There are various reasons for bad breath and bitter taste in the mouth, and they are generally caused by factors related to internal heat. Bad breath and bitter taste caused by internal heat can be relieved by drinking herbal teas or medications with clearing heat and detoxifying properties. Additionally, foods such as dandelion water, honeysuckle water, and reed rhizome porridge can also be consumed for relief. For bad breath and bitter taste caused by other reasons, dietary adjustments can be made, such as consuming salted fish head tofu soup, cucumber porridge, or seaweed.

Salted Fish Head Tofu Soup

The salted fish head has a sweet taste and a clearing heat effect, while tofu is cooling and effective in clearing heat and detoxifying. This soup is beneficial for relieving symptoms such as oral ulcers, swollen gums, bad breath, and constipation.

Ingredients:

• 1 salted fish head
• Several pieces of tofu
• 1 slice of ginger

Instructions:

• Wash all the ingredients.
• Cut the salted fish head into pieces and lightly fry it.
• Place the fried fish head and ginger in a pot.
• Add enough water and boil vigorously for about half an hour.
• Add the tofu and continue boiling for 20 minutes.

Reed Rhizome Porridge

This porridge is specifically effective for treating bad breath caused by dry tongue or swollen gums.

Ingredients:

• 30 grams of reed rhizome
• 50 grams of rice

Instructions:

• Wash the reed rhizome and place it in a pot.
• Add enough water and boil vigorously for 15 minutes.
• Strain the liquid and discard the solids.
• Add the rice and cook it into a porridge.
• Consume 1 dose daily on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Visible results can be expected after about 5 doses.

Seaweed

Seaweed can help eliminate bad breath. Recent studies have found that seaweed contains substances that effectively eliminate odors. Its odor-eliminating effect is three times stronger than that of flavonoids, which are currently used as inhibitors of bad breath. Therefore, regular consumption of seaweed can help eliminate bad breath.

Cucumber Porridge

This porridge is specifically effective for treating bad breath and dry tongue caused by excessive liver fire or internal dampness.

Ingredients:

• 50 grams of cucumber
• 100 grams of rice

Instructions:

• Peel and slice the cucumber.
• Cook the cucumber and rice together in a porridge.
• Consume as desired.