DIY Dill Seed Mouthwash with Peppermint and Orange Peel

Dill is not just for potato salad and salad dressings! You can make your own Dill Seed Mouthwash quickly and easily, right at home. Whether you are looking to fight morning breath or periodontal disease, this homemade mouthwash using only gentle and natural ingredients is sure to become part of your family’s daily routine.

It sounds a little crazy, right? Using that same stuff you season fish with, as mouthwash? I thought so too. Until I did a little digging. Dill is actually in the same plant family as anise and fennel, so if you taste the seeds on their own, they have a similar sweet flavor. I actually thought the dill seeds on their own had quite a mouthwash-like zest!

According to Proactive Health, “Dill seeds are often called ‘meetinghouse seeds’ because they were chewed during long church services to keep members awake or kids quiet. The seeds were also chewed in order to freshen the breath and quiet noisy stomachs.” (Reportedly, Hippocrates made mouthwash with dill seeds).”

I hope you love this dill seed mouthwash. It is perfect if you are seeking an alternative to store-bought mouthwash filled with harsh substances that may do more harm than good!

Just a reminder that I am not a medical professional. I just love herbs, and this is something I made for my own personal use. Definitely check with your dentist about any dental concerns you may have. You can read my full medical disclaimer if you have any other questions.

Dill Seed Mouthwash Recipe

Try out this DIY dill, peppermint, and orange peel mouthwash recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor and herbal goodness.

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dill seed tincture (1:2 ratio of crushed dill seeds and high ABV grain alcohol of choice. I use Everclear.)
• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaf
• 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
• 2 cups of water

If you prefer to use fresh peppermint leaf or orange peel, simply double the amount.

I do not recommend swapping these herbs for essential oils, as they are not safe to ingest.

Optional Additions:

• If you have mouth sores: chamomile, calendula
• If you have a toothache: turmeric, clove

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details.

How to Make a Dill Seed Tincture

1.Crush the dill seeds lightly using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin.

2. Place the crushed seeds in a clean, glass jar.

3. Pour the alcohol over the seeds, making sure they are completely covered.

4. Seal the jar tightly and shake it well.

5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks, shaking it once a day.

6. After 6 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle.

7. Your dill seed tincture is ready to use. Store it in a cool, dark place and use as needed.

How to Make Dill Seed Mouthwash

Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY mouthwash using dill seeds, peppermint leaf, and orange peel.

Instructions:

1.In a small saucepan or tea kettle, bring water to a gentle boil.

2. Add your peppermint and orange peels and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain tea and remove from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

4. Add in 1 TBSP dill tincture to the mixture.

5. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or bottle.

6. Enjoy your Dill Seed Mouthwash!

Storage and Shelf-Life:

Store the mouthwash in the refrigerator and shake well before use. This should last for about a week. Discard any unused mouthwash after 10 days.

To Use:

To use, swish a small amount of the mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit it out. This mouthwash is gentle enough for daily use, if desired.

Potential Oral Health Benefits of Dill, Peppermint, and Orange Peel

Dill

While there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that dill seeds can specifically help with halitosis (bad breath), they may have some beneficial effects on oral health that could indirectly improve bad breath.

Dill seeds contain carvone, limonene, and phellandrene, which have antimicrobial properties that may kill bacteria that can cause bad breath. Additionally, chewing on dill seeds can help to stimulate the production of saliva, which can help to wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath.

However, it’s important to note that bad breath can have many different causes, including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, gum disease, sinus infections, and certain medical conditions. While dill seeds may provide some relief for mild cases of bad breath, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the problem to effectively treat it under professional care.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a common ingredient in mouthwash due to its natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It contains compounds like menthol, menthone, and limonene, which can help to kill bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath and gum disease.

In addition to its antibacterial properties, peppermint can also help to freshen breath and provide a cooling sensation in the mouth, which can be especially refreshing. It has a pleasant flavor that many people find appealing, which can also make it a popular ingredient in oral care products.

Peppermint and orange peel are anticariogenics that ward off cavities and reduce the rate of oral bacterial growth (information from The Herbal Academy Mastering Formulations Course).

Orange Peel

Orange peel is often used in mouthwash recipes because it contains natural compounds such as limonene and citric acid that can help to freshen breath and fight bacteria in the mouth. It also has a refreshing taste and aroma that can help to mask unpleasant odors. Additionally, orange peel is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help to promote overall health.

FAQs about Making DIY Dill Seed Mouthwash

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This post is made as a part of the Plant Wonder Collective, connecting the community to nature through food, drink, play, garden, medicine, magic, and art! Follow @plantwondercollective on Instagram for seasonal inspiration, celebrating a new plant each month!

If you make this recipe, tag me and share all your beautiful smiles with me on Instagram!

Looking for More at Home Herbal Remedies?

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