Six Tips to Boost Your Immune System
With so many people under the weather thanks to colds and the flu making their rounds I thought I’d share a few natural tips for staying healthy this winter. 1. Eat well. Your diet is the number one means by which you can build your immune system. It is a bit more challenging to find fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter but broccoli, greens, citrus fruits, and squash are a few that are readily available. More »
Shop Green
Shopping for eco-friendly products doesn\'t have to be stressful. Relax and visit our directory of green online retailers. More »
Use House Plants to Purify the Air in Your Home
You might be surprised to know that the air inside your home could be dangerous. In fact, our indoor air is often what causes common illnesses and ailments such as fatigue, asthma, skin conditions, learning disabilities, ADHD, digestive issues, infertility, obesity, and cancer. More »
Stop Wasting Food - It\'s Bad For the Planet and Your Budget
In our house very little food goes to waste. If leftovers aren’t eaten within two days they get frozen. Vegetables that are looking a little sad get thrown into a batch of pasta sauce or soup. If I don’t have time to whip up a batch of something with them then, most vegetables, I can just quickly chop and throw in the freezer (I almost always have frozen chopped peppers or broccoli in my freezer.) More »
Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
When it comes to colds and flu, there are two approaches: prevention and treatment. There are natural remedies for both of these approaches. Stock up on treatments and begin prevention now, and you should have a much more comfortable cold and flu season. Here are some ideas: More »
Natural Ways to Freshen Your Breath
I think that just about everyone worries about having bad breath at some time or another. I often wonder about it just because I work with the public, especially when I’ve forgotten and brought particularly spicy leftovers for lunch.
Brushing your teeth isn’t always enough to get rid of that garlicky odor and I’ve never been a fan of commercial mouthwashes. I can’t stand their artificial minty, medicinal taste and smell. I’ve never been a gum chewer either. Too much work for very little reward, not to mention that it’s really not good for you anyway. So what’s a girl (or boy) to do to get rid of bad breath? As long as your bad breath isn’t a sign of something more serious like gum disease or digestive problems then there are some very effective homemade solutions to help keep your breath smelling fresh. There’s nothing complicated about these natural breath fresheners, in fact most of them are herbs and spices that you probably already have in your kitchen.
1. Cardamom
This is a spice that contains cineole, which acts as an antiseptic. Chew a few seeds to make your breath smell spicy and clean your mouth.
2. Eucalyptus
A derivative of this familiar plant, eucalyptol, is actually used in commercial mouthwashes. It also contains cineole. Crush 1-2 ounce of the leaves and add them to a cup of vodka; steep for several days and strain out the leaves, or just leave the leaves in. Use as a mouthwash as needed to fight bad breath. If you can’t find eucalyptus leaves, the same method works using other herbs, such as any combination of spearmint, rosemary, ginger, lavender, peppermint, basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, or fennel.
3. Parsley
This popular herb contains a great deal of chlorophyll, which accounts for its breath-freshening capabilities. Next time you’re at a restaurant don’t ignore that sprig of parsley on your plate, it there’s for a reason, not just garnish.
4. Anise
If you like licorice, give anise a try. It is an ancient remedy for bad breath. You could also chew on the seeds, or make a decoction by simmering 3 teaspoons of anise seeds in a cup of water for 3-5 minutes. Cool, strain, and use as a mouthwash.
5. Dill
Like parsley dill is another chlorophyll-rich herb, drinking dill tea or chewing on a few dill seeds after a meal freshens breath.
6. Fresh mint
Growing mints in pots is quite easy, and nipping off a few leaves and chewing them helps to make your breath fresh.
7. Cloves
Chewing a few cloves will give your breath a spicy scent. Clove is also antibacterial, and clove oil is a traditional remedy for toothache.
What do you use to freshen your breath?
Resources
One of my long time favourite resources for natural remedies is The Woman’s Book of Healing Herbs. Also available at Amazon.ca
Organic herbs and spices are available online at Mountain Rose Herbs
