Natural Remedies for Bad Breath and Body Odor
Big businesses want you to think the only way to treat many of your physical conditions is with expensive pills and creams.
But I know you love unconventional home remedies that save money and work just as well as the treatments you can buy over the counter So, here are two more, both for conditions that some people find a little embarrassing to talk about.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can result from anything from drinking coffee to dry mouth to acid reflux. Most cases result from an excess of bacteria in the mouth.
Home remedies include:
- Antibacterial herbs such as cinnamon, cloves and sage that break down odor-causing bacteria. Add them to your favorite dishes, or make a mouthwash by mixing with water.
- Raw produce. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables scour bacteria from teeth and gums. They can also reduce acid reflux and increase saliva production.
- Apple cider vinegar removes bacteria from the mouth and reduces stomach acid. Rinse twice daily with apple cider vinegar, or drink it diluted in warm water or tea.
Body Odor
Smelling bad is a fast way to repel others, but it can be difficult to detect your own smell (the same reason why some people wear too much perfume or cologne).
If you’re concerned about the health risks of traditional antiperspirants, there are several natural remedies you can try at home:
- Vinegar. Wipe vinegar under your arms after a shower on unbroken skin (and not if you’ve just shaved your underarms). Test on a small area first for any reaction.
- Witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural anti-bacterial substance. It costs just a couple of bucks for a big bottle, and you can use it the same way as vinegar.
- Baking soda and cornstarch. Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and apply to clean, dry underarms. The baking soda neutralizes odor, while cornstarch absorbs excess moisture.
Word to the Wise
While these remedies have proven to be helpful, please contact your physician if your condition continues or you believe it to be serious.
There is a reason you may have bad breath. Not brushing your teeth is first on the list. Next, you have a medical condition that comes from your stomach and no matter what mouthwash you use you still have that condition. Then you have a tooth that is in decay. For the last two scenarios, you will need to see a doctor and a dentist, respectively. The above remedies are good for a temporary fix for these medical conditions but a doctor and dentist will be quick to help you discover what you have and provide you with a plan of attack to fix your problem.
Frank,
Got your email wondering why I hadn’t bought the home size water purifier.
The good Lord still has me moving about Canada and the USA in ministry functions.
I joke about being homeless and living in my car but it’s not far away from that.
Thus the water purifier – which will be one of my first purchases when I get my own home – now just won’t fit and operate in the back seat of my 2008 Sonata. So I am working with the blue purification bottle and the straw you just sent me.
Blessin’s,
Dave aka Bear
Hope that bottle and straw have been working out well for you, Dave.