How to Use Lavender as a Mouthwash

Lavender gets its name from the latin "lavare," meaning "to wash." Lavender is indeed an excellent topical cleaner for your house and a good additive to wash water for a clean floral scent. The plant has also proven to have antiseptic qualities and can be used to treat burns and other wounds. Another use for English lavender is to make a natural mouthwash.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Boiling water
• Dried lavender flowers
• Tea strainer
• Teapot
• All-temperature container for liquids

1. Boil tap or bottled water in a tea kettle or a saucepan. Use several cups at once in order to make a large batch of lavender mouthwash.
2. Measure 1 to 2 tsp. of dried lavender flowers for each cup of water you use. Place them in a tea strainer or tea ball. You can buy lavender at gardening outlets, as well as many natural food stores.
3. Pour the boiled water into a teapot that is meant for brewing tea. Put the tea strainer filled with lavender into the teapot.
4. Let the lavender infuse into the water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will make a potent mouthwash. If you prefer a weaker flavor you can shorten the brewing time as needed.
5. Take the tea strainer out of the pot when you have the desired strength of mouthwash. Discard the lavender flowers or spread them out to dry on a paper towel for later use.
6. Serve the lavender mixture hot as a tea at this point if you want. Lavender tea can be used to treat several common stomach ailments and to calm your nerves.
7. Put the mixture into a container that can withstand both hot and cold temperatures. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours before you use it as mouthwash.
8. Rinse your mouth with 1 cup of the lavender mouthwash after brushing your teeth. The homemade mouthwash kills bacteria, loosens plaque and makes your breath smell like flowers. It will soothe any canker sores you might have rather than irritate them, as commercial mouthwashes tend to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your physician before using lavender as a mouthwash or for other medicinal purposes. Herbal remedies can often interact with prescriptions and over the counter medications.
• When you begin to use lavender as a mouthwash or an herbal remedy, start in small doses. Some people have side effects such as constipation or headaches when they start to use lavender, especially in large quantities.