2. Peel the ends and put them in an enamel, glass, corning ware or stainless steel pot, add 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks and 10 whole cloves, cover with purified water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a medium simmer, cook until the sticks are rehydrated and slightly tender (2 or 3 hours).

3. Put the pieces carefully - flat on their sides - into a shallow container and cover with brandy. Put a lid on the container and let them soak for 24 hours.

4. After soaking, take them out of the brandy and let them dry completely (during this process, the alcohol in the brandy will evaporate and go away).

Store the dry roots in a covered glass jar (Ball or Mason canning jars work great). Just make sure the sticks are completely dry inside and out or you will invite mold and spoilage. You can air dry or use a food dehydrator for the process.

Before you brush the pet's teeth, soak the end for a short time in hot water, this will soften the bark. Or it can be soaked in a medicinal tea for dogs or cats with gingivitis. A tea can be made from Sage or Propolis and/or Calendula to be used as an herbal mouth wash. The end can be dipped frequently while brushing the dog's teeth, to bath and medicate the gums with the liquid. Work the frayed end massaging the teeth, between the teeth and the gums. Most pets love chewing bark and sticks, so this makes the experience far more natural for them.

You won't even need to use a pet toothpaste, since all the necessary ingredients are in the root. It tastes like sweet, spicy candy and will really freshens the dog's or cat's breath.

General Mouth Care

Licorice root is a excellent for the mouth: It promotes anti-cavity action, reduces tartar, and has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Uses

The natural root or twig toothbrushes can be used many times. When the end wears or becomes dirty just cut it off and peel the bark and begin a new end to work with.

Sage

After brushing your dogs teeth, rub fresh Sage leaves, over the teeth and gum line, it will cleanse and strengthen the teeth and gums. Sage is a common ingredient in tooth-powders. Sage is particularly tonic and stimulating to the gums and mucous membrane in the mouth.

Dietary Supplements

Sometimes dietary supplements are needed to protect and heal the gums. Vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin E), and antioxidants like CoQ10 are often prescribed to promote gum health.

Resources

To purchase dried, untreated licorice or marshmallow roots we recommend Pacific Botanicals. Their herbs are of unsurpassed quality.