It happens to the best of us, the dreaded Bad Breath Blues when there’s no mint in sight and you’re not at home to do a quick brushing of the teeth. Maybe you had a tasty garlic dish for lunch or your mouth tastes funky after all that coffee you drank…whatever the reason, you want a quick fix.

You can remedy the problem with these simple, all-natural ingredients (chew them for best results).

Seeds:

  • Anise: A couple after each meal, helps with digestion too.
  • Cardamom
  • Fennel
  • Dill: Masks the odor.

Other:

  • Cinnamon sticks: Break off a small chunk to nibble on, helps kill the bacteria in your mouth.
  • Cloves: All you need is one! Has antibacterial properties that help get the job done.
  • Parsley: (chew well) There’s a reason why many restaurants add a sprig of parsley for garnish .

In a pinch and you don’t have any of the items listed above? Squeeze juice from a lemon into a glass of water and sip. If you’re dining out, request ice water with lemon wedges and sip after your meal.

Homemade Mouthwash/Spray: Add 5 cinnamon sticks to 1 cup of water, cover and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes then remove from heat. Strain out the cinnamon, carefully pour into a glass mason jar and allow to cool to room temperature (uncovered). Once it’s cool, seal with a lid and use as needed by rinsing your mouth with the mixture. You can also carry in a small spray bottle and spritz as needed.

Another recipe to try:

3 cups boiling water
3 tsp fresh peppermint leaves
2 tsp fresh coriander
1 tsp anise seeds

Mix all ingredients, cover and let sit for 25 minutes. Once cool strain the liquid and bottle in a sterilized jar.

Tip: Be prepared! If you work for a company that doesn’t allow chewing gum, or you don’t want to find yourself caught again without mints to save the day…several of the items above can be kept in a small sealed packet that will fit in your wallet (the spices will last for at least a year and a little goes a long way).

If you suffer from chronic foul breath that isn’t caused by smoking or diet choices, consult a doctor since you could be suffering from dental issues or another physical problem.

via  tipnut