Focus
on Herbs: Herbs for Dental Health
by
Lynne Latella
In the good
old days, the care of teeth was relatively unsophisticated. Before the
advent of
toothbrushes, people used herbal chew sticks to massage the gums, clean
the teeth
and floss. These sticks were twigs of trees and shrubs with
anti-microbial
properties. Fortunately, today we can choose from an entire array of
dental
products that not only clean teeth, help eliminate tooth decay and
freshen the
mouth, but also whiten teeth.
The Coop
carries a line of products that may be effective with a number of
dental
issues. Developed by a dentist, James Harrison,
the Nature’s Answer Perio line offers products that
can be used
for a variety of conditions or simply to support existing good dental
health.
Additionally, the Coop routinely offers a variety of toothpastes,
mouthwashes,
chewing gum and other herbal preparations to address specific concerns
and
provide a means to promote healthy teeth and gums. Naturally, good
dental
health begins with a sensible diet devoid of processed and highly
sweetened foods.
Following
are some herbs and oils that are traditionally used to treat dental
problems.
• Bloodroot
– Inhibits plaque and fights bacteria
• Cinnamon
Oil – Controls growth of candida, eColi, staph
• Clove
Oil – For pain and infection
• CoQ10 –
Indispensable for pyorrhea
• Echinacea
– Antibacterial; useful in gargles and rinses
• Essential
Oils, such as the mints, fennel, thyme and sage – Stimulate blood
circulation
• Garlic
– Antibacterial; fights infections; kills pain and slows the
infection
• Ginger
– Fights infections; interacts with other herbs to help them
absorb better
• Grapefruit
Seed – Antifungal properties
• Goldenseal
– For infection, stops bleeding, is useful as a wash after
tooth extraction
• Gotu
Kola – Promotes healing; antimicrobial action
• Marshmallow
Root – For abscessed teeth and swollen jaws; dry root placed
between tooth
and cheek as a poultice
• Myrrh –
Used as a gargle for strep throat, laryngitis and pyorrhea; stimulates
white
cell production; astringent and warming
• Oregano
Oil – Antibacterial
• Plantain
– For abscesses and inflammation
• Prickly
Ash – Increases circulation, stimulates saliva flow; helps
eliminate white-coated
tongue
• Propolis
– Stimulates new tissue growth and is effective against mouth
sores; antiviral
• Spilanthes
– Antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties,
increases saliva production
• Strawberry
Leaf Tea – Helps spongy gums and tightens loose teeth
• Thyme –
Antibacterial (Thymol, contained in thyme, is the active ingredient in
most
commercial mouthwashes.)
Minty
Mouthwash
Steep ¼ oz.
each of thyme, crushed myrrh and crushed cloves in ¾ cup of 75%
alcohol. Shake
daily for a week. Strain and add 10 drops of peppermint oil. To use,
dilute it
to one-fifth strength.
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