Top 20 Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath Relief

Bad breath, or halitosis, can dim your confidence. Nature’s finest herbs, such as tulsi, or ginger, bring a natural solution to keep your breath vibrant.

With their aromatic and cleansing powers, these time-tested remedies promote a clean, confident mouth. Step into the world of herbal freshness with our guide below.

Herbal natural remedies for bad breath

Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), a Mediterranean herb, is prized for its fresh, vibrant flavor as a garnish or spice [8]. Packed with chlorophyll, vitamins C, K, and A, and essential oils, it helps neutralize odors [9].

Chewing fresh parsley leaves after meals can freshen breath by combating sulfur compounds [9]. Parsley supplements offer a convenient alternative [9]. However, consume in moderation, as large amounts may slow blood clotting or pose risks during pregnancy.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), a Mediterranean staple with a sweet, licorice-like flavor, have been used since ancient times in Eastern traditions [18]. Rich in essential oils like anethole and fenchone, they provide a burst of freshness [18].

Chew raw, roasted, or sugar-coated seeds—known as “mukhwas” in India—after meals, or try fennel oil in natural toothpastes [9,18]. Pregnant women should avoid excessive amounts or essential oils, and sensitive skin may react to fennel [18].

Anise Seeds

Anise seeds, valued since antiquity, offer a sweet, licorice-like flavor that freshens breath [9]. Their aromatic essential oils deliver a cleansing effect [9].

Chew them plain, roasted, or sugar-coated after meals, often combined with fennel seeds in traditional practices [9]. They’re a simple, natural way to maintain oral freshness [9]. Use in moderation, as no specific safety concerns are noted for typical consumption [9].

Green Tea

Green tea, made from steamed Camellia sinensis leaves, is a time-honored choice for oral freshness [3,2].

Its polyphenols, like EGCG, and flavonoids provide a clean, invigorating aroma [3]. Drink two to three cups daily during meals, swish it as a rinse for 15 minutes after brushing, or try catechin-infused chewing gum [2,3].

In-vitro studies suggest catechins neutralize odor compounds, showing deodorizing potential [3], but these are limited to lab models, requiring human studies for broader insights. No safety concerns are noted for regular use.

Mint

Mint (Mentha species) is celebrated for its cool, refreshing aroma, thanks to menthol, polyphenols, and flavonoids like luteolin [6,8]. Chew fresh mint leaves, sip peppermint tea, or use mint-infused mouthwash for instant freshness [2,6].

Pairing mint with green tea enhances its breath-freshening effect [9]. In-vitro studies show mint’s antibacterial promise, though human research is limited [6]. Avoid excessive peppermint oil, which may irritate skin or hinder iron absorption [6,8].

Cardamom

Cardamom, a fragrant spice from ancient traditions, freshens breath with its aromatic compounds and chlorophyll [2].

Chew green cardamom seeds after meals or use them in herbal mouthwashes for a pleasant, clean scent [2]. It may also promote saliva flow, supporting oral moisture [2].

A 2019 study by Daneshi et al. explored cardamom’s benefits in supplements, suggesting potential for oral care despite not focusing on breath [13]. No safety concerns are noted for typical use [2].

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a beloved spice in traditional practices, is valued for its warm aroma and natural breath-freshening qualities [2]. Its key compound, cinnamic aldehyde, gives it antiseptic properties that support oral hygiene [2,5].

People often chew cinnamon sticks, sip cinnamon tea, or rinse with cinnamon and warm water—sometimes adding lemon juice—for a refreshing effect [2].

One user shared that after struggling with persistent bad breath despite regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, switching to brushing with just cold water and chewing on cinnamon sticks instead of gum made a dramatic difference.*

They found that conventional products with fluoride, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners were drying and irritating. After changing their routine, their breath improved, their tongue cleared up, and their dentist even noted better oral health.*

While cinnamon shows promise, especially anecdotally, human studies are limited [5]. Use pure cinnamon oil with care, and always in moderation [2,5].

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), a beloved spice from Indonesia, has long been used in traditional medicine to combat odors [2,10]. Rich in gingerol, flavonoids, and essential oils, it delivers a warm, aromatic scent [10].

Use ginger by gargling with a 2-6% extract solution or applying it to gums for a freshening effect [10]. Its antibacterial properties may support oral cleanliness, with studies showing a 6% extract most effective, though human-focused research is limited [10].

No specific safety concerns are noted for typical use, but moderation is advised [10].

Lemon

Lemon, a vibrant citrus fruit, has been used in traditional medicine to combat unwanted odors [2]. Rich in vitamin C, organic acids, and limonene-packed essential oils, it delivers a crisp, clean scent [2,16].

Chew a small piece of fresh lemon peel, add lemon juice, honey to a warm cinnamon mouthwash, or use lemon essential oil (LEO) as a rinse for instant freshness [2,16].

Its antibacterial properties and saliva-boosting effects support oral cleanliness, with in-vitro studies showing LEO reduces odor-causing compounds, though human research is limited [16]. Rinse after use to remove residual sugars [9].

Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a Mediterranean-native herb, is prized for its role in traditional medicine to combat odors [2,17].

Its seeds and leaves contain linalool-rich essential oils, flavonoids like quercetin, and the antibacterial compound dodecenal [17].

Chew fresh coriander leaves, add them to dishes like curries, or use its oil in mouthwashes for a sweet, refreshing scent [2,17].

Its aromatic and antibacterial properties support oral freshness, with in-vitro studies showing inhibition of bacteria like E. coli, though human research is limited [17]. No specific safety concerns are noted for typical use [17].

Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), a fragrant herb, is cherished in traditional practices for its ability to combat odors [2]. Rich in antimicrobial compounds like coumarin and flavone derivatives, it supports a clean mouth with its aromatic qualities [2].

