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Last updated: Apr 20, 2024

10 best herbal teas for white tongue

Numerous herbal teas prove effective in managing white tongue, a condition characterized by a white coating on the tongue.

These teas include chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory properties; sage, which boasts antimicrobial and astringent qualities; and licorice root, recognized for its soothing effects on irritated mucous membranes. Peppermint tea, with its refreshing flavor and antibacterial properties, also ranks high among beneficial herbal teas.

Regularly consuming these teas helps maintain oral health and potentially alleviates white tongue.

1. Sage

Sage tea's potent antimicrobial properties, rooted in its high content of eucalyptol and thujone, directly address the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi on the tongue's surface.

This herbal tea, native to the Mediterranean region, effectively decreases microbial load, diminishing the primary cause of white tongue appearance. Furthermore, sage's astringent qualities reduce inflammation and promote tissue contraction, further enhancing its ability to restore a healthy tongue appearance. Additionally, sage tea's stimulating effects boost saliva production, maintaining an unfavorable environment for microbial growth.

Ultimately, by incorporating sage tea into daily routine, individuals experiencing white tongue symptoms can witness a substantial improvement in their oral health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for white tongue.

  1. Rinse 10 fresh sage leaves under cool water, then pat dry.
  2. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.
  3. Add sage leaves to the boiling water, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain the liquid to remove sage leaves, then let the tea cool slightly.
  5. Sip the warm sage tea, gently swishing it over your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint tea's antimicrobial properties, derived from menthol and menthone, fight the overgrowth of bacteria causing white tongue.

This herbal tea, rich in essential oils, reduces inflammation in the mouth, decreasing the chances of developing white tongue. Peppermint tea's ability to stimulate saliva production helps maintain a clean mouth, clearing away dead cells that contribute to a white coating on the tongue. Furthermore, it soothes any irritation on the tongue, promoting healing and preventing the recurrence of white tongue.

Ultimately, the regular consumption of peppermint tea helps maintain oral hygiene, inhibiting the factors responsible for a white tongue.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for white tongue.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a full boil that circulates bubbles rapidly.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves or 1 peppermint tea bag to the boiling water.
  3. Steep the peppermint in the water for 5-10 minutes, allowing the water to draw out the peppermint's oils.
  4. Strain out the peppermint leaves or remove the tea bag.
  5. Sip the peppermint tea slowly, swishing it around your mouth to reach the white tongue.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea boasts potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal beverage to address white tongue.

Its active compounds, such as chamazulene and bisabolol, target harmful bacteria accumulation on the tongue, reducing inflammation and eliminating the white coating. Furthermore, chamomile tea promotes saliva production, which helps wash away dead cells and bacteria that can cause the tongue to appear white. Additionally, its soothing qualities alleviate any discomfort associated with white tongue, while its consistent use helps prevent future occurrences.

By maintaining oral hygiene and sipping chamomile tea, individuals can maintain a healthy, pink tongue.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for white tongue.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a temperature of 205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place one chamomile tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of loose chamomile flowers in a heat-resistant container.
  3. Pour the hot water over the tea bag or chamomile flowers, allowing it to steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea bag or strain the loose flowers from the tea.
  5. Let the tea cool to a safe drinking temperature, then sip slowly, allowing it to rinse your mouth and white tongue.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea tea contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which directly address two common causes of white tongue: oral candidiasis (a fungal infection) and inflammation.

The herb's active compounds, such as cichoric acid and echinacoside, demonstrate fungicidal and anti-inflammatory effects, thus creating an unwelcoming environment for detrimental microorganisms. By sipping echinacea tea, you increase the production of saliva, which helps to wash away dead cells, debris, and bacteria accumulated on the tongue. Furthermore, echinacea's immune-boosting abilities strengthen the body's natural defenses, aiding in the prevention of infections and quicker recovery from white tongue.

Ultimately, the consistent use of echinacea tea promotes a healthy oral environment, reducing the likelihood of white tongue recurrence.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for white tongue.

  1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea flowers and 1 cup of water.
  2. Bring water to a boil in a small pot.
  3. Stir in echinacea flowers, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Strain out the flowers, leaving only the liquid.
  5. Sip tea slowly, allowing it to coat your entire mouth, 3 times a day until tongue returns to normal color.

5. Clove

Clove tea's potent antimicrobial properties, derived from eugenol, an aromatic compound in cloves, directly address the root cause of white tongue by combating harmful bacteria and fungi.

This natural remedy reduces inflammation in the oral cavity, promoting tissue healing while inhibiting the growth of undesirable microorganisms. Simultaneously, clove tea's antioxidant abilities aid in neutralizing free radicals, further fostering a healthy oral environment and supporting the elimination of the causative factors of white tongue. The warming effect of clove tea also increases blood flow to the affected areas, enhancing the immune response and facilitating the expulsion of dead cells and other debris from the tongue's surface.

Consequently, regular consumption of clove tea effectively helps maintain a clean, pink tongue devoid of the unattractive white coating.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in clove tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in clove tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic clove tea for white tongue.

  1. Place 3 whole cloves in a tea infuser or strainer.
  2. Heat 1 cup of water to boiling (212°F) and pour it over the cloves.
  3. Steep the cloves for 10-15 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to extract.
  4. Remove the cloves and allow the tea to cool until lukewarm.
  5. Rinse your mouth with the clove tea, focusing on the white tongue.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric tea combats white tongue by possessing potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which eliminate causative bacteria and reduce inflammation.

