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Three Herbs That Sweeten Your Breath
This Week's Tips
Can't stand the sting of mouthwash, but want sweeter breath? Set down the Scope, and pick up a pinch of one of these herbs instead: parsley, basil, or cilantro.
They all contain the green plant pigment chlorophyll, which is a powerful breath freshener, writes James Duke -- a PhD and botanist -- in his book, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook.
More Fresheners for Your Mouth
In addition to parsley, basil, and cilantro, Duke recommends these easy-to-find breath fresheners:
- Dill: It's also rich in chlorophyll. Chew the seeds, or make dill tea by adding the leaves or mashed seeds to boiling water. (Love dill? Try this Lemony Carrot Salad with Dill.)
- Cardamom: It contains cineole, a potent antiseptic that kills bad-breath bacteria. You can chew the seeds and then spit them out.
- Anise: The seeds of this licorice-flavored herb have been used for thousands of years to freshen breath. Boil the seeds in a cup of water. Strain, and then drink or use as a mouthwash.
- Peppermint tea, a strong antiseptic, fights halitosis. Learn how peppermint perks up your brain, too.
Find out what else herbs can do for you! Take the RealAge Herbal Remedies Health Assessment.
RealAge Benefit:
Seeing a dental professional every 6 months to have your gums checked and cared for, or more often if advised, can make your RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger.
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing. Duke, J. A., New York: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 2002.
