|
|
| Back to the Table of Contents |
Focus on Herbs: Herbs
for Dental Health
|
by Lynne Latella
|
Tooth decay was a big
problem way back when before the introduction of fluoride and better
prevention products. In those days, herbal remedies were developed and
used to deal with tooth and gum diseases.
Before toothbrushes and floss were invented, chewing sticks, made from
certain kinds of plants, trees and shrubs with microbial properties
were widely used to stimulate gums and remove foreign substances from
the teeth. Shredded sticks and twigs used to massage gums and clean
teeth are still being used by some cultures today.
Now, there are so many commercial products that are recommended by
dentists to prevent decay, heal gum lesions and whiten teeth. But for
those people who prefer natural products instead of the chemically
derived alternatives, there are many herbs, foods and essential oils
that can be very effective. The Coop offers a full line of general and
specific tooth and gum products that support a healthy, happy mouth,
such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, chewing gum, herbs and essential oils.
Following are a variety of herbs and oils that have been traditionally
used to treat dental problems and support overall dental health.
• Bloodroot: Inhibits plaque and fights bacteria.
• Cinnamon Oil: Controls growth of candida, eColi and staph.
• Clove Oil: Relieves pain and infection.
• CoQ10: An effective remedy for pyorrhea.
• Echinacea: Useful in gargles and rinses for its antibacterial and
immune boosting properties.
• Essential Oils: Mint, fennel, thyme and sage stimulate blood
circulation.
• Garlic: Antibacterial properties fight infections and relieve pain.
• Ginger: Fights infections and interacts with other herbs to help them
absorb better.
• Grapefruit Seed: Contains anti-fungal properties.
• Goldenseal: Useful after tooth extraction; fights infections and
stops bleeding.
• Gotu Kola: Promotes healing through antimicrobial action.
• Marshmallow Root: As a poultice, relieves abscessed teeth and swollen
jaws.
• Myrrh: Stimulates white cell production, astringent and warming;
useful as a gargle for strep throat, laryngitis and pyorrhea.
• Oregano Oil: Has antibacterial properties.
• Plantain: Useful for abscesses and inflammation.
• Prickly Ash: Increases circulation, stimulates saliva, helps
eliminate coated tongue.
• Propolis: Stimulates new tissue growth and is effective against mouth
sores.
• Spilanthes: Increases saliva; has antiviral and antibacterial
properties.
• Strawberry Leaf: Helps spongy gums and tightens loose teeth.
• Thyme: Found in many commercial mouthwashes because of antibacterial
properties.
|
| Back to the Table of Contents |
|
|
|