The key ingredient, curcumin, found in turmeric, disrupts biofilm formation, preventing the buildup of microorganisms on the tongue. Furthermore, turmeric's ability to stimulate saliva production enhances the mouth's natural cleaning process, while its antioxidant properties protect oral tissues from damage.

Ultimately, regular consumption of turmeric tea promotes a healthy microbial balance in the oral cavity, maintaining a pink and clean tongue.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in turmeric tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in turmeric tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric tea for white tongue.

  1. Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea into a cup through a fine-mesh sieve.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 lemon juice to the tea, then stir until combined.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, 2-3 times a day, until white tongue disappears.

7. Ginger

Ginger tea aids in addressing a white tongue by eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi, such as Candida albicans, due to its antimicrobial properties.

The natural oils in ginger, like gingerols and shogaols, possess potent antifungal and antibacterial capabilities that inhibit the growth of microorganisms causing oral problems. Furthermore, ginger tea's anti-inflammatory effects alleviate irritation and inflammation on the tongue, reducing the appearance of a white coating. Additionally, ginger stimulates saliva production, which helps maintain a healthy oral environment by washing away unwanted cells and substances on the tongue's surface.

Ultimately, drinking ginger tea regularly promotes a cleaner mouth and better oral hygiene, limiting the likelihood of a white tongue.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for white tongue.

  1. Peel and finely chop 1 inch of fresh ginger root.
  2. Boil 4 cups of water, then add ginger and reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, stir until dissolved.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the ginger pieces.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to coat your entire mouth, especially your tongue.

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon tea helps with white tongue due to its antimicrobial properties.

Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol that fight bacteria and fungi in the mouth. These properties reduce the overgrowth of Candida fungus and other microorganisms, which often cause a white tongue.

Furthermore, cinnamon tea's ability to stimulate saliva production helps maintain a healthy oral environment by washing away excess cells and debris on the tongue's surface. Additionally, the warming effect of cinnamon tea increases blood flow to the mucous membranes, enhancing the tongue's ability to cleanse itself.

Ultimately, drinking cinnamon tea promotes a balanced oral microbiome and a pink, healthy tongue.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in cinnamon tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in cinnamon tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cinnamon tea for white tongue.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cinnamon stick; bring to a boil, taking 3-5 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
  3. Optional: Strain the tea to remove cinnamon pieces, or leave them in for added texture.
  4. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey for natural sweetness and added benefits.
  5. Sip the warm cinnamon tea, allowing it to coat your entire mouth, especially your white tongue.

9. Licorice

Licorice tea helps with white tongue due to its active compounds, notably glycyrrhizic acid, which boasts impressive antimicrobial properties.

This component targets and eliminates the causative bacteria responsible for the buildup on the tongue, thus restoring its natural pink hue. Moreover, licorice tea's soothing nature reduces inflammation, promoting a healthier oral environment. Additionally, it encourages saliva production, flushing away dead cells and debris, further contributing to a cleaner tongue surface.

Ultimately, incorporating licorice tea into a daily routine noticeably improves white tongue conditions.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for white tongue.

  1. Measure 1 teaspoon of licorice root and place it in a tea infuser.
  2. Boil 8 ounces of water and pour it over the licorice root in the infuser.
  3. Steep the licorice root in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser and discard the licorice root.
  5. Drink the licorice tea up to three times a day for a white tongue.

10. Thyme

Thyme tea's antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it an effective remedy for white tongue.

This herbal tea eliminates harmful bacteria that lead to the buildup of dead cells on the tongue's surface, revealing a pink and clean tongue. Thyme tea's natural antifungal agents further help control oral thrush, a common cause of white tongue. By sipping thyme tea, you promote saliva production, which facilitates the removal of dead cells, preventing the recurrence of white tongue.

The soothing effects of thyme tea alleviate discomfort and inflammation, ensuring a refreshed and healthy oral environment.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with white tongue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with white tongue.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for white tongue.

  1. Gather 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves.
  2. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle.
  3. Pour the hot water over the thyme leaves in a teapot or mug.
  4. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, then strain out the thyme leaves.
  5. Sip the warm thyme tea slowly, allowing it to coat your entire mouth.

What is white tongue and how can it affect your life?

White tongue is a medical condition characterized by a white or yellowish coating on the top surface of the tongue.

This coating forms when bacteria, fungi, or dead cells accumulate and combine with debris and proteins. White tongue lacks negative consequences in many cases, but it can cause embarrassment, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem for some people due to its unattractive appearance. In rare instances, it can also indicate underlying health issues, such as oral thrush or oral lichen planus.

Proper dental hygiene and regular medical check-ups can effectively address these concerns and alleviate associated complications.

What other natural remedies help with white tongue?

White tongue is a harmless condition characterized by a white coating or patches on the tongue.

Two of the most common and effective natural remedies for this condition are oil pulling and probiotics. Oil pulling involves swishing oil, such as coconut or sesame oil, in the mouth for 15-20 minutes, which helps to remove toxins and bacteria.

This ancient Ayurvedic practice reduces plaque, improves oral hygiene, and can alleviate white tongue. Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha, introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut and mouth, crowding out harmful bacteria responsible for white tongue.

Regular consumption of these probiotic-rich foods encourages a healthy oral microbiome and helps maintain a tongue free of white coating.