Herbs are an essential ingredient in a lot of common recipes. Their distinct flavors add a special touch to an otherwise unappetizing meal. But did you know that many of these same herbs can also be used to eliminate bad breath? It's true, most ordinary cooking herbs are actually being used in many parts of the world as a natural alternative solution to the all too common problem of bad breath.

Eucalyptus: Australian aborigines, who chewed the roots for water in the dry outback, first used Eucalyptus. Inhalation of the vapor of eucalyptus oil aids in treating mucus-producing illnesses such as, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and emphysema. The major constituent in eucalyptus leaves is a volatile oil known as eucalyptol Eucalyptus oil is said to function in a fashion similar to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucus, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as nasal congestion.

However, this herb is best avoided internally as it can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You should not use the oil for infants under two years of age even for inhalation purposes because there is a danger or airway spasm leading to stoppage of breathing, a potentially fatal consequence. Then again the oil may increase bronchial spasms in asthmatics and shouldn't be ingested by people with severe liver disease or any inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or kidney.

Thyme: This fragrant plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region of Europe and is extensively cultivated in the Untied States. The dried or partially dried leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally. Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant (thinning the mucus to allow for coughing out) actions. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as whooping cough. Due to the low toxicity of the herb, it has become a favorite for treating coughs in small children.

Though it is a herb which is fairly safe to use, do keep in mind that a heavy, spasmodic cough, specially in young children, may be a precursor to a more dangerous medical condition, and so do consult a medical practitioner to check for the same.

Myrrh: In ancient times, the red-brown resin of myrrh was used to preserve mummies. It was also used as a remedy for numerous infections, including leprosy and syphilis. Herbalists for relief also recommended myrrh from bad breath and for dental conditions. The three main constituents of myrrh are the resin, the gum, and the volatile oil. All are thought to be important in myrrh's activity as an herbal medicine. Myrrh also has astringent properties and has a soothing effect on inflamed tissues in the mouth and throat. Myrrh is generally safe if used as indicated.

Bloodroot: Native Americans employed bloodroot extensively in ritual and medicine. The dye was used as body paint. Sore throats, cough, rheumatic pains, and various types of cancer were all treated with bloodroot. Alkaloids-principally sanguinarine-constitute the primary active compounds in bloodroot. These are sometimes used in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products because they inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.

Side effects of Bloodroot can cause nausea and vomiting if taken in large amounts.

Caraway: This herb has been used medically for centuries. Its seeds help in digestion and also aid in easing colic pain, especially in children. It is a carminative; therefore it is used in helping gastrointestinal discomfort.

Caraway is generally safe for internal use. However, children should not use the purified volatile oil under two years of age, as oil from caraway and other herbs in the Umbelliferrae family can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.

Peppermint: Classified as a carminative herb, peppermint has been used as a general digestive aid and employed in the treatment of indigestion and intestinal colic.

Though peppermint tea is usually considered safe for regular drinking, the same cannot be said for peppermint oil which can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in some people.

Sage: Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb. Herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding used it. Internally, a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs-often used as a gargle.

A word of caution: extremely high amounts of sage can be a causative factor in convulsions.

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