Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are a number of factors that can cause this type of condition, including throat and nasal infections, liver disfunctions, constipation, gum disease, poor digestion, low protein digestion or even smoking. Another indication of halitosis is a high amount of toxins in the body. For most people who have bad breath, a simple brush and floss can eliminate the horrendous smell. However, it's not that simple for those who have halitosis. But there are several natural cures that can reverse the problem of halitosis.
What is Halitosis?
The medical term for bad breath is halitosis; other terms used include fetor oris, stomatodysodia and ozostomia. What these terms boil down to is the unpleasant odor of a person's breath. The common causes linked to halitosis or bad breath is an extremely dry mouth, an accumulation of bacteria, gum disease, certain foods or plaque build up.
Chlorophyll and Halitosis
The green pigment of leaves and plants known as chlorophyll aids in fighting odors that cause bad breath. Studies have been reported to show a neutralization of odor that causes bad breath when chlorophyll is administered. Chlorophyll cleanses toxins in the bloostream and contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ways to receive sufficient amounts of chlorophyll is by drinking alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley or spirulina. These plants contain very high concentrations of chlorophyll and are available in juice and tea form. Another way to take chlorophyll is in tablet form, as a food supplement, liquid form or a chewing gum. Each of these methods allow chlorophyll to act as an internal deodorant which eliminates halitosis or bad breath with consistent use. Recommended dosage is one teaspoon of liquid or powder or three 100 mg tablets after each meal.
Parsley and Halitosis
Parsley is another effective herb used to cure halitosis. It is most effective in removing bad breath odors when several sprigs are chopped up and boiled. Through this process, the medicinal properties of parsley are transferred to the water.
Some people have been known to chew fresh sprigs of parsley after eating a meal. Or if preferred, the boiled parsley can be cooled and used as a gargle or mouth rinse.
Ayurvedic Therapy and Halitosis
A method of curing halitosis through the administering of medicated liquids is part of many Ayurvedic therapy sessions. The process involves the use of Kavala and Gandusha therapy in which sesame oil is swished or gargled in the mouth.
The use of medicated liquids in Ayurveda therapy have also been known to strengthen the root of the teeth and gums.
Other Methods to Reverse Halitosis
Some simple measures that can be taken in minimizing or even reversing halitosis can include the type of toothpaste and mouthwash used and avoiding the use of toothpicks.
When shopping for toothpaste, it is essential to look for products containing neem. Neem is antimicrobial and aids in cleansing and purifying the mouth. Using mouthwash containing plant derivatives such as eucalyptus, thyme and tea tree oil contain properties that effectively treat halitosis. The use of toothpicks is not recommended as it will cause the gums to bleed, thus worsening the condition of halitosis.
Having bad breath or halitosis can be embarrassing and humiliating. While it's not a condition that can be cured by simply brushing the teeth or flossing, there are many natural and effective remedies to reverse it. Incoporating natural remedies, from using chlorophyll to brushing in toothpaste containing neem or tea tree oil, can achieve the desired results of curing halitosis.
References
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166636.php , Medical News Today, October 2009, Nordqvist,Christian
http://www.naturalnews.com/027256_chlorophyll_bad_breath.html , Got Bad Breath? Try Chlorophyll for Halitosis, October 2009, Adams, Mike
http://vishnudass.wordpress.com/ , Ayurvedic Remedies for Receding Gums, February 2010, Vishnudass
http://www.diethealthclub.com/blog/home-remedies/cures-for-halitosis.html , Cures for Halitosis, May 2010
Demetria Head - Demetria Head is a Contributing Writer in Detroit, Michigan. Her areas of expertise include Health and Wellness, Visual and Performing ...
