Health Desk: When our ancestors found themselves with offensive breath, they couldn�t (of course) pop candied deodorizers into their mouths. In fact, back in those days, folks used a number of natural breath fresheners that could be found in kitchens and herb gardens ? and many of them are just as available today!
Certain foods, dry mouth, etc. can leave you with bad breath. But when you are on the go you cannot always rush to a restroom to brush your teeth. There are many mouth fresheners that are available in the market. But, how about carrying some natural breath fresheners readily available in your kitchen cabinet to help tame your bad mouth odour? Here is a list of few of them:
1.CORIANDER: Foods with strong odours like onions and garlic can leave you with bad breath.The flavour of coriander is effective in masking it. Chew some fresh coriander leaves after your meal to avoid mouth odour. You can add a pinch of salt to roasted whole coriander seeds and eat as a mouth freshener.
2.FENNEL SEEDS: Fennel seeds are routinely chewed upon after meals to alleviate indigestion. But did you know that they are excellent mouth fresheners too? They increase saliva production and help fight germs causing bad breath. They also help reduce burping and acid reflux. Chew on a few seeds to sweeten your breath naturally.
3.MINT: Chewing on just a few raw mint leaves freshens breath in a jiffy! Most of the breath fresheners available in the market have mint as their main ingredient. Mint leaves, great for garnishing dishes, can freshen up your breath instantly with their strong and cooling effect. Just munch on a few raw mint leaves or have a cup of mint tea.
4.PARSLEY: Parsley contains chlorophyll which has germ-fighting qualities. It is an excellent breath freshener. Its oil is used in some breath fresheners and also in soaps and perfumes as a fragrance.
5.CLOVE: Clove is used in cooking for its flavour and smell. It has been used since ages to alleviate toothaches too and is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Turns out, it�s a good breath deodorizer. Cloves are rich in the antibacterial eugenol. Go ahead and chew on some!
6.CINNAMON: Cinnamon is also one of the spices which has an antibacterial property and helps reduce bad breath. You can either chew on the stick or add it to your cup of tea. You can also boil a few sticks in some water, allow it to cool and then use as a mouthwash! DIY cinnamon mouth wash >>
7.ANISE SEEDS: It is a Chinese spice that is used to make powder. This powder is used in manchurian and noodles. Star anise seeds have a very strong aroma so make sure you have few seeds. Anise seeds are strong and works for a longer duration.
8.GUAVA: The fruit and its seeds are effective in treating mouth odour. Bad breath can be a huge embarrassment. If you are out and want to get rid of the building pungent smell, grab a guava. The guava seeds are good for the mouth, and also improves digestion.
9.CITRUS FRUITS: Fruits like orange, lime, etc. can help stimulate your salivary glands and encourage saliva production. Saliva neutralizes the acids produced by plaque and also helps remove dead cells and food particles that accumulate in the mouth.
10.POMEGRANATE: We all know the health benefits of pomegranate. Apart from being healthy for the heart and skin, you can have pomegranate seeds to cure mouth odour. So, next time if you are planning to buy a mouth freshener, think twice. Your favourite fruits can be a natural remedy to get rid of bad breath.
11.CRANBERRIES: The citrus fruit has many advantages on the health. Did you know cranberries can help you lose weight? Just keep a bunch of these berries to lose weight and avoid mouth odour. Berries fight mouth decay, bad breath, strengthens gums and also whitens teeth
12.These are few natural mouth fresheners that are healthy and have no side effects. You can carry them with you and they are inexpensive too !!