Mouthwash is something that almost everyone has in their home, but do you know what's actually IN that product you are swishing around in your mouth? Unless you've specifically sourced a natural product, chances are the ingredient list is NOT pretty. According to this article, "CERTAIN types of mouthwash increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke and are a "disaster" for health, scientists have warned." This article is referring to chlor­hexidine, an ingredient found in some mouthwashes that can kill helpful bacteria that help the blood vessels relax.

Other popular mouthwash ingredients include alcohol (dries the mouth and disrupts the natural pH of the mouth), sodium saccharin (sweetener, carcinogen, linked to bladder cancer in animals), artificial colors, benzoic acid (preservative and antibacterial agent, linked to allergies, asthma), and Poloxamer 407 (a detergent, linked to high cholesterol in mice). And that's just scratching the surface, as there are many other chemical agents found across different brands of mouthwash.

Aside from the chlorhexidine and toxins discussed above, many mouthwashes have a warning label that reads something like this:

Keep out of reach of children. If more than used for rinsing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away."

I don't know about you, but I don't like putting a product in my mouth that if swallowed requires a call to poison control! Which leads us to my super simple recipe for an all natural homemade mouthwash recipe you can make in about 30 seconds.

Homemade Mouthwash Ingredients:

1 ½ - 2 cups filtered water
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 drops Peppermint essential oil* (I only recommend this brand when you are putting it in your mouth!)

Process:

1) Combine ingredients into a glass bottle or jar and keep in your bathroom.
2) Use this homemade mouthwash after you eat something sugary or whenever your breath needs a little freshening!

*Note: It's important to always use therapeutic grade essential oils that don't contain additives and fillers! Especially when you are putting them in your mouth! I recommend buying high quality essential oils at wholesale prices. Learn more...

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