10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Bad Breath

Herbal tinctures for bad breath are concentrated liquid extracts made from various plants, herbs, and botanicals that have been used for centuries to freshen breath and alleviate halitosis.

These natural remedies help by reducing bacteria in the mouth, neutralizing volatile sulfur compounds, and soothing gums and tongue. Examples of effective herbal tinctures include peppermint, eucalyptus, and sage, which can be taken sublingually or added to water for a refreshing rinse.

By using these tinctures, individuals can enjoy improved oral health, increased confidence in social interactions, and a sense of overall well-being.

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

1. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties, which help to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath.

The menthol in peppermint also helps to freshen the mouth and throat by stimulating saliva production, which washes away bacteria and food particles that can contribute to bad breath.

Additionally, peppermint's cooling effect on the tongue and roof of the mouth can also help to reduce the sensation of dryness, further reducing the likelihood of bad breath.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Menthol: Menthol helps with bad breath by its decongestant and antimicrobial properties, which reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Menthone: Menthone, a monoterpene ketone, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help combat the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, contributing to bad breath.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help reduce oxidative stress and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Mentha x piperita due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have antibacterial properties that help combat bad breath.
• Roots: The roots are used for their ability to promote saliva production, which helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and reduce bad breath.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are used for their antiseptic properties, which help to reduce bacterial growth in the mouth and alleviate bad breath.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 80 to 1 ratio of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Seal the jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking it occasionally.
5. Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container discarding solids.

2. Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree tinctures helps with bad breath because of its antimicrobial properties, which target and eliminate the bacteria that cause halitosis.

The tannins in tea tree essential oil also help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums, promoting a healthy oral environment. Additionally, tea tree tincture's antiviral and antibacterial properties help to combat viral infections, such as thrush, which can also contribute to bad breath.

By addressing the underlying causes of bad breath, tea tree tinctures provide a natural and effective solution for freshening your breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia tinctures that help with bad breath.

• Cineol: Cineol helps to reduce bad breath by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Cymene: Cymene exhibits antimicrobial properties that help to combat the bacteria that cause bad breath, making it effective in reducing halitosis.
• Limonene: Limonene, a terpene found in Melaleuca alternifolia, helps to reduce bad breath by its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help to maintain oral health and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make tinctures for bad breath.

• Leaves: Leaves are commonly used due to their high oil content, particularly the compound cineole, which has antimicrobial properties to help combat bad breath.
• Stems: Stems are used for their high oil content as well, contributing to the production of tinctures that help to reduce bacterial growth and eliminate bad breath.
• Barks: Barks are also used for their oil content, which is believed to help reduce the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that contribute to bad breath.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh leaves of melaleuca alternifolia on a dry sunny morning.
2. Chop the harvested leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife.
3. Combine the chopped leaves with 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.

3. Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties, which effectively combat the underlying causes of halitosis.

The tincture's active compounds, such as eucalyptol and cineole, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath, while also freshening the mouth and reducing gum inflammation.

As a result, regular use of Tasmanian blue gum tinctures can help eliminate unpleasant odors and leave you with a fresher, cleaner feeling in your mouth.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus tinctures that help with bad breath.

• Cineole: This terpene helps with bad breath by reducing the growth of oral bacteria and having antimicrobial properties, thereby minimizing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
• Catechin: As a type of phenolic compound, catechin helps with bad breath by reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds and having antimicrobial properties, thereby minimizing the growth of oral bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Flavonoids: These compounds help with bad breath by reducing inflammation and having antimicrobial properties, which in turn minimize the growth of oral bacteria and the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make tinctures for bad breath.

• Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, a natural compound with decongestant and antibacterial properties that help combat bad breath.
• Barks: The barks of Eucalyptus globulus contain eucalyptol and other compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing bad breath and gum inflammation.
• Buds: Eucalyptus buds contain a high amount of eucalyptol and other essential oils that help to eliminate bacteria and freshen breath, making them a popular choice for tinctures and mouthwashes.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for bad breath.

1. Harvest 1 part fresh or dried leaves of eucalyptus globulus by cutting the stems near the base of the plant.
2. Chop the harvested leaves into smaller pieces to release their oils and increase their surface area for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped leaves with 2 parts 95% grain alcohol in a clean glass jar to create the tincture base.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily to ensure even extraction.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle to separate the tincture from the plant material.

