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Having slices of raw onions with some meals, especially in Indian households, is a common practice. And when it comes to dishes like lasooni murgh, pav bhaji, and more, the extra touch of garlic enhances the zinginess of the dish a notch higher to make it tasty. But the odour of your breath is what can become unbearable after relishing these delicious meals. Having said that, these are not the only reasons for bad breath. If you have an upset stomach or are suffering from indigestion or bad gut health, they could cause bad breath as well.
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Bad breath can sometimes make social interactions uncomfortable, but the good news is that it's easy to address. Indian herbs and spices like fennel seeds, cardamom, coriander, mint, cinnamon, and cloves offer a natural and effective way to maintain fresh breath while also enhancing overall health.
Packed with antifungal, antibacterial, and aromatic properties, these ingredients not only add delightful flavours to your meals but also provide a simple solution for keeping your breath fresh and pleasant.
6 Indian Spices And Herbs To Eliminate Bad Breath
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds, also called saunf, are one of the oldest herbs. It is not only best for digestion but also if a small amount of fennel seeds is chewed after a meal, then it can leave your mouth feeling refreshed. The natural oils in these tiny seeds have antibacterial properties that help kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause unpleasant odours.
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Cardamom
Cardamom, also known as elaichi, is another spice renowned for its strong flavour and pleasant aromas. Along with cooking and baking, it also has many benefits related to oral health. The essential oils in cardamom have antimicrobial properties, making it a perfect mouth-freshening formula. Chewing cardamom pods or using cardamom powder in your tea can help combat mouth odour.
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Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is more than a culinary herb. It acts as a natural deodoriser, which not only freshens the breath but also aids in digestion. Chewing a few leaves or adding them to your daily meals like salads can be an effective way to freshen your breath.
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Mint
Mint, also named pudina in Indian households, is a well-known herb with a refreshing taste and is commonly used to freshen breath. Additionally, it contains menthol, which provides a cooling effect that can make your breath feel fresh and clean. Mint also has natural antibacterial properties that help fight the bacteria causing bad breath. You can consume mint leaves by chewing them directly or using them to make a refreshing herbal tea.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a delectable spice commonly called dalchini, contains essential oils that have antimicrobial effects, which can help eliminate the bacteria in your mouth. Cinnamon sticks can be chewed, or you can use cinnamon powder in your tea or other delightful dishes. Its sweet and spicy flavour can provide long-lasting fresh breath.
Cloves
Cloves are well known in Ayurveda for their powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The strong, aromatic oils in cloves also help mask the unpleasant smell. Chewing on a clove can instantly freshen your breath by killing bacteria that cause bad odour.
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Carom Seeds
Ajwain or carom seeds are often used in Indian cooking for their aroma and digestive benefits. These seeds can help fight bad breath by reducing the bacteria in your mouth and aiding digestion. Chewing on a few ajwain seeds can help neutralise mouth odour and improve overall oral hygiene.
