My seven-year-old nephew's obsession with chewing gum prompted his father to do a bit of research on how to get him off this obnoxious habit.
With unnatural additives, artificial colours and tonnes of sugar, a chewing gum is not your child's best friend. So why not ask them to embrace Indian desi mouth fresheners instead?
In fact, clinical nutritionist and dietician, Nidhi Tayal, also lists these 5 desi mouth fresheners as not only loaded with freshness but also with nutrition in her column.
5 desi mouth fresheners that are also good for health
#1 Fennel or saunf
For centuries, this herb has been used in our homes for its digestive, gas relieving and antioxidant properties as well as its aromatic flavour. In fact, it's goodness doesn't end there.
Here's why this should be your child's go-to and not the gum:
- Packed with minerals, iron, calcium, copper (blood purifier), potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
- Known to have vitamin A, B complex, vitamin C and E
- Rich in antioxidants and also curbs degenerative neurological disorders, as well as stomach infections
- Binds dietary fibre to bile salts and in turn helps to lower bad cholesterol levels
#2 Green cardamom or chotti elaichi
A popular herb at home, we all use it as a flavour enhancer in cooking or even to prevent gas. In fact, its a must after a meal as a mouth freshener, so you don't have to search for one when you have chotti elaichi at home. But it has other goodness too.
Chotti elaichi is also known to relieve the nose from mucus. But there are these other benefits as well.
- Cleans the respiratory tract by removing mucus which is built up in the lungs
- Ayurveda recommends chhoti elaichi as a must for kidney patients since it is a natural diuretic (relieves gas)
- Removes uric acid from the body and clears nephrons (functional unit of kidney)
- Carries out anti-spasmodic action and relieves aches and pains, good for girls who have severe menstrual cramps
- Rich in fibre, manganese and even calcium
Continue reading to know about the next ingredient you thought could not be a desi mouth freshener.
#3 Mint or pudina
Mint or pudina can also be substituted for chewing gum as a desi mouth freshener, simply because it has too many benefits not to. Apart from its aromatic power, pudina is also packed with essential minerals and substances that keep the body healthy.
Here are a few to change your mind to convert this aromatic herb into a mouth freshener.
- Contains rosmarinic acid, a substance that is extremely beneficial in curing asthma
- Has antioxidant abilities that can neutralise free radicals and also block the production of inflammatory chemicals
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that maybe effective in enhancing gut health
- Packed with menthol which induces bowel-comforting effect, thus treating constipation and even irritable bowel syndrome
- Also nutritionally rich in minerals, vitamins and as mentioned, antioxidants
#4 Cloves or laung
A very common type of spice that is easily available at all homes also doubles up as a great desi mouth freshener. Many people also make clove oil which is used to relieve toothache. But there is more to this small spice than just this.
Here are some more benefits of clove that make it an ideal mouth freshener. However, one must remember that it should be taken in moderation since its natural nature is to make the body warm.
- Clove or laung and its oil if taken together can help you relieve nausea since it relaxes the gastro intestinal tract
- Curbs sinusitis as it opens the nose and lungs due to its aromatic nature
- Provides a safety coat of mucous on to the stomach and throat, which reduces acidity or flatulence
- Acts as a natural insulin and lowers the blood sugar level thus keeping diabetes at bay
- Reduces acne, keeps skin clear and has antiseptic properties, thus keeps the skin infection free
#5 Coriander or dhania seeds
Coriander seeds make for a great mouth freshener. That's because it has a great flavour (because of which we add them to our curries) but they also have great acidic properties that are good for health and out mouth.
Here is why we think coriander seeds should be considered as a great substitute of chewing gums.
- Its fatty acid contents including linoleic acid,oleic acid, and palmitic acid make fat metabolism easy
- Essential oils liketerpine, camphene and linalool makes it an effective anti-depressant
- Also known to be anti-cancerous in nature because of its oils
- Packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and even manganese
- Also packet with vitamin C and B complex
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