You may think of cranberries and sage as fall mealtime ingredients – but they are so much more than that! I love both of these medicinal plants, and try to find as many ways as I can to incorporate them into my diet and health practices in the Fall and Winter. Give this mouthwash a shot – cranberries have been shown to help prevent plaque build up in the mouth, and may prevent tooth cavities. Sage mouthwash has been found to significantly lower Streptococcus mutans (SM) which causes dental plaque.
Step one: Make a sage infusion 1 cup water 1 TBS chopped sage • Boil water, add sage, turn off heat and cover until liquid reaches room temperature. Strain. Compost herbs.
Step two: Make cranberry juice 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1 cup water In a large pan, combine and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes, or until the cranberries are softened, and the majority have popped. Strain well through sieve or nut milk bag, to get as much liquid from the cranberries as possible. Compost berries – or better yet, put them out for the critters and birds!
Step three: Make the mouthwash Add to sage infusion: • ½ cup unsweetened cranberry juice • 1 ½ TBS baking soda Stir well. Bottle and refrigerate up to one week. Store or shake well prior to use, swish several mouthfuls after you finish brushing your teeth.
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