4. Cinnamomum verum

Ceylon cinnamon tinctures helps with bad breath because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which target the underlying causes of halitosis.

The tincture's active compounds, including cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath, reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) production in the mouth. Additionally, Ceylon cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties soothe gum inflammation and reduce plaque formation, further combating bad breath.

By addressing the root causes of halitosis, herbal Ceylon cinnamon tinctures offer a natural solution for fresher breath.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Cinnamaldehyde: A phenolic compound that has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
• Linalool: A terpene with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe mouth irritation and reduce the presence of bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
• Eugenol: A phenolic compound with antibacterial properties that can help combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the causes of bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves contain compounds that have antimicrobial properties, which help kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 2 pounds of cinnamomum verum bark in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the bark into small pieces and dry it in a warm oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine the dried bark with 80 proof vodka or glycerin in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the mixture in a glass container in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.
5. Strain and filter the liquid through a cheesecloth and store it in a dark glass bottle with a dropper cap.

5. Zingiber officinale

Ginger tinctures helps with bad breath because it has natural antibacterial properties that help to kill bacteria in the mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath.

The essential oils present in ginger also have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and redness in the gums and tongue, which can contribute to bad breath.

Additionally, ginger tinctures stimulate saliva production, washing away bacteria and debris from the teeth and tongue, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Gingerols: These sesquiterpene compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth and gums, thereby reducing bad breath.
• Shogaols: These ginger-derived compounds have antibacterial properties that can help combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to bad breath.
• Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the levels of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Rhyzomes: These are the most commonly used part due to their high gingerol and shogaol content, which have antimicrobial properties to combat bad breath.
• Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are also used to make tinctures for bad breath, as they contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and fight bacterial growth in the mouth.
• Buds: Ginger buds, which are the young, unopened shoots of the plant, are sometimes used in tinctures for bad breath due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that have antibacterial properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest zingiber officinale roots in the fall after the plant has stopped growing for the season.
2. Chop 200 grams of the harvested roots into small pieces to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 400 milliliters of vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.

6. Coriandrum sativum

Coriander tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The tincture contains compounds like cineole and linolool that have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that cause bad breath. Additionally, coriander's anti-inflammatory effects help to reduce gum inflammation and swelling, which can also contribute to bad breath.

As a result, regular use of herbal coriander tinctures may leave your breath feeling fresh and clean.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Coriandrum sativum tinctures that help with bad breath.

• Linalool: This terpene has antibacterial properties, which help reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.
• Linalyl acetate: As an antibacterial and antifungal agent, linalyl acetate helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms that contribute to bad breath and gum inflammation.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which help protect the mouth from oxidative stress and reduce the presence of bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of coriander used to make tinctures for bad breath.

• Seeds: They contain coriandrin, which has antibacterial properties that help combat bad breath-causing bacteria.
• Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and volatile oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects that help alleviate bad breath.
• Roots: They are a rich source of compounds like linalool and geranyl acetate, which have antimicrobial properties that help eliminate bad breath-causing organisms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest coriandrum sativum leaves and stems when they are fresh and in optimal condition for maximum potency retention.
2. Clean the coriandrum sativum plant material thoroughly using distilled water to remove dirt and debris completely.
3. Combine 1 part of the cleaned coriandrum sativum plant material with 2 parts of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow the plant material to infuse into the vodka completely.
5. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

7. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme tinctures helps with bad breath because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which work to eliminate bacteria and fungi that contribute to halitosis.

The bioactive compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, reducing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for unpleasant odors.

Regular use of a herbal thyme tincture can help freshen breath, soothe gum inflammation, and leave the mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Thymol: Thymol, a terpene constituent of thyme, has antimicrobial properties that help combat the bacteria responsible for bad breath, reducing its severity.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol, another terpene found in thyme, has strong antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing bad breath.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound in thyme, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, which can contribute to bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of thymol, a natural antibacterial agent that helps combat oral bacteria causing bad breath.
• Flowers: Utilized for their pleasant aroma and ability to freshen breath, as well as their potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: Employed for their concentrated essential oils, which contain antimicrobial compounds that help reduce bacteria and odor-causing germs in the mouth.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers at peak potency.
2. Chop the harvested thymus vulgaris into small pieces to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped thymus vulgaris with 80-100 proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the mixture in a glass jar for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the thymus vulgaris tincture through cheesecloth and store it in a clean glass bottle.

