Mukhwas is a vibrant South Asian digestive aid that is frequently consumed as a mouth refresher, particularly after meals. It can be produced from various seeds, nuts, coriander, fennel, anise, coconut, and sesame. Due to the inclusion of sugar and several essential oils, including peppermint, they have a sweet flavour and are very aromatic. The seeds are sugar-coated and come in sweet and savoury varieties. The term combines the Sanskrit words mukh (mouth) and vaas (smell). After a large meal, mouth fresheners act as a quick remedy for reducing odour and fighting bad breath. Your kitchen cabinet likely contains a variety of natural mouth fresheners.
Here are some natural mouth fresheners you can consume-
Fennel (saunf)
Fennel or its finer counterpart, anise seeds, have long been advised by Ayurveda for its digestive, antioxidant, and carminative (flatulence/gas alleviating) characteristics. Fennel is a storehouse of minerals including copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium and is a surefire remedy for colic (in babies too). Zinc is known as an aphrodisiac since it stimulates sperm production and boosts libido. Copper aids in RBC formation, acting as a blood purifier. The presence of potassium controls blood pressure, enhancing heart health.
Green Cardamom
A common flavour enhancer, green cardamom is carminative. It also prevents gas and is thus an ideal condiment to be eaten after every meal. Cardamom is a superb expectorant in addition to reiterating the virtues of fennel in and of itself. It purges mucus accumulated in the bronchi and lungs, cleansing the respiratory tract. Chhoti elaichi is a natural diuretic essential for renal sufferers. It clears out nephrons of toxins, including urea, creatinine, and uric acid (functional unit of kidneys).
Mint
It is high in rosmarinic acid, which has the antioxidant properties to combat free radicals and inhibits the synthesis of leukotrienes' inflammatory chemicals. Thus, mint helps in treating asthma. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities that also work well to improve gut health. The menthol in peppermint generates a colon-comforting action, addressing conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Additionally, it promotes the production of prostacyclins, which keep the airways open for simple breathing.
Mint leaves/ Pixabay.com
Coriander seeds, which are present in practically all Gujarati mukhwas, are excellent breath fresheners. These are rich in fibre and may be found in almost every Indian kitchen to flavour curries, just like their other equivalents. However, what sets them distinct are the fatty acid components they include, such as oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, which make fat metabolism beneficial. Camphene, terpene, and linalool are among the essential oils that give it its powerful anti-depressant and anti-cancerous properties. It is a storehouse of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and vitamins C and B complex. Effective carminatives and mouth fresheners can both be found in coriander seeds.
Gulkand
Gulkand works well as a natural laxative and antacid (treats constipation). It serves as a shield against summer heat thanks to its natural cooling abilities, which reduce heat-related fatigue, itchiness, aches, and pains. Quite cool! The fact that it can prevent heat stroke and delay the occurrence of nose bleeding in sweltering summers adds to its ability to battle the heat. Additionally, a blood purifier, gulkand can reduce the occurrence of boils, whiteheads, and acne when taken daily. Roses are often associated with beauty, and gulkand preserves the purity of this flower to enhance both internal and external health.
