Dear Bob Liebert,

My beautiful, intelligent, loving children all have terrible bad breath. Brushing their teeth doesn't really help (still not fresh and clean smelling and gets worse fast). They have no cavities and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables (although our diet also includes meat about once a day and white sugar in tea and other foods....no koolaid and soda on rare occasions). Do you know what the problem could be? I feel badly for them, it is hard to be affectionate with a dragon breath friend or loved one. Please help.

Sincerely,
Melanie

Dear Friend,

Figuring out the cause would make an herbal approach easier. Some common causes: teeth and gum problems such as plaque build-up (flossing, antiseptic rinses, see our Mouthwash/Gargle Formula); low-grade infection of gums mouth or throat (Echinacea); hyperacidity of the digestive tract or general sluggishness of bowels, kidneys, liver. If the skin or sweat is strong smelling as well, would be an indication that the channels of elimination are sluggish. A few drops of Calamus (sweet flag) with a regular dose of Fennel extract would help acidity and most digestive difficulties; Dandelion Root would be a good one for liver, kidneys, possible constipation. Since all the children suffer from it, teeth and gums, diet and any digestive or constipation problems would be worth looking at. Cutting out sugar and adding more whole grains to the diet wouldn't hurt.

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.