This article is referring to the Original Listerine Mouthwash.
For over 100 years Listerine has been making an antiseptic mouth wash product.
Why is it so effective as an antiseptic?
Listerine contains essential oils as the primary active ingredients and alcohol.
Many people seem to think products with alcohol for mouthwash are not the best to use, well I love it. I know what alcohol is and it has been used in herbal and aromatherapy products for hundreds of years.
What I really like about Listerine as an herbalist, is that you can use it for so many things and find it all over the US and most of North America, so you can find it when you travel.
Listerine contains the following essential oils, eucalyptol (the chief constituent of eucalyptus oil), menthol (from the Mint family), methyl salicylate (menthol), and thymol (constituent in Thyme).
These essential oils and constituents have a long history and scientific documentation in reference to their antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of these essential oils and the stabilized base they are in it has a long shelf life, transportable and found all over making it an easy to use remedy when you need something for the following.
Sore Throat- You can gargle the mouthwash for sore throat, the menthol with soothe the pain, and the other ingredients will work on getting rid of the bacteria and fungal issues. You could also dilute the mouthwash with 50% water and use it as a throat spray.
Dandruff- This is an age old remedy, using Listerine. You can rinse your hair with Listerine and allow it to site for 3-5 minutes before a final rinse.
The thymol and eucalyptol are great for eliminating fungal issues. The fungus responsible is Malassezia globosa. You can also use it as a scalp toner if the scalp is really oily.
Cuts and Scrapes- If you are on the go, you can use Listerine to clean minor cuts and scrapes. The antiseptic qualities can be really beneficial for minor would cleaning.
Herpes- Listerine is often used to relieve some of the discomfort associated with an erupting herpes outbreak, being applied with a tissue over the affected area.
If you are treating the genitals, be very careful you do not put to much on at a time, stinging may occur. Seek proper medical attention for Herpes and Shingles.
Shingles- If you are suffering from shingles you may find Listerine compresses with really alleviate nerve pain, that has to do with the menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol. I have talked with people who found more relief with Listerine than any other Shingles remedy.
Pimples- You can use Listerine as a spot treatment for pimples. You can also use it on acne on the face, back, neck and buttocks. You can apply a compress or spot treat. If you have a larger effected area you can apply using a compress, made from a wash cloth.
Poison Oak and Ivy- Pouring Listerine over the effected area can ease the itch and discomfort. The essential oils work to sooth and cool the inflammation.
Psoriasis- Although scientists are not 100% sure what causes Psoriasis, it has been shown to be relieved by applications of Listerine in compresses.
Nail Fungus- Fill a bowl with Listerine and soak your nails in it 10 minutes a day until the fungus is gone.
Jock Itch- This can be painful and embarrassing. Using compresses of Listerine can assist in getting it under control. This is due to the anti-fungal properties.
Ringworm- Many people have found that ringworm can be taken care of with applications of Listerine.
Is Listerine 100% natural, well no, but it is easy to find, and easy to use for so many issues. You can find it all over, it is transportable and generally regarded as safe.
For the house you can use it as an antiseptic cleaner, add to cloth diaper loads, spray in stinky shoes, wipe down toilets and door knobs to prevent the spread of germs and so much more. Of course you can use it for bad breath.
