Halitosis - Causes and Cures Pt. 2

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As mentioned previously, halitosis is usually caused by a variety of minor factors such as diet and improper oral hygiene. In the large majority of cases bad breath can be traced to gases produced by bacteria in the mouth. Contributing factors include accumulation of food within pockets around the teeth, at the back of the tongue, or in small pockets in the tonsils. If debris continues to collect in these pockets, the result is gum disease (gingivitus). A good herbal recipe is as follows--

* 2 parts white oak bark herb powder
* 1 part myrrh gum herb powder or granules
* 3/4 part Peppermint leaves converted to powder
* ½ part anise herb powder or seeds
* 1/8 part clove - powder

If herbs and leaves are not in powder form, grind them in a coffee grinder. Place the mixture into a small container. I usually use a small unused vitamin bottle. Use this once a week in place of toothpaste. Spit it out after brushing, but do not rinse. The remaining herbs are killing bacteria and can be swallowed.

Sloughed off skin cells from the mouth and diminished saliva flow can add to the smell. Mucus in the sinuses can also aid the growth of bacteria. Conditions are most favorable for odor production during the night and between meals.

There are occasions when chronic bad breath can be a sign of more severe health problems within your body. Diabetics, for instance, will often have chronic bad breath due to the high level of glucose, or sugar, in their blood stream. When the blood sugar level goes too high, this can be quite dangerous because the blood becomes acidic.

Keeping the blood sugar at lower levels, and preventing them from severe spikes can help alleviate the bad breath problems. This will also help resolve a myriad of other diabetes-related problems, and the blood sugar levels can often be controlled with dietary changes and the use of certain herbal supplements.

Another cause of chronic bad breath is liver problems. A poorly functioning or damaged liver can cause breath because when the liver is not functioning properly, the entire body suffers from excess toxins, wastes, and bacteria not being filtered out very well. There is also a rare form of liver failure known as Fetor hepaticus (breath of the dead) which can contribute to chronic halitosis also.

If bad breath is caused by liver problems, you're probably experiencing various other health issues as well. Some indications of liver problems include constipation, acne, skin rashes, and skin eruptions or plaques known as psoriasis. Of course you should consult a physician, but liver problems can often be treated with a change in dietary habits, and there are many herbs which can help cleanse and tone the liver too.

Certain types of respiratory and bronchia infections can cause bad breath. Infections need to be treated before they turn into something more severe, and safe alternative remedies exist in the form of herbal antibiotics. Garlic is one of the most powerful for fighting infections, and Golden Seal is another. Echinacea is an excellent herb to use--specifically for glandular and lymphatic infections.

Metabolic dysfunction is another more serious health condition which can cause chronic bad breath. In addition to weight gain, moodiness, and fatigue, a depressed immune system makes you more susceptible to bacteria, germs and diseases.

Herbs which help boost your body's metabolism include Kelp, which is high in natural iodine and helps regulate your thyroid. General herbs which are very high in vitamins and minerals are excellent resources for metabolic problems too, and these include herbs such as parsley and Alfalfa.