Dry Mouth Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth, often resulting in discomfort, dryness, and an increased risk of oral infections.
Herbal remedies have been widely used to treat dry mouth due to their ability to stimulate saliva production, reduce inflammation, and provide antimicrobial properties.
Herbs such as aloe vera, licorice root, and slippery elm have been found to be effective in soothing and moisturizing the mouth, while others like peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger have been shown to stimulate saliva production and reduce dryness.
Herbal preparations like mouthwashes, lozenges, and teas made from herbs like chamomile, sage, and marshmallow root have also been used to treat dry mouth, offering a natural and non-invasive alternative to conventional treatments.
What causes dry mouth?
The primary causes of dry mouth are a reduction in saliva production due to certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants, and medical conditions like diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, and hypothyroidism, which affect the glands responsible for saliva production.
Secondary causes of dry mouth can include smoking, which damages the saliva glands, and breathing through the mouth, which can dry out the airways.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing dry mouth include consuming excessive amounts of caffeine and sugary drinks, which can stimulate the production of acid in the mouth and reduce saliva production, as well as sleeping with an open mouth, which allows dry air to enter the mouth.
Additionally, people who live in dry climates or use air conditioners or heaters frequently are also more likely to develop dry mouth due to the dry air.
What herbs heal dry mouth?
The medicinal herbs used to treat dry mouth are Aloe vera, Slippery elm, and Licorice root, which exhibit therapeutic actions such as soothing and lubricating the mucous membranes to reduce inflammation and promote moisture.
Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin that have anti-inflammatory properties, while Slippery elm contains mucilages that help to protect and soothe the mucous membranes.
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects, helping to reduce dryness and discomfort.
These herbs work together to provide relief from dry mouth symptoms by promoting saliva production, reducing inflammation, and maintaining the health of mucous membranes.
What preparations treat dry mouth?
The herbal preparations used to treat dry mouth are teas, infusions, and mouthwashes made from plants known to stimulate saliva production and soothe oral mucosa.
Infusions of certain aromatic plants can help to increase saliva flow and reduce inflammation in the mouth, while mouthwashes made from extracts of other plants can help to moisturize and protect the mucous membranes.
Some herbal preparations, such as glycerites and tinctures, can be used to coat and protect the mucous membranes, reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
Drinking teas or infusions of plants that have anti-inflammatory properties can also help to alleviate dry mouth symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy oral environment.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat dry mouth.