Definition

Offensive breath.
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Causes

Halitosis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. But other factors can include: gum infections or tooth decay, nose or throat infection, improper diet, constipation, excessive smoking, foreign bacteria in the mouth, liver malfunction, indigestion, and inadequate protein digestion. It may be a sign of poor health. Have a thorough checkup, see the doctor for consultation.
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Symptoms

Gums may bleed, blood on toothbrush, toothache, eruptions in the nose or mouth, soreness of tongue, coated tongue, beefy tongue.
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Nutrients

Chlorophyll, 1 tbsp. in juice twice every day (green drinks are one of the best ways to combat bad breath, chlorophyll can also be used as a mouth rinse (1 tbsp. to 1/2 glass of water)). Vitamin C, 2,000-6,000 mg. per day, is important in healing mouth and gum disease and in preventing bleeding gums. Acidophilus, taken as directed on the label, is needed to replenish the "good" bacteria in the colon. Insufficient "good" bacteria and an overabundance of harmful bacteria can cause bad breath. Alfalfa tablets or liquid, 6 tablets per day, or 1 tbsp. liquid in juice or water 3 times per day (chlorophyll cleanses the bloodstream and colon, where bad breath often begins). Garlic capsules, 2 capsules with meals and at bedtime, (odorless garlic acts as a natural antibiotic, destroying foreign bacteria in both the mouth and the colon). Bee propolis, taken as directed on the label, aids in healing the gums, aids in control of infection in the body and has an antibacterial effect. Vitamin A, 15,000 IU per day, is needed for control of infection and in healing of the mouth. Beta-carotene, 10,000 IU per day, is needed for control of infection and in healing of the mouth. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 50 mg. per day, is needed for all enzyme systems in the body. Niacin (B3), 50 mg. per day, dilates tiny capillaries for improved blood flow to infection sites.
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Herbs

• Apple
• Arnica
• Barley
• Bennet
• Bistort root
• Caraway
• Dill
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Gold thread (Huang-lien)
• Linden, European
• Musk-mallow
• Myrrh (Mu-yao)
• Oak
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Sage (Shu-wei-ts'ao)
• Senna, American
• Sweetgum
• Wheatgrass

Recommendations

Brush the teeth and tongue after every meal. Change toothbrushes every month to prevent bacteria buildup. Use dental floss and chlorophyll mouthwash every day. Go on a 5 day raw food diet. Eat at least 50% raw foods daily.
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Suggestions

A cleansing fast with fresh lemon juice and water is important. Also, it has been suggested that alcohol and soft drinks cause gases to be trapped in the cells of the body, when released they will cause bad breath.
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Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 242.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pg., 69.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 17, 208.
• Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, pgs., 46-53.
• Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pg., 224.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 45, 46.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 193-194.
• Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, pg., 718.

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