Here is my best recipe for natural, herbal mouthwash that refreshes, protects, and cleans your mouth! It’s simple to make, too. Lose those toxic chemicals, and clean up your mouth!
I've been meaning to write this mouthwash and gum care recipe to go along with my recipe for natural toothpaste for over a year now! So, by popular reader request--here it is!
Commercial mouthwashes, as you probably know, are often full of toxins and often rely on alcohol for the antibacterial action of the wash rather than natural antimicrobials from plants. My recipe for natural herbal mouth rinse is healthy for your mouth, teeth, and gums….and even contains nutrients for general health.
This recipe does contain alcohol, because it is actually a tincture of herbs. Although the alcohol adds extra cleansing power, it’s the herbs I chose for this mouth rinse tincture recipe that specifically support the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth.
If you're looking for a natural mouthwash to use instead of commercial toxic chemical options, I think you'll love this easy recipe! Read on for the directions and a breakdown of the herbs I use in this herbal mouth tincture!
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FTC Disclosure: There are affiliate links scattered throughout this article. If you click through and make any kind of purchase, I may earn a very small commission at no extra cost to you.
Potential Toxins Found in Commercial Mouthwash: Why You Really Should Make Your Own Natural Version
There are TONS of reasons why you should make your own mouthwash instead of buying it at the store. The main reason is that commercial mouth washes and rinses are filled with toxic chemicals.
The second is cost. Why spend several dollars on poison mouthwash when with a small investment in herbs (and you may already have some of these on hand) and a little bit of time, you'll have a much less expensive and healthy alternative.
Here's a little breakdown of just some of the toxic chemicals that may be found in your favorite mouth wash:
1) Fluoride:
Fluoride is not necessary, and in fact, it is linked to many health issues. Some of these include osteoarthritis, skeleto fluorosis, glucose intolerance, and even lowered IQ and impaired intelligence. The Western European nations have mostly banned fluoride these days because of the health risks.
2) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
Yep. It may even be in your mouthwash! You can find out about the effects of it being in your soap in this article, if you're interested. You don't even want this stuff on your skin, let alone on the fragile membranes of your mouth! Why?
At the very least, SLS is linked to skin irritations and allergic reactions. It is also a hormone disruptor.
3) Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC):
Wow. Check out that mouthful!
This stuff is supposed to reduce plaque and kill bacteria. However, research suggests it actually does the opposite by helping calculus deposits to form and staining the teeth.
4) Triclosan:
This is a very bad chemical to put in and on your body, let alone the bodies of your little children. This is a known hormone disruptor that was actually registered with the EPA as a pesticide a few decades ago. Why is it allowed in our personal care products in this country? Who knows?
Our FDA doesn't seem to really care much about the chemical toxins allowed in our country. We are better off going to Europe to get our products, I hate to say.
5) Chlorhexidine Gluconate:
This chemical is supposed to reduce bacteria in your mouth, and it may help with gingivitis. However, it also reduces the effectiveness of your taste buds, and cause you to have a dry mouth and other irritations.
6) Artificial Dyes:
Depending on the dye used, they all do something bad to our bodies. Here's an example: Red dye is linked to reduced reproduction, lessened ability to handle stimuli in children, and even a reduction in the weight of the brains in tests on rats.
7) Artificial Flavors:
These are generally created in a lab, and they can be pretty much anything. Flavorings are a free-for-all, in my opinion. And if the label says, "natural" flavoring, don't be fooled. As long as the chemical make-up mimics the chemicals in a natural flavorant, the FDA has deemed the use of the word, "natural" to be ok.
How to Make Your Own Herbal, Natural Mouthwash
This is a very simple and easy to make recipe. The downfall about it is that it requires time to tincture properly. I recommend just starting now! What do you have to lose?
In just three to four weeks, you'll have the best mouthwash you've ever used! This recipe will make a half-gallon of tincture, so be sure you get that size Mason jar. Or---just cut it in half and use a quart jar if you like!
Ingredients for Natural Antimicrobial Mouthwash:
*** 1 cup Peppermint leaves
*** 1/2 cup Plantain leaves
*** 1/4 cup Rosemary leaves crushed or powdered
*** 1/8 cup Myrrh Gum Powder
**If you want it sweet, you can add up to 1/4 cup Stevia.
***Handful of Clove Buds, more or less, slightly crushed.
*** 80 proof alcohol. I like Vodka because it is clear and relatively tasteless, which makes the peppermint really stand out!
