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DIY Hygiene Concoctions: 3 Easy Homemade Mouthwashes
By Vicki McClure Davidson
Not one, not two, but three DIY homemade mouthwashes here! From these, pick one of these hygiene concoctions that you think your family will love.
Make only enough for a week at a time to keep it fresh. Since these are homemade, there are no preservatives or stabilizers added.
An estimated 25 percent of Americans suffer from chronic bad breath, called halitosis. Many more suffer from it occasionally (e.g., after eating garlic or onions), or are at risk of it because of periodontal disease. Breath-freshening products are part of a billion-dollar business in the United States. There are risks and ineffectiveness from the alcohol levels in some store-bought mouthwashes. Save some money for yourself with any of these three DIY concoctions.
DIY Mouthwash Recipe #1
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. raw honey
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops spearmint essential oil
- 1 drop anise seed oil
- 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 c. warmed distilled water
Mix the honey, all the essential oils, and lemon juice in a container. Add the warm water and mix until completely dissolved.
Store in a clean bottle and use as needed. Before each use, shake well. Pour about 2-3 tablespoons into a glass and swish around in your mouth. Spit it out.
Makes about 1 cup.
Source: eHow website, (www.ehow.com/how_2277231_make-homemade-mouthwash.html).
DIY Mouthwash Recipe #2
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
- 2 c. boiling water
Combine vinegar with boiling water and let cool. Store in a clean bottle and use as needed.
Makes: 2.25 cups.
Source: CD Kitchen website, (www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/8/Homemade_Mouthwash6651.shtml).
DIY Mouthwash Recipe #3
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 glass water
Add baking soda to half a glass of water, and use it to gargle.
Baking soda neutralizes the odors in your mouth, rather than just covering them up, which is what so many of the liquid mouthwashes do. Benefits from using baking soda-based mouthwash include the following:
- Inexpensive to make yourself
- No harsh chemicals, all-natural ingredients
- No strong taste
- Alcohol-free
Source: About.com/Frugal Living, (http://frugalliving.about.com/od/beautyhealthcare/qt/Mouth_Wash.htm).
Additional Breath Freshening Tips:
Keep some baking soda in your purse or briefcase and you can freshen your breath on the go.
Add a drop of peppermint oil for a minty taste.
Limit your intake of foods or beverages that can foul breath. Rinsing your mouth with clear water will help clear food particles that are guilty of making your breath foul, although the effects will be limited.
If you're out at a restaurant, nibbling on a sprig or two of parsley will instantly freshen your breath.
If you prefer to make up big batches of homemade mouthwash, then you'll need to boil your water and add a teaspoon of baking soda for every 8 ounces of water. Store the batch in a sterilized container.
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