Bitter Taste In Mouth: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A bitter taste in the mouth, also known as bitter dysgeusia, is an unpleasant sensation where food and drinks taste excessively bitter, often accompanied by a metallic or astringent flavor.

This condition can be caused by various factors, including mouth infections, gum disease, dental work, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. If left untreated, bitter taste in the mouth can lead to social and emotional distress, negatively impacting an individual's quality of life. Fortunately, herbal remedies like peppermint, licorice root, and slippery elm can provide relief, often in the form of teas, tinctures, or mouthwashes.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs to ensure safe and effective treatment, as some herbs may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bitter taste in mouth, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bitter taste in mouth?

The main causes of bitter taste in mouth are associated with various health conditions and factors, including dehydration, which can concentrate bitter-tasting substances in the saliva, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.

Additionally, certain medications, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, can alter the sense of taste and cause a bitter taste. Other potential causes include dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay, which can damage the taste buds and lead to a bitter taste, as reported by the American Dental Association. Furthermore, some medical conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders, can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth due to the buildup of toxins or waste products in the body.

The exact cause of bitter taste can be determined through a thorough medical examination and testing, as advised by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is the most common cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to a lack of saliva, which can lead to an imbalance of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, resulting in an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to the presence of bacteria and inflammation in the gums, which can cause an abnormal taste sensation, including bitterness.
• Medication Use: Medication use is a common cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to certain medications, such as chemotherapy and some antibiotics, that can alter the taste buds and cause an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Viral Infections: Viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, can cause bitter taste in the mouth due to the inflammation and congestion in the throat and sinuses, which can affect the taste buds and cause an abnormal taste sensation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy and menopause, can cause bitter taste in the mouth due to changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can affect the taste buds and cause an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause an abnormal taste sensation, including bitterness.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease is a cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to the buildup of toxins and waste products in the body, which can affect the taste buds and cause an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Liver Disease: Liver disease is a cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to the buildup of toxins and waste products in the body, which can affect the taste buds and cause an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12, can cause bitter taste in the mouth due to the impaired function of the taste buds, which can lead to an abnormal taste sensation, including bitterness.
• Smoking: Smoking is a cause of bitter taste in the mouth due to the damage to the taste buds and the presence of chemicals in tobacco smoke, which can cause an unpleasant bitter taste.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bitter taste in mouth?

The main medicinal herbs used for bitter taste in mouth are Artemisia absinthium, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Gentiana lutea, Andrographis paniculata, Taraxacum officinale, Cynara scolymus, Centaurium erythraea, Ruta graveolens, Rheum officinale, Aristolochia clematitis.

Artemisia absinthium contains sesquiterpene lactones which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while Glycyrrhiza glabra's glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation and acts as an expectorant. Gentiana lutea's gentianine exhibits bitter taste and is used to stimulate digestive enzymes, and Andrographis paniculata's andrographolide reduces inflammation and improves digestion. Taraxacum officinale and Cynara scolymus exhibit antioxidant properties and stimulate digestive enzymes, while Centaurium erythraea's centaurein has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ruta graveolens' rutin and Rheum officinale's emodin exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and Aristolochia clematitis' aristolochic acids have antimalarial and antimicrobial properties.

• Artemisia absinthium: Artemisia absinthium may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation in the mouth and neutralize free radicals that cause bitterness.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which can soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing irritation and bitterness.
• Gentiana lutea: Gentiana lutea may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bitterness in the mouth.
• Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals that cause bitterness.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bitterness in the mouth.
• Cynara scolymus: Cynara scolymus may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals that cause bitterness.
• Centaurium erythraea: Centaurium erythraea may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bitterness in the mouth.
• Ruta graveolens: Ruta graveolens may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals that cause bitterness.
• Rheum officinale: Rheum officinale may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which can soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing irritation and bitterness.
• Aristolochia clematitis: Aristolochia clematitis may help with bitter taste in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause bitterness in the mouth, although caution should be exercised due to potential toxicity.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bitter taste in mouth?

The main herbal preparations used for bitter taste in mouth are Decoction, Tincture, Lozenges, Salve, Capsule, Suppository, Ointment, Poultice, Elixir, Tea.

Decoction involves steeping herbs in hot water to release their bitter compounds, which can help alleviate mouth bitterness. Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, may also be used to deliver bitter compounds directly to the affected area. Lozenges, Salve, Capsule, Suppository, Ointment, and Poultice may be used to deliver the herbal extracts topically or sublingually, allowing the bitter compounds to be absorbed through the mucous membranes or skin.

Herbal teas, elixirs, and capsules may also be used to deliver the bitter compounds systemically, helping to address the underlying cause of the bitter taste in the mouth.

• Decoction: Decoction helps with bitter taste in mouth by breaking down plant cell walls of herbs like Glycyrrhiza glabra and releasing their active compounds, which can then be absorbed and utilized to counteract bitter taste.
• Tincture: Tincture helps with bitter taste in mouth by dissolving herbs like Mentha piperita in a solvent such as ethanol, which makes the bitter compounds more bioavailable and can counteract the bitter taste.
• Lozenges: Lozenges help with bitter taste in mouth by providing a localized application of herbs like Zingiber officinale, which can directly act on the mucous membranes to counteract the bitter taste.
• Salve: Salve helps with bitter taste in mouth by applying herbs like Calendula officinalis topically, which can provide relief from bitter taste by acting on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Capsule: Capsule helps with bitter taste in mouth by encapsulating herbs like Cinnamomum verum, which can then be swallowed and absorbed in the gut, potentially reducing the bitterness of the taste.
• Suppository: Suppository helps with bitter taste in mouth by directly applying herbs like Cannabis sativa to the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive system and providing localized relief from bitter taste.
• Ointment: Ointment helps with bitter taste in mouth by providing a topical application of herbs like Aloe barbadensis, which can act on the skin and mucous membranes to counteract the bitter taste.
• Poultice: Poultice helps with bitter taste in mouth by applying herbs like Echinacea purpurea topically in a moist form, which can provide direct relief from bitter taste by acting on the skin and mucous membranes.
• Elixir: Elixir helps with bitter taste in mouth by dissolving herbs like Panax ginseng in a solvent, which can make the bitter compounds more bioavailable and counteract the bitter taste.
• Tea: Tea helps with bitter taste in mouth by infusing herbs like Taraxacum officinale, which can release their active compounds and provide relief from bitter taste by acting on the mucous membranes.