thymol, inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, including those that cause bad breath. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation in the gums and tongue, which can contribute to bad breath.

By reducing bacterial growth and inflammation, Origanum vulgare tea can help freshen the breath and promote overall oral health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Origanum vulgare teas that help with bad breath.

• Carvacrol: It helps with bad breath by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, effectively reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to halitosis.
• Thymol: It helps with bad breath by acting as a natural antibacterial agent, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause bad breath and gum diseases.
• Bornyl acetate: It helps with bad breath by exhibiting expectorant properties, helping to relieve congestion and reduce the amount of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that are responsible for bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wild marjoram used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: The most used part of Origanum vulgare for tea is its leaves, as they contain high amounts of antioxidants and essential oils that help reduce bad breath.
• Stems: The stems of Origanum vulgare are also used to make tea, as they possess antimicrobial properties that can combat bacteria causing bad breath.
• Leaves: The leaves of the plant are often used in combination with other parts, but in some cases, the leaves are used alone to make tea for bad breath, utilizing their antibacterial properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild marjoram for bad breath.

1. Harvest fresh origanum vulgare leaves and flowers in the morning to ensure optimal flavor and aroma.
2. Dry the harvested origanum vulgare leaves and flowers in a warm place for 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried origanum vulgare in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and discard the solids to prevent any potential digestive discomfort or allergic reactions.
5. Store the tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its flavor and aroma.

6. Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, teas helps with bad breath because of its potent antibacterial properties.

The active compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce gum inflammation and prevent the formation of plaque, further contributing to its breath-freshening effects.

Regular consumption of Ceylon cinnamon tea may help keep bad breath at bay and promote overall oral health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum teas that help with bad breath.

• Eugenol: Eugenol has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath in the mouth.
• Cinnamaldehyde: Cinnamaldehyde has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce gum inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Linalool: Linalool has antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, reducing the cause of bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: Cinnamomum verum leaves are used to make teas for bad breath due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Barks: The barks of Cinnamomum verum are used to make teas for bad breath because of their natural ability to reduce oral bacteria and prevent bad breath.
• Leaves: Cinnamomum verum leaves are also used to make teas for bad breath due to their ability to freshen breath and reduce inflammation in the mouth.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for bad breath.

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried cinnamomum verum bark and boil it in 8 ounces of water.
2. Steep the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
3. Strain the tea into a cup to remove the bark residue and any excess solids.
4. Add honey or sugar to taste if desired for a sweeter flavor profile.
5. Serve the tea hot or iced and enjoy it immediately for optimal flavor.

7. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, teas helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties.

Sage contains compounds like thujone and camphor, which have been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, helping to combat bad breath. The tea's antiseptic properties also help to reduce inflammation in the gums and mouth, promoting a healthy oral environment.

Additionally, sage tea may help to stimulate saliva production, which can help to neutralize acid and wash away bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis teas that help with bad breath.

• Caryophyllene oxide: This sesquiterpene acts as an antibacterial agent, which helps to reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
• Rosmarinic acid: As a phenolic compound, rosmarinic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of oral microorganisms responsible for causing bad breath.
• Salvianolic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and kill bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: The leaves are commonly used due to their antimicrobial properties, which help combat the bacteria causing bad breath.
• Roots: The roots are used because they contain salvin, a compound that has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which can help alleviate bad breath.
• Seeds: The seeds are used due to their ability to promote digestion and reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for bad breath.

1. Harvest 25-30 grams of fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers from the garden in the early morning.
2. Dry the harvested leaves and flowers in a warm oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours.
3. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried salvia officinalis leaves and flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and discard the solids.
5. Store the herbal tea in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

8. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties.

The herb contains compounds like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the cause of bad breath. Additionally, rosemary teas have been found to stimulate saliva production, which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria, promoting a fresher and cleaner oral environment.

This makes rosemary tea a popular choice for those seeking a natural remedy for bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with bad breath.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that acts as an antimicrobial agent, effectively reducing the bacteria in the mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
• Caryophyllene oxide: A sesquiterpene with antimicrobial properties, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to halitosis (bad breath).
• Α-pinene: A terpene that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby minimizing bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make teas for bad breath.

• Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties to help reduce bacteria causing bad breath.
• Flowers: Utilized for their fragrance and ability to freshen breath, making them a popular ingredient in rosemary teas.
• Stems: Employed for their antioxidant properties, which can help combat the underlying causes of bad breath.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for bad breath.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves and 1 quart of boiling water for infusion.
2. Steep the dried leaves in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release the active compounds.
3. Strain the infusion through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
4. Add honey to taste to the tea if desired to sweeten the flavor.
5. Allow the tea to cool completely before refrigerating it for up to 24 hours storage.

9. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with bad breath because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The roots of the plant contain compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath. These compounds also help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy oral environment. This leads to fresher breath and improved oral health.

Regular consumption of licorice tea may also help to reduce the severity of bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with bad breath.

• Flavonoids: This flavonoid constituent has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
• Saponins: Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe and protect the gums and oral tissues, reducing the risk of infections and inflammation that can cause bad breath.
• Liquiritin: This triterpenoid saponin has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and alleviate gum inflammation that can lead to bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for bad breath.

• Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing bad breath.
• Leaves: Contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and freshen breath.
• Flowers: Possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to soothe the mouth and throat, reducing bad breath and promoting oral health.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for bad breath.

1. Harvest 20 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in early autumn when the plant is mature.
2. Clean and dry the roots thoroughly for 2 hours to prevent contamination and mold growth.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 5 minutes.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground root powder in 1 liter of boiling water for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids after the preparation time to enjoy the tea.

10. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, teas helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to combat the bacteria that cause bad breath. These compounds also help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, which can contribute to bad breath. By consuming ginger tea, individuals may experience a reduction in bad breath, as well as other oral health benefits.

It can also improve digestion which is another cause of bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with bad breath.

• Gingerols: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.
• Shogaols: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce gum inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with bad breath, such as gum disease and mouth ulcers.
• Volatile oils: These compounds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the growth of bacteria and inflammation in the mouth, ultimately contributing to fresh breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make teas for bad breath.

• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Zingiber officinale are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high concentration of antibacterial properties that help combat bad breath.
• Roots: The roots are also widely used for teas as they contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, thereby alleviating bad breath.
• Stems: The stems of Zingiber officinale are occasionally used for teas as they contain some antibacterial properties that help fight against the bacteria causing bad breath.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for bad breath.

1. Peel 1-2 inches of the rhizome of zingiber officinale using a sharp knife.
2. Chop the peeled rhizome into small pieces about 1/8 inch in size.
3. Combine the chopped rhizome with 1 cup of boiling water in a tea infuser.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until the desired flavor is reached.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids before serving hot or iced.

What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for bad breath?

The best combination of herbal teas that help with bad breath is a blend of peppermint, sage, and eucalyptus.

Peppermint tea helps to reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. Sage tea is known for its antibacterial properties, which combat the causes of bad breath. Eucalyptus tea has natural decongestant properties that help to clear sinuses and reduce inflammation in the throat.

Drinking a warm tea made from these herbs can provide long-lasting relief from bad breath and leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

What ailments similar to bad breath are treated with herbal teas?

Ailments similar to bad breath that are treated with herbal teas are gum inflammation, mouth ulcers, and dry mouth.

Peppermint tea is often used to alleviate gum inflammation and mouth ulcers, while sage tea is used to combat dry mouth and bad breath. Echinacea tea is also used to boost the immune system and fight off infections that can lead to bad breath.

These teas are natural remedies to promote oral health.