The Healthy Home Collection: Clove & Cinnamon Mouthwash

There is something so satisfying about making a simple everyday product yourself, especially when the ingredients are things you can actually recognize. This natural mouthwash is one of those recipes I came across after learning more about cloves and their traditional use in oral care. Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that has been studied for its antimicrobial and soothing properties, and essential oil mouthrinses have also been shown to help reduce plaque and inflammation.

This is not meant to replace brushing, flossing, or your regular dental care. Think of it as a simple addition to your routine.

-2 tablespoons whole cloves
-2 cinnamon sticks
-2 cups boiling water
6- drops peppermint essential oil

Place the cloves and cinnamon sticks into a clean glass mason jar and pour the boiling water over them. Let everything steep for a couple of hours or, preferably, overnight. The mixture should cool completely and become a deeper, darker color. Once cooled, strain out the cloves and cinnamon and stir in 6 drops of peppermint essential oil. Pour into a clean glass bottle and keep refrigerated. I like to shake the mixture before each use.

Because this recipe is water based and contains no preservative, refrigeration is important. I would use it within about 1 to 2 weeks and discard it sooner if you notice cloudiness, an unusual appearance, or an unpleasant odor.

This is where my makeup fridge comes in handy. However, this is rather new for me and I definitely would not enjoy having to walk to the kitchen every night for my mouthwash, let alone trying to remember. So I found two alternative methods that are worth exploring.

#1: ALCOHOL

Alcohol is commonly used as a preservative in commercial mouthwash because it can help inhibit microbial growth. Use vodka that is 40% to 50% ABV, or 80 to 100 proof. Never substitute rubbing alcohol.

For the same two cup batch, use:

-1½ cups boiling water
-½ cup vodka
-2 tablespoons cloves
-2 cinnamon sticks
-6 drops peppermint essential oil

Steep the cloves and cinnamon in the 1½ cups of boiling water. Allow it to cool completely, strain out the spices, then add the vodka and peppermint oil before bottling.

This version should last you 6 months to a whole year.

#2: TINCTURE

This is the longest lasting option and is a little different because there is no water involved.

Place the cloves and cinnamon sticks into a clean glass jar and cover them with 1½ cups of vodka. Seal the jar and store it in a dark cupboard for 2 to 4 weeks, giving it a gentle shake every few days. Strain out the spices and transfer the concentrated liquid to a clean bottle. Add the peppermint essential oil afterward.

Because this creates a concentrated extract, it should not be used straight. Instead, dilute 1 to 2 teaspoons in a small amount of fresh water immediately before rinsing.

I haven’t personally tried these last two methods yet, so consider them experiments rather than recipes I can personally vouch for. My original refrigerated version is the one I’ve actually made and used. Peppermint oil can cause irritation for some people, so stop using the rinse if it burns or doesn’t agree with you. Substitute with Spearmint, Tea tree, or skip the oil entirely for a mouthwash that is still incredibly effective.

For me, the appeal of this recipe is really just how simple it is. A few minutes of preparation can create something that feels much more intentional than grabbing another bottle off the shelf. Sometimes a healthier home is simply about becoming a little more curious about what we’re using every day.