The mouth is the very start of our digestive system yet it is often overlooked for its important role in our general health.  The famous Hippocrates quote ‘All disease begins in the gut’ applies also to the mouth and therefore staying on top of oral hygiene is vital for good general health. Herbs can be wonderfully useful for oral health and common conditions of the mouth such as teething and toothache, mouth ulcers and infections. Here are some remedies and recipes for oral herbal hygiene and common mouth conditions.

Toothache

For toothache consider acute doses of the potent pain-relieving herbs California poppy and Jamaican dogwood. These herbs have an analgesic action, particularly for nerve-generated pain, such as that experienced with the dreaded toothache. Clove essential oil can be applied topically to the gum for a numbing effect. An extract of Kava can also be used topically to help with pain relief in the mouth.

Infection 

Antibacterial herbs such as Echinacea, Sage and Thyme are indicated for mouth infections such as gingivitis or H.pylori. These herbs can be made into a mouth wash and swished around the mouth after brushing and flossing. Propolis, a natural resinous substance produced by bees can be bought in a liquid extract form and diluted with water as an effective antimicrobial mouthwash. Likewise, the resin known as Dragon’s blood (Sangre de Grado) can be used for its antiseptic properties in a mouthwash or throat gargle or applied directly to an infected tooth as a potent antimicrobial.

Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be stubborn and often reoccur during stressful times. It’s important therefore to address the underlying causes such as nutrient deficiencies and stress. For symptom relief and to prevent infection, consider an herbal rinse made from herbs such as Calendula, Chamomile, Licorice and Echinacea.  Propolis can also be useful to help the ulcers to heal fast due to its vulnerary action and to ease the pain associated with mouth ulcers as it also works as a local anaesthetic.

Sore throat

Spotting a sore throat early and using an herbal throat spray can help to prevent the infection from taking hold. A Propolis and Manuka honey throat spray is a wonderful addition to all household first aid kits as it is an easy way to administer antiseptics straight to the throat. 

Dried or fresh Sage and/or Thyme are also highly effective when used as a throat gargle. Make a strong herbal infusion using 1 tablespoon dried herb or 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped herb. Make sure you cover the infusion while it is brewing to avoid losing the volatile oils which have an antiseptic action. Add in ½ teaspoon of salt. Once the infusion has cooled a little, strain out the herb and use to gargle several times throughout the day. 

Teething

For the little ones getting their first or second teeth Chamomile can be of great comfort. Chamomile has a soothing and settling effect which can help children during teething pain. Chamomile extract can be added to milk or a cool chamomile tea can be given in a sippy cup. You can also create an iceblock out of Chamomile tea for your little one to suck on and help relieve pain and inflammation.

Licorice root sticks are also useful for teething children. Licorice is naturally sweet tasting and the herb is beautifully anti-inflammatory. The root comes in small sticks that baby can easily hold and really chew on to relieve the discomfort of teething. Always supervise your baby to minimise choking risk.

Teething

For the little ones getting their first or second teeth Chamomile can be of great comfort. Chamomile has a soothing and settling effect which can help children during teething pain. Chamomile extract can be added to milk or a cool chamomile tea can be given in a sippy cup. You can also create an iceblock out of Chamomile tea for your little one to suck on and help relieve pain and inflammation.

Licorice root sticks are also useful for teething children. Licorice is naturally sweet tasting and the herb is beautifully anti-inflammatory. The root comes in small sticks that baby can easily hold and really chew on to relieve the discomfort of teething. Always supervise your baby to minimise choking risk.

Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic tradition by which oil is swished around in the mouth to help to clean the teeth and enhance detoxification through the mouth. It also helps to whiten the teeth. To create your own oil pulling cubes, melt some coconut oil and pour it into an ice cube tray. Then add 3 drops of Tooth Tonic to each cube. Place the ice cube tray into the fridge to set. When you’re ready to oil pull, pop out a cube and melt in the mouth, swishing it between the teeth for at least 10 minutes before spitting in the bin (not down the sink!).

Have you discovered a great way to use herbs for oral hygiene? I’d love to hear it! Please feel free to share it with me by emailing [email protected]

Happy Herb Co provides referenced information for educational purposes only and does not make any therapeutic claims for any of their products.
Please seek advice from a healthcare provider if you wish to use herbs for therapeutic purposes. 

Also by The Happy Herbalist