How to get rid of garlic breath: 12 DIY Remedies

Do you love garlic but dislike the lingering smell it leaves behind on your breath? You're not alone! Garlic is a tasty addition to many dishes, but its odor is problematic. 

Sulfur compounds cause garlic's strong smell. These compounds can stick around in your mouth even after you finish eating. So, have you ever wondered how to get rid of garlic breath? Or how to enjoy garlic without bothering your friends away with your breath? This blog is for you. We'll take you through practical and effective strategies that will keep your breath fresh and let you savor garlic like never before.

What leads to bad breath after consuming garlic?

The strong smell of garlic breath happens because of certain things in garlic that have sulfur. When you cut or crush garlic, it releases something called allicin, which changes into different sulfur compounds that make your breath smell. One of these, called allyl methyl sulfide, is the smell that sticks around for a while. It not only causes bad breath but can also get into your blood and come out in your sweat and urine, making your whole body smell.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Garlic Breath

Here are some natural remedies to help get rid of garlic breath:

1. Chew Parsley leaves

Chewing fresh parsley leaves can help get rid of garlic breath because parsley contains natural compounds that combat strong odors. When you chew parsley, the chlorophyll, a green pigment in the leaves, helps neutralize the garlic odor. It acts like a natural deodorizer for your breath. This effect is temporary, but it's a simple and natural way to freshen your breath after eating garlic. 

2. Serve it with Spearmint

Adding raw mint leaves and lettuce to your garlic-heavy meals is a smart way to naturally fight garlic breath. These greens have special compounds that can help lessen the effect of the sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Mint has a fresh taste that can quickly make the strong garlic smell go away. For example, you can make a delicious meal by serving lamb and potatoes with a mint-rum sauce and some raw mint leaves. It not only tastes great but also helps with garlic breath!

3. Eat Raw Apples

Apples aren't just yummy and good for you; they can also help get rid of garlic breath. The enzymes in fresh apples don't just stop the fruit from turning brown when it's exposed to air, but they also help make the smelly stuff in garlic less smelly. If you eat some slices of raw apple, especially after you've had garlic, it can really help make your breath smell better. It's an easy and refreshing way to fix garlic breath!

4. Add Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is famous for its sourness but does lemon get rid of garlic breath? Yes, it can help with garlic breath. It works best when garlic is squished, stopping the alliinase enzyme from making a bad smell. So, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice into your garlic-filled food or have a glass of lemon water to make your breath better. It's a tasty and effective way to fight garlic breath!

5. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is famous for being good for your health, and it can also help you fight garlic breath. It's because of something called "polyphenols," like super-antioxidants in green tea. These polyphenols can help cover up the smelly stuff in garlic, but it depends on the kind of green tea you use. So, if you have some green tea after eating garlic, it not only makes your mouth feel fresh again but also naturally helps with bad breath.

6. Chew Gum

Chewing gum with a minty taste is a fast and easy way to hide garlic breath for a little while. Not only does it make your mouth instantly feel fresh, but it also helps your mouth get rid of any leftover food bits and bacteria by making you produce more saliva. Plus, chewing gum is a quiet and handy way to deal with garlic breath after you eat, so it's a useful fix!

7. Eat Herb Leaves

Chewing herb leaves, such as coriander, mint, and parsley, are an age-old remedy for garlic breath. Coriander, for example, cleanses the palate and helps mask unpleasant odors, making it a popular choice for garnishing restaurant dishes. Mint leaves have also demonstrated their ability to reduce garlic breath effectively. By incorporating these herb leaves into your meal plan, you can enjoy the fresh flavors they bring and reduce the lingering effects of garlic breath.

8. Try Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for garlic breath. Its natural acidity and antibacterial properties can help neutralize the odor. To use it, you can mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth and then spit it out. This can help reduce the lingering garlic smell in your mouth. 

9. Drink Milk

Consuming milk, especially full-fat dairy, with or after a garlic-heavy meal can significantly reduce the concentration of the taste of sulfur in a mouth that contributes to foul odor. The fats in full-fat milk are believed to be more effective at lowering garlic breath than fat-free milk. This remedy not only neutralizes the smell but also provides a soothing and refreshing post-meal experience.

Also Read: 4 Oral Hygiene Mistakes You Could Be Making

10. Chew Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice that can be useful for getting rid of garlic breath. It has a natural smell that can make your breath feel fresher. After you eat garlic, you can chew on a few cardamom pods or make tea using cardamom seeds. It also adds a nice and refreshing scent to your breath. A recent study depicted that cardamon showed great results on bad breath and gum disease because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

11. Remove the Garlic's Core

When preparing for a meal, you can take a proactive approach to reduce the risk of developing garlic breath. Cut each garlic clove in half and remove the garlic stem from the middle of the bulb before adding it to the dish. By eliminating the core of the garlic, you reduce the release of odor-causing compounds, thereby minimizing the impact on your breath.

Conclusion

Garlic is a fantastic ingredient that makes food taste better, but the way it makes your breath smell can stop some people from enjoying it. Luckily, with these natural tricks and advice, you can happily eat your favorite garlic dishes without being concerned about your breath. Good oral care, like brushing and flossing, and eating fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs can help reduce garlic breath. Give these remedies a try to see which one works best for you, and then you won't have to worry about garlic breath anymore.

Also Read: 13 Natural Home Remedies for Bad Breath