DIY Herbal Mouthwash for Fresh Breath and Oral Health

If you're looking for a safe, clean, and affordable alternative to commercial mouthwashes, you've come to the right place!  It's surprisingly easy to create your own herbal mouthwash using natural ingredients like spilanthes and comfrey leaves. In this guide, we'll explore two simple methods: one with tinctures and the other without, ensuring options for everyone's preference.

Here are some of the potential benefits of our herbal mouthwash recipe: 

• Antibacterial Properties: Spilanthes contains compounds with antibacterial properties, which may help to combat harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of oral infections. Comfrey leaves promote healing of any oral injuries and promotes healthy cell reproduction,

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Both spilanthes and comfrey leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like gingivitis.

• Stong, Healthy Teeth: Calcium Carbonate strengthens teeth and prevents decay by providing essential calcium, and supports natural remineralization of tooth enamel.

• Gentle and Natural: Unlike commercial mouthwashes that may contain harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, this herbal mouthwash is gentle on the mouth and free from synthetic additives, making it suitable for those seeking a more natural approach to oral care.

You'll have to try for yourself to see how this DIY herbal mouthwash works for you.

One important note  - Spilanthes (toothache plant) may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. If you have such an allergy, you can just omit the spilanthes from the recipe.

Recipe 1: Herbal Mouthwash with Tinctured Herbs

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup spilanthe leaf and flower tincture
• 1/2 cup comfrey leaf tincture
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder
• 1 teaspoon concentrated trace minerals liquid

Instructions:

1. Mixing the Tinctures:

   In a clean glass bottle or jar, combine the spilanthe leaf and flower tincture and comfrey leaf tincture in equal parts.

2. Adding Calcium Carbonate and Trace Minerals:

   Add the calcium carbonate powder and concentrated trace minerals liquid to the tincture mixture. Shake the bottle well to ensure thorough mixing of all ingredients.

3. Diluting with Water:

   Pour the distilled water into the tincture mixture and shake well to combine. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred strength of mouthwash.

4. Storage and Use:

   Store the herbal mouthwash in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark place. Before each use, shake the bottle well to redistribute the ingredients. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds, then spit it out. Use the herbal mouthwash twice daily, preferably after brushing your teeth, for best results.

Recipe 2: Alcohol-Free Herbal Mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried comfrey leaves
• 1/2 cup dried spilanthe leaves and flowers
• 1 cup fresh mint or spearmint leaves
• 1 teaspoon calcium carbonate powder
• 1 teaspoon concentrated trace minerals liquid
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

Herbal Infusion:

In a small saucepan, bring the distilled water to a gentle boil. Add the dried comfrey leaves and spilanthe leaves and flowers to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let the herbs simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse their beneficial properties into the water. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the fresh mint or spearmint leaves. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture steep for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Adding Calcium Carbonate and Trace Minerals:

After steeping, strain the herbal infusion through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. While the infusion is still warm, add the calcium carbonate powder and concentrated trace minerals liquid to the jar. Stir well to dissolve the powders and ensure even distribution.

Storage and Use

Best practices for safety suggest storing the alcohol-free herbal mouthwash in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. I've left the bottle on the counter for up to a week and it's fine - w use the dark amber bottles to prevent light degradation.

Before each use, shake the jar well to mix the ingredients. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds, then spit it out. Incorporate this herbal mouthwash into your daily oral care routine for a clean and healthy mouth.

With these two DIY herbal mouthwash recipes, you can enjoy the benefits of natural ingredients like comfrey leaf, spilanthes, and trace minerals for a fresh and healthy mouth. Whether you prefer a tincture-based mouthwash or an alcohol-free infusion, these recipes offer a gentle yet effective way to support your oral hygiene routine. Give them a try and experience the refreshing power of herbal ingredients!

Safety Note: Please consult a healthcare professional before using these mouthwash recipes, especially if you have any allergies or health conditions. Pregnant women, people with thyroid issues, or those with other specific health concerns should be particularly cautious. Spilanthe (toothache plant) may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.