By Katrina Mayer
Have you ever read the ingredient list on any popular brand of mouthwash? Well… I have and that’s why I never used them. I just don’t want to put all those chemicals in my mouth. But, sometimes it’s nice to have a minty taste on your tongue and fresh breath. One way I do that is by using my homemade toothpaste recipe. The toothpaste alone makes my mouth feel fresh and clean. And when I do want to use a mouthwash, it’s usually just straight hydrogen peroxide.
But, recently I read some really interesting information about the anti-cavity benefits of green tea. It seems that when you swish green tea around in your mouth it makes it harder for sugar to stick to your teeth, thus reducing cavities. Interesting. So, technically, according to several studies, you can use straight green tea as a mouthwash and experience fewer cavities.
In the recipe I shared below, I added a few more ingredients to the green tea for two reasons. First, they give the mouthwash more of a minty flavor than straight green tea. Second, they also have their own health and dental care benefits. Feel free to adjust the additional ingredients to your taste.
By the way, my husband Peter gave this recipe a big thumbs up. He loves the way it tastes!
So here you go. Here’s the recipe for all-natural, minty green tea mouthwash.
All-Natural Minty Green Tea Mouthwash
Ingredients:
4 cups filtered water (32 oz.)
2 bags organic gunpowder green tea
2 tsp. Xylitol (made in the US from birch trees)
20 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drops GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
Directions:
1. Boil the filtered water and add two tea bags to the hot water. Let steep for 10 -15 minutes.
2. Add 2 tsp. xylitol to the hot water so it dissolves easily.
3. Let the tea cool down.
4. Add your essential oils and GSE.
5. Place your mouthwash in a jar with a lid.
6. Shake jar, pour one ounce into a cup, put it into your mouth, swish for one minute and spit.
7. Smile and enjoy your fresh, minty breath!
By the way, I’m not sure if this recipe needs to be refrigerated. I made about a 1-2 week portion and prefer to keep it in the bathroom next to the toothpaste rather than in the refrigerator. If I find that it doesn’t last well sitting on the counter, I will post an addendum to my blog.
Before I leave you to create your new mouthwash, I want to share with you a few of the benefits of the other ingredients I used. Feel free to modify your mouthwash to suit your taste and also adjust if you have sensitivities to any of the ingredients I suggest. But, this is why I chose these particular ingredients:
Xylitol – Not only does xylitol add a little sweetness to the recipe, there are also studies that show that it has anti-cavity benefits. Sweet!
Peppermint Essential Oil – I love having minty breath. I go in the garden often and pick leaves from the mint plants just to chew on them. They not only taste great, but I’ve read that peppermint essential oil can help calm nerves. And often an upset or nervous stomach can cause bad breath. All in all, this ingredient is a win win!
Tea Tree Oil – Tea Tree Oil can be used for antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral benefits. It is helpful in treating bad breath and I’ve even seen studies where it helps with periodontal disease. This is a great ingredient to add.
GSE – Many natural mouthwashes add GSE. It is said to encourage fresh breath, healthy gums and get rid of harmful germs and bacteria.
So that’s it! Simple, right? Enjoy making your own mouthwash and let me know what other ingredients you decide to put in it. I’d love to read your creative recipes!
Many blessings,
Katrina
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