Most people think gargling Listerine just kills germs and freshens breath, but new science reveals it does far more inside your body. When you tilt your head back and gargle, the vibration from your throat activates branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves—pathways that connect directly to your brainstem. This stimulation helps lower stress hormones, balance heart rate, improve digestion, and calm your entire nervous system.
The cooling oils in Listerine—menthol, eucalyptol, and thymol—activate TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth and throat. These receptors send sensory signals that boost alertness while toning the parasympathetic system, the part of your body responsible for rest and recovery. It’s a simple, powerful way to support nervous-system health in seconds.
For vagus-nerve stimulation and oral freshness, gargle with a small amount (about a tablespoon) of Listerine for 10–15 seconds. If it feels too strong, dilute it half with water. If your throat feels dry afterward, take a small sip of plain water to rinse—you’ll still get all the benefits without irritation.
Key Research References:
Porges SW. The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology. 2007 Apr; 74(2):116-143. [PubMed PMID: 17049418]
Tracey KJ. Reflex control of immunity by the vagus nerve. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2009 Jun; 9(6):418-428. [PubMed PMID: 19461672]
Butt H, et al. Menthol: pharmacology of a simple monoterpene. Physiological Reviews. 2020 Oct; 100(4):1679-1719. [PubMed PMID: 32772717]
Busch V, et al. The effect of transcutaneous vagus-nerve stimulation on heart-rate variability and stress. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2013 Dec; 7:210. [PubMed PMID: 24379803]
Your body isn’t broken—it’s brilliant. Sometimes the simplest daily habits hold the greatest healing power.
*****************************************
Please share this video with your friends and family. Wishing you and your family many Blessings! ❤️???????? Dr M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/motivationaldoc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationaldoc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivationaldoc/
The cooling oils in Listerine—menthol, eucalyptol, and thymol—activate TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth and throat. These receptors send sensory signals that boost alertness while toning the parasympathetic system, the part of your body responsible for rest and recovery. It’s a simple, powerful way to support nervous-system health in seconds.
For vagus-nerve stimulation and oral freshness, gargle with a small amount (about a tablespoon) of Listerine for 10–15 seconds. If it feels too strong, dilute it half with water. If your throat feels dry afterward, take a small sip of plain water to rinse—you’ll still get all the benefits without irritation.
Key Research References:
Porges SW. The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology. 2007 Apr; 74(2):116-143. [PubMed PMID: 17049418]
Tracey KJ. Reflex control of immunity by the vagus nerve. Nature Reviews Immunology. 2009 Jun; 9(6):418-428. [PubMed PMID: 19461672]
Butt H, et al. Menthol: pharmacology of a simple monoterpene. Physiological Reviews. 2020 Oct; 100(4):1679-1719. [PubMed PMID: 32772717]
Busch V, et al. The effect of transcutaneous vagus-nerve stimulation on heart-rate variability and stress. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2013 Dec; 7:210. [PubMed PMID: 24379803]
Your body isn’t broken—it’s brilliant. Sometimes the simplest daily habits hold the greatest healing power.
*****************************************
Please share this video with your friends and family. Wishing you and your family many Blessings! ❤️???????? Dr M
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/motivationaldoc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationaldoc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motivationaldoc/
- Category
- Medical
- Tags
- listerine, vagus nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve
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