Herbs are an essential ingredient in a lot of common recipes. Their distinct flavors add a special touch to an otherwise unappetizing meal. But did you know that many of these same herbs can also be used to eliminate bad breath? It's true, most ordinary cooking herbs are actually being used in many parts of the world as a natural alternative solution to the all too common problem of bad breath.

Eucalyptus. This aromatic plant is native to Australia and was discovered years ago by the aborigines who used its roots as a source of water. Nowadays, the eucalyptus is most famous for the medicinal oil extracted from its leaves. This oil is widely used as a nasal decongestant because of its powerful effect on the nasal mucus receptors. Eucalyptus oil can also be inhaled in the form of vapor to alleviate symptoms of asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis or even emphysema.

The ingestion of eucalyptus is potentially dangerous to people who are suffering from liver conditions, acute and chronic asthma attacks, and disorders of the kidney, stomach and intestines. Commonly reported side effects of eucalyptus consumption are vomiting, queasiness, an upset stomach and frequent and very loose bowel movements. The use of eucalyptus, whether internally or inhaled, is strictly prohibited for very young children as it can cause severe spasms in the breathing passage.

Thyme: Found in the Mediterranean region and also cultivated in the United States, this sweet smelling herb is used in cooking. The dried or semi-dried leaves and the flowering tops are also used for their medicinal properties. It has anti-tussive (cough treating), anti-spasmodic and expectorant (thinning the mucus) actions which are of great help. Thyme can be used along or blended with other herbs like sundew and it is often used in Europe for treating dry, spasmodic coughs and also whooping cough. Because the herb is not toxic, it can be used safely with small children.

Despite this, you should still take extra care when administering thyme-based medications to very young children. Excessive dosages of this alternative medication can lead to complications in breathing.

Myrrh. This is an ancient aromatic resin used by Egyptians centuries ago in the preservation of their dead. Today, owing to its distinct fragrance, myrrh is primarily used as an essential ingredient of perfumes and incense. In the field of herbal medicine, myrrh is useful for the treatment of leprosy, syphilis and other major infections. Lately, it has been discovered that myrrh is excellent for several dental conditions that can inadvertently cause bad bread or halitosis. Besides keeping your breath fresh, myrrh can also reduce inflammation in the mouth and the throat.

Bloodroot: Native Americans employed bloodroot extensively in ritual and medicine. The dye was used as body paint. Sore throats, cough, rheumatic pains, and various types of cancer were all treated with bloodroot. Alkaloids-principally sanguinarine-constitute the primary active compounds in bloodroot. These are sometimes used in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products because they inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.

Bloodroot should be used with caution because it can cause nausea and vomiting if it is taken in large doses.

Caraway: The use of caraway as a medicinal agent has remained unchanged for centuries. Caraway seeds not only promote digestion but also ease the symptoms of children suffering from digestive colic. Caraway belongs to a class of herbs called carminatives, which are plants helpful in easing gastrointestinal discomfort.

There are practically no side effects to consuming caraway in moderate amounts. However, the oil extracted from this herb must not be used on infants and children two years old and younger as this can cause some minor allergic reactions.

Peppermint: Classified as a carminative herb, peppermint has been used as a general digestive aid and employed in the treatment of indigestion and intestinal colic.

Although relatively safe for most people, the oil derived from peppermint can be too potent for some individuals, causing minor gastrointestinal complications.

Sage: Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb. Herbalists externally to treat sprains, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding used it. Internally, a tea made from sage leaves has had a long history of use to treat sore throats and coughs-often used as a gargle.

Sage is safe to use if taken in the prescribed doses, but excessive internal use can lead to seizures.