Home made Mouthwash

Simple Clove Mouthwash
A little spicy, it may not be suitable for younger children. On the plus side, it will leave your mouth feeling quite fresh.

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  
• 1 cup boiling water
  

Makes 8 ounces.

Place cloves in a heat-proof container (such as a canning jar). Pour boiling water over cloves. Cover the container with a lid or plate and leave mixture to cool. Once cool, strain out the cloves and pour the clove-infused water into a clean container. Rinse mouth with approximately 1 teaspoon of the mixture. This mouthwash will keep approximately one week.

Parsley Mint Mouthwash
Parsley and mint are helpful in killing bacteria and freshening breath. Since this recipe includes a small amount of vodka, it will last longer than the simple clove mouthwash above.

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
  
• 1 cup distilled water
  
• 1 tablespoon vodka
  

Makes 8 ounces. Recipe adapted from Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for about 2 minutes (or until everything is mixed well). Pour through a strainer to remove any residual herbs. Pour into a clean jar and close tightly with lid. Rinse mouth with 1 tablespoon of mixture.
Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is not a mouthwash per se, but it is especially helpful for healing sore gums and ridding the mouth of bacteria.

• 1 cup warm water
  
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
  

Makes 8 ounces.
Mix together the warm water and salt. Gargle and rinse with the mixture.