8. Origanum vulgare

Wild marjoram tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties, which combat the growth of bacteria that can cause halitosis.

The herb's essential oils, such as camphor and bornyl acetate, have been shown to inhibit the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for unpleasant odors. Additionally, wild marjoram tinctures may help reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat, which can also contribute to bad breath.

By using herbal wild marjoram tinctures, individuals may experience a fresher, cleaner sensation in their mouths, leading to improved oral hygiene and confidence.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Carvacrol: A monoterpenic phenol that exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath.
• Thymol: A phenolic monoterpenoid that has antiseptic properties, effectively killing bacteria that contribute to halitosis (bad breath).
• Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and fight off oxidative stress in the oral cavity, thereby alleviating bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Origanum vulgare are used to make tinctures for bad breath due to their antimicrobial properties that help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Stems: The stems of Origanum vulgare are used to make tinctures for bad breath due to their ability to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Buds: The buds of Origanum vulgare are used to make tinctures for bad breath due to their high concentration of essential oils that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest origanum vulgare leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces and place it in a clean glass jar.
3. Add the vodka solvent to the jar covering the plant material completely.
4. Seal the jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass.

9. Satureja hortensis

Summer savory tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The herb's essential oils, such as carvacrol and thymol, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that contribute to halitosis. When taken as a tincture, summer savory can help reduce the population of these odor-causing microbes in the mouth, leaving breath fresher and cleaner.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may soothe gum inflammation and reduce plaque buildup, further contributing to improved oral health and fresher breath.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Satureja hortensis tinctures that help with bad breath.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps with bad breath by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, thereby reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth that cause halitosis.
• Bornyl acetate: A terpene with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat the root causes of bad breath by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Carvacrol: A phenolic compound with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, thereby reducing the occurrence of bad breath and promoting oral health.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of summer savory used to make tinctures for bad breath.

• Leaves: Leaves are rich in essential oils, particularly carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria causing bad breath.
• Flowers: Flowers contain carvacrol and borneol, compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
• Stems: Stems, like leaves, contain carvacrol and other essential oils that contribute to their antimicrobial properties, making them effective in addressing bad breath.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh satureja hortensis leaves and flowers in the early morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the harvested material into smaller pieces and dry it in a single layer for 2 weeks.
3. Combine the dried satureja hortensis material with 2 parts of high-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 4 weeks shaking it every 2 days to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.

10. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary tinctures helps with bad breath because of its natural antibacterial properties, which target the underlying causes of halitosis.

The essential oils in rosemary tincture, such as camphor and borneol, work to eliminate the bacteria that thrive on the surface of the tongue and gums, reducing their ability to produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.

Additionally, rosemary's natural astringent properties help to dry up excess saliva and reduce bacterial growth, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Carnosic acid: This phenolic diterpene acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath.
• Rosmarinic acid: This polyphenolic compound exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat the underlying causes of bad breath, such as gum disease and inflammation of the gums.
• Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing the bacterial load and inflammation that can lead to bad breath.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to combat oral bacteria causing bad breath.
• Flowers: Used for their ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth, helping to alleviate bad breath.
• Stems: Used for their antiseptic properties to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that contribute to bad breath.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves when they are in their optimal potency usually after morning dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the rosmarinus officinalis leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
3. Combine 250 grams of chopped rosmarinus officinalis leaves with 750 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Seal the jar and store it in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks to allow extraction.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container and discard the solids.

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

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

Peppermint helps to freshen and cool the breath, while sage aids in reducing bacteria and inflammation in the mouth. Myrrh, with its antimicrobial properties, helps to combat the root causes of bad breath. This combination can be taken orally, either sublingually or mixed with water, to help alleviate bad breath and promote a healthy oral environment.

Regular use can lead to noticeable improvements in breath quality.

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

Ailments similar to bad breath that are treated with herbal tinctures are halitosis-like conditions such as gum inflammation, tooth decay, and mouth sores.

Herbal remedies like peppermint, clove, and eucalyptus help reduce oral bacteria, fight infections, and soothe gums.

Other conditions treated with herbal tinctures include tonsil stones, gum recession, and dry mouth, all of which can contribute to unpleasant breath odor.