Bad Breath

Description

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant smell emanating from the mouth.

Symptom

The primary symptom of bad breath is a bad odor emanating from the mouth. The odor is not always detectable to the person who has bad breath. The smell is usually stronger when the person talks or breaths with their mouth open.

Trigger

Bad breath can have many causes. Internal health problems affecting the teeth, gums, throat, liver and gastrointestinal system can cause bad breath. Other factors include, smoking, consumption of sugary drinks, and not taking proper care of your teeth and mouth. If there is a bad smell, it is generally a sign that a problem or imbalance exists.

Holistic doctors can sometimes smell a patient’s breath and determine the cause of the bad odor. Particular smells can be indications of specific diseases. For example, a metallic odor may signify diabetes or an overactive metabolism. Sour smells may represent a stomach problem. White traditional physicians do not agree that halitosis might indicate an intestinal problem, holistic practitioners will frequently address gastrointestinal issues whenever treating bad breath.

Bad breath can also be attributed to sinus, tonsil or lung infections. Individuals who experience regular bad breath, abdominal bleeding and severe gas, may also be deficient in stomach acid. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Bad breath can also be symptom of constipation or sluggish bowels. If you are not moving your bowls at least 2 times per day, consider having a bowel-cleanse. If after attempting bad breath remedies, you still have halitosis, you may have parasites in your digestive system. See a doctor immediately if you think this is the case.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Peppermint, lavender, and cardamom essential oils may help cases of bad breath.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Triphala, an Ayurvedic herb, improves bad breath and helps balance GI disorders. Take one teaspoon with warm water, 30 minutes before going to bed. You can also eat roasted cumin, fennel, and coriander seed products after each meal to improve the smell of your breath.

Diet: Follow a whole foods diet and eat plenty of raw foods. Drink water with fresh lemon juice and chlorophyll before going to bed. Ensure your diet has enough fiber by eating plenty of bran products. Fiber helps remove toxins in the colon and thereby reduces bad breath. Additionally, be sure to chew your food well, don’t overindulge, and drink plenty of liquids.

Flower Essences: Use Crab Apple Essences to relieve stress and anxiety associated with bad breath.

Herbs: Chewing fennel or anise seeds as needed will mask the actual odor and also have a mild antimicrobial impact. Alternatively, chew cardamom seed products, parsley leaves, or other chlorophyll-rich plants such as tulsi and cilantro. Peppermint or bergamot tea can also be helpful.

Homeopathy: Arnica, Merc sol., Nux vomica, Kali phos., and Chelidonium are the most often used naturopathic remedies for addressing bad breath.

Juice Treatment: The following fresh juice combos can help relieve bad breath symptoms and help soothe the GI tract: Carrot and celery with parsley, spinach, watercress, alfalfa, comfrey, or beet; wheat grass juice; green liquid; and carrot, spinach, and cucumber.

Nutritional Supplementation: These supplements can be helpful in addressing bad breath, if it is related to infections or GI problems: Proteolytic enzymes, vitamin A, vitamin B complex (100 mg two times daily), vitamin C, thiamine (vitamin B1), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, carotene, acidophilus bacteria, digestive enzymes, magnesium, zinc oxide, and charcoal tablets.

Chlorophyll products (wheat grass liquid, chlorella, alfalfa tablets, and barley juice) act as a bloodstream purifier and may be effective in reducing as well as preventing foul breath.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. The following professional treatments have all proven to be useful for dealing with and relieving the symptoms of bad breath: Applied Kinesiology, Detoxification Therapy (bowel cleanse, parasite cleanse), Environmental Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Air Therapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See References for explanations of these optional therapies.)