NOTE: If you want extra mouth protection from decay, add about 1/2 cup of Chaparral. It won't taste nearly as good, but chaparral is exceptional for supporting the health of your mouth and helping clear up infections.
EXTRA NOTE: The links above are for Amazon for your convenience. However, if you want to know where I generally get my herbs for cooking and making medicine, it's at Starwest Botanicals. I love that store!
OPTIONAL: A friend of mine suggested adding some natural, plant-based Xylitol as well. I did this with my last batch, and it’s not only a healthy addition but tastes great too! Good call! (Have I mentioned I love your comments?)
Directions for Making Your Homemade Herbal Mouthwash
If you'd like to see pictures of the tincturing process, please check out my What is a Tincture, and How Do You Make a Tincture? article for more information.
Step One: Measure out your ingredients into your jar.
Step Two: Pour your vodka or other 80 proof (or higher) alcohol over the herbs to within an inch of the top of the jar.
Step Three: Shake your jar and place it in a sunny window (my favorite place) or a closet where you won't forget about it. Shake it daily or as often as you remember--at least a couple times a week.
Step Four: Be sure you label your jar with the ingredients and the date you expect it to be done.
Step Five: After four weeks or so...it's done! You can let it tincture longer if you like but it's not necessary.
How to Use Your Natural Mouthwash
High proof alcohol can burn, so I suggest diluting a teaspoon or two in an approximate 1/8 cup water, or more if you still find it unpleasant. I love the taste of this mouthwash, though, so I don’t dilute mine much. You’ll still get the benefits of the rinse, even with a good amount of water.
Just like regular mouthwash, simply swish it around well in your mouth, then spit it out. That's it! You can use it as often as you like. If you happen to swallow it, that's fine. It won't hurt you.
NOTE: If you choose to use Chaparral for extra healing power, try not to swallow, which you really shouldn’t do anyway. Chaparral has wonderful antibacterial properties, however, it is very strong and not recommended for long-term internal use. With daily internal use of larger amounts, some research has shown it may harm the liver. You should always do your own research for yourself on any herb you use.
Here’s a video below of this process, if you’d like to watch how I do this. :-)
Final Thoughts on How to Make Your Own Mouthwash That Works!
I just love this mouthwash. It's been my go-to for years, now. In fact, I used to sell it in my Etsy shop, back when I was selling products, and it was a top seller, along with my natural herbal tooth powder.
As far as contraindications go, since you are rinsing and spitting it out, it's a very safe to use mouth rinse. However, as with all herbs, if you are on medication, are elderly, pregnant, or nursing, you should definitely check in with your doctor first.
At any rate, this is such an easy and simple recipe. All you need is about ten minutes of active time, then just wait about four weeks---and you will have the BEST homemade mouth rinse you've ever tasted or imagined! Best of all---it works!
Interested in learning more about using herbs for your health? Take a look at my school, the Healing Harvest Homestead School of Botanical Arts & Sciences. You’ll find some great herbal and natural living courses to get you started on your path!
One option in my school is The Confident Family Herbalist: A Complete Guide to Home Herbalism (which you own forever and comes with student support and additional live lessons twice a month where you can get your questions answered by me, personally).
You may also like these related articles:
Natural Options for Healthy Teeth, Tooth Pain, and Infection
How to Make Your Own Calcium Carbonate (And How to Use Calcium for Health)
How to Make Your Own Natural Tooth Powder
Enjoy!
Hugs, Health, and Self-Reliance,
Heidi
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Resources and The Science:
http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
https://www.healingharvesthomestead.com/home/2017/3/23/killer-toxins-lurking-in-your-soap-find-out-why-commercial-cleansers-are-terrible-for-you?rq=toxins
https://www.organics.org/listerine-kills-99-percent-germs-and-maybe-your-health/
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical doctor or dentist. In no manner, stated or implied, is any verbiage in this article or anywhere else I write or say, meant to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any medical condition or illness. Please seek advice from a qualified medical professional for health problems you have. These are just my personal opinions based on years of herbal study and experience.
,
Heidi Villegas, MA, CA, Herbalist
herbal mouthwash, mouthwash, mouth rinse, dental care, mouth and teeth care
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