Herbs for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease refers to various conditions that infect the areas around the teeth, including the gums and the adjacent bones. These conditions are all caused by bacteria, but there are many different factors that can contribute to how severe the disease gets. There are a few herbal remedies which can help to lessen the effects and potentially cure your condition.
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Neem
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The neem is a tree related to the mahogany family that rows in Burma and India. The bark, twigs, seeds, and sap of this herb are used for purposes varying from eczema, ulcers, and killing fungus to preventing gum disease. Purchase twigs of the neem herb and use them to clean your teeth once a day. This action will firm up your gums and stave off periodontal disease. Purchase toothpaste that contains neem oil to stop receding gums, gum inflammation, and mouth ulcers connected with periodontal disease .
Myrrh
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Myrrh is a tree that grows in Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Arabian Peninsula. The herb has been used as an antiseptic to heal hemorrhoids, bed sores, and mouth pain connected to gum disease. In Germany, the powder and the tincture of myrrh has been approved by their government to be used for inflammatory diseases of the mouth. Gargle a tincture of myrrh mixed with water to help stave off gum diseases like gingivitis. Add two milliliters of the tincture to a half a cup of water to prepare the mouthwash.
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Silverweed
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This short shrub of a plant grows throughout North America and Europe and it used to be a starchy food stock for early settlers. It has been used to treat menstrual cramps, indigestion, and the mouth-related problems of sore gums and toothaches. To prepare a silverweed mouthwash, place the leaves and roots of the plant or two teaspoons of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water. Let them steep for fifteen minutes then strain out the herbs and gargle the herbal concoction. This will act in a similar way to myrrh.
More Herbal Rinses
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Here are a few more rinses and herbal preparations to bring quicker healing. Try gargling a tea made from a combination of sage, chamomile, tormentil, and leaves of berry plants. Mix dried herbs of all these plants together and then take one teaspoon of the preparation, boil it, and steep it to prepare the rinse. To restore the gums try the combination of horsetail gargle (made in the same way as the rinse) with drinking a tablespoon of fresh horsetail juice three times a day. Vitamin C is very helpful in mouth health and you and you can make sure you are well supplied by chewing dried or fresh rosehips throughout the day.
Where to Buy
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You can purchase most of these herbs at a local natural food store, like Whole Foods, or over the Internet. It is recommended that you visit a store in person to ensure that you know exactly what it is you're getting. Do a little research on a few brands that produce the herb you're looking for to get the highest quality product available.
Disclaimer
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Some herbs can cause allergic reactions or can react negatively with the medication that you are currently taking. Consult your doctor or an integrated medical practitioner before taking herbs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
