Listerine Active Ingredients Are All Herbal Essential Oils

While Listerine has a brand impression that implies the product contains specially designed ingredients that fight plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, the active ingredients in Listerine are simply the essential oils from herbs that people have been using for centuries for medical purposes. Far from cutting edge science, anyone could easily make their own antiseptic mouth rinse that is just as effective with a respectable herb garden and a bottle of vodka. Here is a quick run down of the herbs that are used as active ingredients in Listerine.

Thyme

The essential oil of thyme contains the active ingredient thymol, a chemical that is very soluble in alcohol and has strong antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In fact, thymol's ability to ward off fungus and bacteria made it one of the chief preparations that the ancient Egyptians used in preserving their mummies. Today, thymol is regularly used as a preservative, an antiseptic and an ingredient in mouthwashes like Listerine. Bookbinders sometimes apply a preparation containing thymol the inside of book binding to avoid mold, and the compound has limited psychoactive properties that have some abuse potential.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptol, the active ingredient in the essential oil of eucalyptus, is also a beneficial herbal ingredient contained in Listerine. This organic compound has a refreshing camphor aroma and a pleasant and cool taste. Like thymol, it is not soluble in water but very soluble in alcohol. Eucalyptol is an effective cough suppressant, and inhaling the fumes of eucaplytus oil provides temporary relief from many symptoms of the common cold and sore throat. Due to its pleasant aroma and taste, it is a commonly used to flavor foods and enhance fragrances, but the compound is toxic at high doses.

Mint

Menthol is widely used organic compound produced from a variety of mint plants that is an effective local anesthetic and easing the irritation of body tissues, such as the symptoms of a sore throat. When applied to the skin, inhaled or eaten, it creates a pleasant cooling sensation by triggering the same part of the brain that is triggered by capsaicin to cause a burning sensation. The list of applications for menthol is wide and varied, but a few of the more common uses include flavored cigarettes, cough medicines,Vicks Vaporub and first aid products to create a cooling feeling when access to ice and electricity is limited.

Wintergreen

Methyl salicytate is the fourth and final active ingredient in Listerine. This organic compound is found in many different types of plants, but it is most commonly attributed to the wintergreens. Like the other active ingredients, it is quite toxic in high doses, and the fact that methyl salicytate can cause kidney and stomach problems is one of the main reasons that mouth wash comes with instructions to contact poison control if a high amount is accidentally ingested. Other commercial applications for methyl salicytate include antiseptics, attracting certain bees and a variety of laboratory applications. It is also included in certain Lifesaver mints and is the triboluminescent ingredient that combines with sugar and to create flashes of light when chewed or crushed in a dark room.