10 Best Herbal Teas For Toothache

Herbal teas can be a natural and soothing remedy for toothache, offering relief without the use of harsh chemicals.

Chamomile tea is particularly effective due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain. Peppermint tea is also beneficial as it has a cooling effect that can numb the area and ease discomfort. Other herbs like clove, ginger, and licorice root are commonly used for their pain-relieving and antimicrobial benefits.

While herbal teas can provide temporary relief, they should not replace professional dental care for persistent or severe tooth pain.

1. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The tea is believed to help reduce gum inflammation and soothe the pain associated with tooth infections or sensitivity. Sage contains compounds like thujone and rosmarinic acid, which may help combat oral bacteria and promote healing. To prepare the tea, steep a teaspoon of dried sage leaves in hot water for several minutes before drinking.

While it can provide temporary relief, it is advisable to consult a dentist for persistent or severe tooth pain.

2. Piper nigrum

Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

While not a primary treatment for toothache, some herbal teas made from black pepper may offer mild relief by reducing inflammation and soothing pain in the oral cavity. The active compound, piperine, is believed to contribute to its pain-relieving effects, though more research is needed to confirm its efficacy for dental issues. To prepare the tea, a few crushed black pepper pods can be steeped in hot water for several minutes.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using black pepper tea for persistent or severe tooth pain, as it should not replace professional dental care.

3. Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The essential oils in cinnamon, particularly cinnamaldehyde, help reduce pain and inflammation in the mouth by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that contribute to dental infections. To prepare the tea, a few cinnamon sticks or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be steeped in hot water for several minutes. Drinking this tea regularly may provide soothing relief and support oral health by reducing gum irritation and bad breath.

However, it should be used as a complementary remedy alongside proper dental care and not as a substitute for professional treatment.

4. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

While it is not a primary remedy for toothache, some herbalists suggest that yarrow tea may help alleviate mild dental discomfort due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing. To prepare the tea, steep a few dried yarrow leaves in hot water for several minutes, then strain and use it as a mouth rinse or to gargle. It is important to note that yarrow should not replace professional dental care, especially for persistent or severe tooth pain.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly for individuals with allergies or existing health conditions.

5. Origanum vulgare

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) herbal tea is often used as a natural remedy for toothache due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The essential oils in oregano, particularly carvacrol and thymol, help reduce bacterial growth and soothe gum inflammation, which can alleviate pain associated with dental infections. To prepare the tea, steep a teaspoon of dried oregano leaves in hot water for several minutes, then strain and drink slowly. While it may provide temporary relief, it should not replace professional dental care for persistent or severe tooth pain.

Regular use of oregano tea can also support overall oral health by promoting a balanced microbial environment in the mouth.

6. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a herbal plant often used in the preparation of herbal teas for its calming and soothing properties.

While it is not a primary treatment for toothache, some people use lemon balm tea as a complementary remedy to help alleviate mild dental discomfort due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The tea may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can sometimes exacerbate tooth pain, making it a useful supportive remedy during dental issues. To prepare the tea, simply steep a teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for several minutes.

Although it should not replace professional dental care, lemon balm tea can offer a natural and relaxing option for those seeking gentle relief from occasional toothaches.

7. Mentha piperita

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is often used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its cooling and analgesic properties.

The menthol in peppermint oil helps to numb the pain and reduce inflammation in the mouth, providing temporary relief from dental discomfort. Drinking peppermint tea can also help soothe the gums and reduce the sensation of swelling or irritation around the affected tooth. While it is not a substitute for professional dental care, it can be a natural remedy to ease mild toothache symptoms.

Regular consumption of peppermint tea may also promote overall oral health by freshening breath and reducing bacterial growth in the mouth.

8. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as the Australian eucalyptus, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The essential oils in eucalyptus globulus, particularly cineole, help reduce inflammation and combat bacteria that may contribute to dental infections. When brewed into a herbal tea, it can provide a soothing effect on the gums and reduce the discomfort associated with tooth pain. However, it is important to note that while eucalyptus tea may offer temporary relief, it should not replace professional dental care for persistent or severe toothaches.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for those with allergies or existing health conditions.

9. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, help reduce pain and swelling associated with dental issues. To prepare a ginger tea for toothache, simply steep fresh or dried ginger root in hot water for several minutes. Drinking this tea can provide a soothing effect and may help ease the discomfort of a toothache.

However, while it can offer temporary relief, it is not a substitute for professional dental care when a persistent or severe toothache is present.

10. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, has been traditionally used in herbal teas to alleviate toothache due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

The essential oils in rosemary, particularly cineole and camphor, help reduce inflammation and numb the pain associated with dental discomfort. When brewed into a tea, rosemary can provide a soothing effect that may help ease the symptoms of a toothache when consumed regularly. However, it is important to note that while rosemary tea may offer temporary relief, it should not replace professional dental care for persistent or severe tooth pain.

Combining rosemary tea with other herbs like chamomile or peppermint can enhance its calming and pain-relieving effects.