Do you know what’s in that mouthwash you just gargled with that you purchased at the store? Often it will include alcohol, along with a blend of chemicals that you’ve never heard of and aren’t sure how they impact your health. If you want to avoid those chemicals, an alternative that is better for your mouth (and body) and easier on your wallet is to make your own mouthwash. A bonus is most of the ingredients – if not all – are available online.
Here are some wonderful recipes for making your own mouthwash at home.
Super Citrus Oil Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of filtered water
- 2 teaspoons of calcium carbonate powder
- 1 teaspoon of xylitol crystals
- 10 drops of trace mineral liquid
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- 3 drops of wild orange essential oil
Instructions:
In a mason jar, or other similar container with a lid, stir together the xylitol crystals and the calcium powder. Add the essential oils and liquid minerals. Stir again to be sure everything is well combined. Add your water and stir. Close the lid and shake for 1 minute. That’s it! How easy was that?! You can find all these ingredients in your local natural or health food store or online. Store this in the refrigerator (it keeps for 2 to 3 weeks) and shake well before each use.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener proven to have a positive effect on tooth and gum health. It is recommended by many dentists and is now a popular ingredient in natural toothpaste, gum and mouthwash. It will also improve the taste and even the effectiveness of your mouthwash.
Three-Ingredient Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Add all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake very well. This can be kept in the bathroom and does not require refrigeration. Shake well before each use.
Simple Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1-part hydrogen peroxide
- 1-part filtered water
Instructions:
Don’t make a large batch of this solution. Try one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of water, for example. Mix in a ceramic or glass container (such as a glass or coffee cup) and use immediately. Swish in the mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Do not swallow, and do not save any extra solution.
Sweet-Smelling Essential Oil Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Best choices are cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, peppermint, or tea tree oil
Instructions:
In a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients and shake well. Always shake well before each use. This mixture will keep on the kitchen counter or bathroom counter forever.
Plaque-Fighting Turmeric Solution
Ingredients:
- 10 mg of turmeric extract
- ½ cup of water
Instructions:
Use 10 mg of turmeric extract dissolved in a little less than a ½ cup of water. A drop or two of peppermint oil can be added for flavoring; alternatively, you can just stir a little turmeric powder into warm water. Either will result in an outstanding mouthwash for treating inflamed gums and even relieving a toothache.
Since ancient times, turmeric has been used for remedying oral ailments, among other therapeutic applications too numerous to count. Studies have shown that using turmeric as part of a mouth cleansing solution can be more effective than a chemical mouthwash. The curcumin in turmeric acts to disrupt the cycle of dental plaque formation.
As with any mouthwash, be sure not to swallow during use. Happy gargling!
Sources: TheAlternativeDaily.com, DIYnatural.com, GreenMedInfo.com