Herbal Treatments for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth has many causes including side effects of medication usage and illness. Besides being a nuisance to the sufferer, dry mouth may also indicate the possibility of conditions such as dehydration, nerve damage and diabetes. Failure to adequately treat this condition can lead to mouth lesions, bad breath and tooth decay. Fortunately, there are herbal treatments available to prevent dry mouth from destroying your oral health.

Instructions

1. Consult your dentist for recommendations and a complete assessment. Although many herbal treatments are marketed as "all natural" products, care must be taken to avoid overdoses and harmful drug interactions. Let your dentist know of all prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) medications and supplements you're currently taking, to reduce these risks. The presence of certain medical conditions could limit your safe herbal treatment options.

2. Stimulate your salivary glands with green tea. The active ingredients in Chinese and Japanese green tea can provide relief to bouts of dry mouth. Green tea is highly recommended due to its polyphenol oxidation level, which contrasts the drying effects of other types of tea. Green tea can be ingested as a drink, swished as a rinse, or used as a gargle solution. Use green tea once to twice daily for a noticeable decrease in dry mouth symptoms. Green tea can be purchased premixed, loose, and in individual packets. Steep green tea according to package instructions to receive the maximum health benefits.

3. Use ginger to treat dry mouth. Ginger is a widely used treatment for motion sickness and nausea and produces dry mouth as a side effect. Ginger is available in a variety of forms including roots, capsules, oils, and extracts. Take a few sips of Ginger Ale when dry mouth occurs. Steep 30 ml (2 tbps) of ginger root in 6 to 8 ounces of water to make a dry mouth combating drink or rinse. Avoid taking more than 4 grams of ginger per day. Seek professional guidance if you're taking blood-thinning medications prior to the use of Ginger.

4. Drink chamomile for dry mouth relief. Although chamomile is widely known for its calming effects, this herb is also a dry mouth treatment option. Drink 1 to 2 cups of chamomile tea daily to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. Purchase chamomile in tincture form to add to drinks like green tea for a stronger effect. Notify your doctor if you're taking blood thinners prior to beginning chamomile therapy. Allergies to ragweed pollen may contraindicate the use of chamomile.

5. Try prickly ash herbal tincture. Prickly ash tincture is made for the bark of the herb has been successfully used as dry mouth and tooth ache treatment. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture, up to 3 times daily for the prevention of dry mouth. Notify your doctor if you're pregnant or have digestive conditions such as ulcerative colitis before using this treatment. Prickly ash does affect digestive function and may also be linked to miscarriage in pregnant women.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor or dentist about adding Slippery Elm to your dry moth treatment regimen. Slippery Elm can even be purchased as lozenges and throat sprays for quick relief. Visit a natural herb store to view detailed information on dry mouth remedies. You may find a mouthwash or spray that meets your needs.

• Never assume any herbal treatment is safe before seeking professional advice.