Sage Mouthwash: A 5-Step DIY Guide for Natural Oral Care

Discover how sage mouthwash can be your natural antiseptic solution for oral care. Read this easy DIY guide and embrace natural oral health today.

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage or garden sage, is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for its versatile applications in culinary endeavors and healthcare. This herb belongs to the mint family, which includes other herbs such as oregano, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme. Native to the Mediterranean, ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans revered this plant for its strong medicinal properties.

However, when it comes to dental health, it is specifically prized for its ability to reduce dental decay, combat bad breath, and address gum problems. But wait, before we begin exploring its many oral health benefits, let’s uncover why everyone loves the plant and learn more about the awesome things it can do.

What makes sage mouthwash so great?

Sage is a staple herb used in various cuisines across the globe. Due to its strong aroma and earthy flavor, it is typically used in very small amounts. Even so, this shrub is packed with various important nutrients and compounds that contribute to good health.

Sage is also used as a natural cleaning agent, pesticide, and ritual object in spiritual sage burning or smudging. This green herb is available fresh, dried, or in oil form; it has numerous health benefits, a few of which are listed below:

● Rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
● May reduce bad “LDL” cholesterol
● May support memory and brain health
● Blood glucose lowering effects, beneficial for diabetes
● May help ease menopause symptoms.

However, when it comes to natural oral care, as mentioned, sage has been a frontrunner for effectively addressing various oral health issues all by itself.

Come along now, let’s explore a little bit more about its many oral health benefits!

 What are the benefits of sage mouthwash?

Sage extract has been a part of natural oral care for centuries; in fact, it stands out as an age-old champion due to its potent antiseptic qualities and refreshing minty freshness. It can be used in the form of a mouthwash, which is a simple yet effective way you can incorporate this herb into your daily oral care routine. Below is an in-depth description outlining the numerous oral healthcare benefits it offers.

1. Natural antiseptic properties

With an impressive array of over 60 beneficial compounds and substances, sage deals with a variety of oral health concerns. Its strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties actively combat bacteria responsible for dental decay and inhibit the microbes that contribute to dental plaque build- up.

2. Combats bad breath

Sage helps combat bad breath by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with a refreshing, clean, and healthy smile.

3. Reduces gum inflammation

Its strong anti-inflammatory prowess helps reduce gum inflammation and aids in effective wound healing.

4. Natural astringent properties

Sage can act as a natural astringent, helping to tighten gum tissue and reduce any bleeding or swelling.

5. Easy and cost-effective DIY solution

Crafting your sage mouthwash at home offers a simple and budget-friendly solution, minimizing both expenses and unnecessary exposure to chemicals. Conventional dental hygiene products typically come in disposable plastic packaging and contain artificial colors, preservatives, and other additives that may prove to be harmful. By using readily-available sage leaves and basic ingredients, you can create an effective oral care product without the need for expensive and synthetic commercial alternatives.

What does research say?

Several studies have demonstrated sage’s effectiveness in fighting bacteria that cause cavities and gum problems. For instance, one study found that a mouthwash containing sage effectively killed Streptococcus mutans, a major plaque-causing bacteria leading to cavities. In another study conducted in a lab setting, sage-based essential oil halted the growth and spread of Candida albicans, a fungus associated with dental decay.

Furthermore, a review highlighted sage’s properties such as its ability to relax muscles, fight germs, and tighten tissues, suggesting its potential in treating various throat infections and mouth sores.

How to make sage mouthwash at home?

How to make sage mouthwash at home, you ask? Given below is a detailed DIY mouthwash recipe you can go through!

The ingredients:

● 5 oz. filtered water.
● 1 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
● 6 organic sage leaves

Step-by-step guide

● Place the sage leaves in a glass bottle.
● Dissolve the salt in 5 oz. of boiling water.
● Once dissolved, pour the water inside the bottle and shake gently to combine.
● Be careful not to burn yourself and let it cool.

How to use:

● Swish with approximately 1 tbsp of sage mouthwash for about 10-15 seconds.
● Use after brushing your teeth.

Potential side effects: what you should know.

Generally speaking, sage is considered safe with no reported side effects, especially when it comes to oral health. However, some people are concerned about thujone, a compound found in common sage that may be toxic to the brain and cause digestive issues.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with certain medical conditions, should be careful when using sage-based products and do so under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Also, if you’re allergic to sage or other plants in the Lamiaceae family, it is advisable to steer clear of it.

Rest assured, side effects are typically observed only with excessive consumption of sage, whether in the form of essential oils or tea, so there’s no need to worry.

Conclusion

Through its rich historical use and potent medicinal properties, sage mouthwash emerges as a winner in maintaining oral health effectively and naturally. From combating dental decay to soothing gum inflammation and addressing bad breath, sage mouthwash offers a holistic solution for oral care needs. With diligence and mindfulness, we can harness its potential to safeguard our dental health, alongside brushing and flossing, right in the comfort of our homes.