DIY Herbal Mouthwash Recipes

Using natural ingredients in oral care can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. Many of the conventional oral care products available in the market today contain harsh chemicals and artificial sweeteners that can be harmful to our bodies. Natural ingredients, on the other hand, are free from harmful toxins and can help promote healthy gums, teeth, and fresh breath.

Why Make Your Own Mouthwash?

Making your own mouthwash has several benefits that can improve your oral health, save money, and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals found in conventional mouthwashes. Here are a few benefits of making your own mouthwash:

1. Customization: When you make your own mouthwash, you have the freedom to customize it according to your personal preferences and needs. For instance, you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste, allergies, or oral health concerns. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs, essential oils, and natural sweeteners to create a mouthwash that works best for you.
   
2. Natural Ingredients: Most commercial mouthwashes contain a wide range of synthetic chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives that can be harmful to your health. By making your own mouthwash, you can use natural ingredients like herbs, essential oils, and natural sweeteners that are free from harmful toxins and promote oral health.
   
3. Cost-Effective: Making your own mouthwash can save you money in the long run. The ingredients used to make mouthwash are often inexpensive and can be easily found at your local health food store or online. Additionally, homemade mouthwash can be made in small batches, so you don't have to worry about wasting money on large bottles of mouthwash that may expire before you finish using them.
   
4. Eco-Friendly: Making your own mouthwash is also environmentally friendly. Most commercial mouthwashes come in plastic bottles that contribute to plastic waste and pollution. By making your own mouthwash, you can use glass bottles or other eco-friendly packaging options that can be reused or recycled.

Overall, making your own mouthwash can be a simple and effective way to improve your oral health, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. By using natural ingredients, you can avoid harmful chemicals and customize your mouthwash to meet your specific needs.

4 DIY Herbal Mouthwash Recipes

The following recipes are quick and easy to make and contain just a handful of ingredients. Each recipe incorporates herbs or essential oils to create a healthy homemade mouthwash that’s you’ll enjoy using. 

Manuka and Proplois Mouthwash 

This recipe incorporates the antibacterial and antiseptic benefits fo manuka and propolis. 

Ingredients

1 cup distilled water

1 tablespoon vodka

2 drops manuka oil

4 drops propolis tincture

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. NZ fine sea salt

½ tsp. Stevia extract or xylitol, optional for added sweetness

Makes 8 ounces.

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a glass jar or bottle. Cap with lid and shake to blend. Rinse mouth with 1 tablespoon of mixture.

Calendula Spearmint Hydrosol Mouthwash

This mouthwash is made using hydrosols. It comes together in less than a minute! Feel free to switch up the hydrsols and use others you have on hand or that suit your needs. 

Ingredients

¼ cup calendula hydrosol 

¾ cup spearmint hydrosol 

½  tsp whole leaf stevia tincture (optional)

Directions

Measure hydrosols and stevia tincture into a glass measuring cup and pour into a clean glass jar or bottle. Cap with lid and shake gently to combine. 

Use within 1 month.

Sweet and Spicy Herb-Infused Mouthwash Concentrate

The beauty of this recipe is that it does not contain water, so will last for many months! That said, it does take a little pre-planning as you’ll need to let the herbs and spices infuse for a few weeks before the mouthwash is ready to use. 

Ingredients

1 tsp whole cloves 

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp dried orange peel

8 oz vodka 

Directions

Place cloves, cinnamon, and orange peels into a clean glass jar. Add vodka and stir the herbs to ensure all are well covered. 

Close tightly with lid. Store in a cool dark place for 3-4 weeks. 

Once infused, strain the herbs through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheescloth. Pour into a glass jar or bottle. 

To Use

Mix approximately 1/4 teaspoon of concentrate with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Swish around the mouth for approximately 30 seconds.

Mouthwash with Essential Oils

¾ cup distilled water

⅛ cup vodka

5 drops spearmint or peppermint essential oil

½ teaspoon whole leaf stevia tincture (optional)

Directions

Measure water and vodka into a glass measuring cup with spout. Add essential oils and stevia tincture, if using. Stir to combine. 

Pour into a a glass bottle and cap tightly. Shake well before using.