Herbs are good for your overall health, easy to grow and thrive indoors year-round. But they can also have some surprising effects on your oral health. See how you can benefit from growing these three herbs.
Wellness + Nutrition
Growing herbs will make you smile
More than a dozen species of plants, including peppermint and spearmint, are part of the mint family. Mint is rich in nutrients — like vitamin A — and known for its overall health benefits, such as promoting good eye health and relieving indigestion.
Mint is good for your oral health. Chewing on fresh mint leaves may temporarily relieve bad breath. And, using mint in some recipes can help you cut down on cavity-causing sugar.
You can add fresh or dried mint to many foods and beverages. Use it as an ingredient in teas (see our recipe below!) and smoothies, infuse your water with mint, and sprinkle it on green salads or fresh fruit.
Sage is part of the mint family and is high in several nutrients. For instance, it contains vitamin K, known for its important role in bone health and blood clotting.
Sage is loaded with antioxidants that may help protect cells from diseases, including oral diseases. Research shows that antioxidants may play a role in wound healing and prevention of gum disease and inflammation.
There are many easy ways to add sage to your diet — garnishing soups, chopping the leaves into butter or mixing it with eggs in an omelet.
Another part of the mint family, rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Rosemary promotes good oral health because it contains calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral for your smile, as it strengthens enamel, helps prevent tooth decay and can even repair places where acids have damaged teeth.
Whether fresh or dry, rosemary is often used in chicken, lamb and egg dishes — or added to tea.
Keep your oral health in mind while gardening.
Not only can you reap the oral health benefits of the herbs you grow, but outdoor gardening is also good for your overall health because it’s a moderate form of exercise. Make sure to protect your oral health while gardening by:
• Sporting a wide-brimmed hat and using lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect yourself — including your lips — from sun damage and cancer
• Avoiding dry mouth by staying hydrated with water
• Preventing accidents like dental injuries by using extra caution with power tools
• Wearing gloves and washing your hands before eating or touching your mouth to avoid contact with bacteria and fungi
Brew mouth-friendly herb tea.
Enjoy the results of your green thumb with this tea made from mint, sage and rosemary. Whether you sip it hot or cold, this herb tea blend is good for your smile.
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons dried mint
1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 cup water
Directions:
1. Combine herbs in an airtight container.
2. Place 1 ½ teaspoons of tea mix in a glass.
3. Crush mixture with a spoon until aromas are released.
4. Add 1 cup of boiling water.
5. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
6. Strain tea into mug, discarding herbs.
7. Enjoy!
