A wide range of measures are in place to contain the further spread of the coronavirus and keep it under control. Covering your mouth and nose and frequently washing and disinfecting your hands are now just as much a part of everyday life as observing social distancing rules. A recent study indicates that an antiviral mouthwash can protect against coronaviruses. Regular mouthwash can help to keep bacteria and even coronaviruses at bay. Find out what you need to bear in mind in this article.
Table of contents
1. what can you do for your health and that of others?
First and foremost, of course, is to strengthen your immune system. A healthy diet, exercise in the fresh air, sufficient time for rest and relaxation, healthy sleep hygiene and an optimal supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals are of fundamental importance. Observing social distancing rules and wearing a face mask on a daily basis has become a matter of course for most people. Protection against infection is also improved by preventing the excessive accumulation of aerosols in the air. You should therefore ventilate regularly - whether at work or at home, at parties or in classrooms.
2. antiviral mouthwash as protection against corona?
A recent study* provides evidence of the benefits of antiviral mouthwashes. The effective protection of mouthwashes containing alcohol in combination with antiseptic ingredients was demonstrated in vitro. Eight mouthwashes were tested. Three of them were able to significantly reduce the activity and infectivity of coronaviruses. This sounds interesting, but there is an unpleasant aftertaste: the mouthwashes tested contained preservatives, emulsifiers and colorants. In addition, the use of mouthwashes more than three times a day is controversial in terms of cancer risk**.
3rd DIY tip: make your own antiviral mouthwash
Our tip is therefore: use a completely pure and natural mouthwash without additives. However, as most commercially available products do not contain any additives, we recommend making your own natural mouthwash and mixing it as fresh as possible. Here is our recipe for a natural and antiviral mouthwash against coronavirus and other viruses - without any questionable additives, but with pure essential oils that have an antibacterial and antiviral effect:
- 70 ml water
- 20 ml alcohol (vodka, grain)
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
- 5 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 5 drops of lemongrass oil
- 5 drops frankincense oil
- 5 drops of lavender oil
All but the frankincense oil are included in our Top 6 Essential Oils Set - try it out.
Sources:
- * "Virucidal Efficacy of Different Oral Rinses Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2" in: The Journal of Infectious Diseases. JID 2020:222 Study available as PDF here (in English)
- ** Article on the EU study at www.dentalmagazin.de/news/eu-studie-viel-mundwasser-hoeheres-krebsrisiko
Further links on the topic:
- DIY recipe "Make your own skin-friendly disinfectant" - to the Casida blog post
Important note / disclaimer: As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
