Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be a persistent and embarrassing issue that affects many individuals. While mouthwashes and chewing gums offer temporary relief, they often mask the problem rather than addressing its root cause. Chinese herbal remedies, deeply rooted in traditional medicine, provide a natural and holistic approach to combatting bad breath. In this blog post, we'll explore how TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) approaches digestive upset and symptoms of bad breath.
Understanding the Holistic Approach
TCM has a whole-body approach to everything and bad breath is no exception. Two key areas of focus in TCM, modern Naturopathy and Nutrition are gut health and liver function, as these play pivotal roles in overall well-being.
- Gut Health and Bad Breath
The health of the digestive system is closely linked to oral health. According to TCM principles, a healthy digestive system ensures proper assimilation of nutrients and elimination of waste - a clean system
- Liver Function and Bad Breath
In TCM, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood in the body. When the liver's function is compromised or congested and overloaded (for example, think poor digestion, indigestion and fatty liver concerns) it can lead to Qi stagnation and heat in the body. This can manifest as bad breath.
TCM Treatment Principles: Qi Stagnation and Damp Heat
A fully qualified TCM Practitioner will assess the patient and look for a dominant pattern. The main ones regarding bad breath being:
- Qi Stagnation
When the flow of Qi is blocked or stuck, it's often due to stress, poor diet, or sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to various health issues and symptoms of digestive upset such as halitosis.
- Damp Heat
Damp heat in the body is often associated with symptoms like inflammation, excess mucus, and a strong, unpleasant body odour, including sweat and breath.
The Chinese Herbs to clear heat and stasis
Here's a few of the herbs a Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner may prescribe in a custom formula for bad breath:
Chinese Skullcap (Huang Qin, 黄芩)
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- It helps soothe irritation in the oral cavity, making it an excellent choice for combating bad breath caused by inflammation or infections.
Coptis Chinensis (Huang Lian, 黄连)
- Antimicrobial properties.
- It can be highly effective in treating bad breath caused by bacterial overgrowth in the mouth.
Peppermint (Bo He, 薄荷)
- Peppermint is a widely recognised herb for its refreshing and breath-freshening properties.
- It has a cooling effect on the Liver (in TCM theory).
Forsythia Suspensa (Lian Qiao, 连翘)
- Clears heat and toxins from the body. By reducing inflammation and harmful bacteria, it may help symptoms of bad breath.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao, 甘草)
- Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- It helps soothe irritations in the throat and mouth.
Chinese Green Tea (Lu Cha, 绿茶)
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins. They help fight bacteria and neutralise unpleasant odors.
- Regular consumption of green tea can contribute to improved oral hygiene and fresher breath.
How to seek professional help with Herbal Medicine
Embracing the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine can provide a natural and effective approach to combatting bad breath. These Chinese herbs offer a holistic solution by addressing the underlying causes rather than simply masking the issue. However, it's important to consult with a fully qualified and AHPRA registered Chinese Medicine practitioner before incorporating these herbs into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
I'm a degree-qualified Acupuncturist and Practitioner and have over 20 years experience. You can make an initial consultation here if you're on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
References:
- Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
- Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.
- Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Chinese Herbs. Pocket Books.