Use thyme in tea, as a mouthwash, or in toothpaste for a refreshing effect. Clinical studies on thyme mouthwash suggest potential for oral freshness, though focused on antimicrobial effects.

Use sparingly, as excessive amounts may cause dizziness or stomach discomfort, and avoid if allergic to oregano.

Savory

Savory, a fragrant herb used in traditional medicine, is valued for its ability to combat unwanted odors, often alongside herbs like clove and ginger [2].

Packed with aromatic compounds and antibacterial properties, it supports oral freshness [2].

Use savory by incorporating it into pleasant herbal mouthwashes for a refreshing rinse [2]. Its essential oils may target odor-causing bacteria, with in-vitro studies showing effects against microbes like Escherichia coli, though human research is limited [2].

Betel leaf

Red betel leaf (Piper crocatum), a tropical herb, is valued in traditional Southeast Asian practices for its odor-fighting qualities [15].

Rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and essential oils like eugenol and caryophyllene, it supports a clean mouth [15].

Use its decoction as a mouthwash for a refreshing effect [15]. In-vitro studies show its ethanol extract’s antimicrobial effects against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting potential for oral care, though human research is limited [15]. Avoid overuse [15].

Marigold

Marigold (Calendula officinalis), a vibrant annual herb with golden-orange blooms, is cherished in traditional medicine for combating unpleasant odors [8,2].

Its antiseptic properties help maintain a clean mouth, promoting fresh breath and a pleasant oral environment [8].

Prepare a soothing mouthwash by steeping marigold flowers in warm water, then rinse to refresh your mouth and support oral hygiene [8]. Rooted in folk remedies, marigold’s natural compounds create a clean, invigorating sensation [8,2].

Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica), known as the "Divine Tree" in Indian tradition, is a key part of Ayurveda due to its cleansing and antibacterial properties [12]. Rich in flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, neem supports oral hygiene and fresh breath.

Traditionally, people used neem sticks (daatoon) for brushing and tongue cleaning—“chewing the end to brush, then bending it to scrape the tongue,” as one Reddit user shared.*

Others also used mustard oil with salt or charcoal for oral care. These practices, along with diets low in sugar and reliance on natural fluoride from groundwater, contributed to better oral health.*

While neem shows antimicrobial action against dental microbes, more human-based studies are needed [12]. Avoid crude neem seed oil, as it may be toxic [12].

Tulsi / Holy basil

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), a cherished Ayurvedic herb, is celebrated for its ability to combat odors and promote a fresh, pleasant breath [1,2].

Packed with eugenol, polyphenols, and flavonoids, its antimicrobial properties help maintain a clean mouth, reducing unpleasant odors [1]. 

Chew fresh tulsi leaves after meals for an instant burst of freshness, or use dried leaf powder to gently cleanse teeth [1].

A tulsi-infused mouthwash, made by steeping leaves in warm water, delivers a soothing rinse that supports oral hygiene and leaves the mouth feeling revitalized [1].

Rooted in centuries-old folk remedies, tulsi’s aromatic compounds create a clean, refreshing oral environment [1,2].

Guava leaf

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical plant valued in traditional medicine for oral hygiene [11].

Its leaves are packed with flavonoids like quercetin, tannins, and essential oils, known for their antibacterial qualities [11].

Chew tender guava leaves or use a mouthwash made by boiling dried leaves with turmeric and cloves for a fresh, clean mouth [8,11].

Though no studies on animals or humans confirm, guava leaf extracts combat Lactobacillus acidophilus, showing potential for breath freshness, with strong in-vitro evidence of antibacterial activity supporting its traditional use [11].

Miswak (Salvadora persica)

Miswak, crafted from the Salvadora persica (arak) tree, is a traditional chewing stick revered as a natural toothbrush in pre-Islamic and Islamic cultures [14].

Packed with fluoride, tannins, and resinous compounds, it boasts strong antibacterial qualities [14].

Chew the end to create fibrous bristles, then gently rub on teeth to clean [14]. It freshens breath, whitens teeth, strengthens gums, and supports oral hygiene [14].

Overuse may damage gums or shift teeth, so use moderately and avoid inappropriate places like bathrooms [14].

Origanum Vulgare, Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), a prized culinary and medicinal herb, is known for its strong, pleasant aroma [7].

Its essential oil, rich in carvacrol and thymol, boasts potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties [7]. Use oregano in herbal mouthwashes to refresh your breath [7].

A clinical study showed oregano mouthwash reduces odor as effectively as chlorhexidine, thanks to its antibacterial action, though further human studies are needed [7]. Those allergic to oregano or related herbs like thyme should avoid it [7].

Illicium Verum, Star Anise

Star anise (Illicium verum), a fragrant spice shaped like a star, is treasured in culinary practices, often blended with clove, cinnamon, or citrus peel for rich flavors [4].

Though specific chemical components are not detailed, its aromatic profile delivers a sweet, licorice-like scent that freshens the mouth [4].

Chew a few seeds after meals to invigorate breath or add them to hot drinks with lemon and sugar for a soothing, aromatic rinse [4]. Its pleasant flavor helps mask odors, creating a clean, refreshing sensation in the mouth [4].

Conclusion

Maintaining fresh breath naturally is both simple and rewarding with the array of herbs like parsley, fennel, and star anise, each offering unique aromas and cleansing properties.

These time-honored remedies can complement daily oral care routines, helping you feel confident with a clean, refreshed mouth.

For best results, incorporate these herbs thoughtfully—chewing fresh leaves, sipping herbal teas, or using natural mouthwashes.

Alongside these, prioritize regular brushing, flossing, and hydration to support oral hygiene. Embrace these natural allies as part of a holistic approach to keeping your breath fresh and your smile bright every day.