If you turn around your mouthwash bottle you may realize that you are getting a mouthful of chemicals every time you use it in your mouth.
One of the most notable ingredients in commercial mouthwash is Ethyl Alcohol, can weaken the gums and oral cavity and put you at risk for oral cancers.
We already make our own toothpaste (not all of us – but some of us in our household!) which is really really easy to do (and inexpensive), but we went on a mission to toss the oral rinse this week as well and use our own DIY variety, which does just as well.
Why be Concerned with Mouthwash?
MOST of the popular rinse varieties out in commercial stores have ingredients that are toxic and unhealthy – sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates and parabens. They are also often times sweetened with artificial sugar (sucralose and sodium saccharin), which can lead to health problems like migraines.
In addition, you can also find synthetic colors in your mouthwash too.
MOST mouthwashes on the market, several of which are natural, are also alcohol based – 18 – 26% of the bottle contains alcohol that can lead to cancer of the mouth & throat. Although they may reduce your bad breath, long term they dry out your mouth.
To make our own oral rinse, we washed out our old NingXia Red Bottles from Young Living – they are glass, and perfect to use for an oral rinse.
Homemade Mouthwash
- Empty NingXia Red Bottle (cleaned out & washed well)
- 4 Cups of Distilled Water
- 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 7 drops of Thieves Essential Oil
- 7 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
To make:
Mix all ingredients together and tip the bottle gently to combine. Take a small sip, swish around for 30 seconds then spit out. Do not swallow.
Some other oils to consider are Clove Vitality and Wintergreen, too!
Find out how you can learn more about essential oils!
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