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

A sour taste in the mouth, also known as xerostomia or hypogeusia, is a condition characterized by a bitter or acidic taste that persists even after brushing the teeth and tongue.

This unpleasant sensation is often caused by a decrease in saliva production, gum recession, or the use of certain medications. If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and digestive problems. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies such as slippery elm, aloe vera, and licorice root can be used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of sour 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 sour taste in mouth?

The main causes of sour taste in mouth are due to the presence of hydrogen ions or acidic molecules, which stimulate the taste buds on the tongue.

This can occur when the body's pH balance is disrupted, leading to an increase in acidity, often caused by consuming acidic foods or drinks such as citrus fruits, vinegar, or soda. Other factors that contribute to a sour taste include mouth infections like oral thrush, caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which allows stomach acid to flow up into the mouth. Additionally, certain medications like aspirin or antacids can also alter the pH balance and lead to a sour taste.

Furthermore, conditions like xerostomia, or dry mouth, can also contribute to a sour taste due to the reduced saliva production, which helps to neutralize acidic substances.

• Dry mouth: Dry mouth can cause a sour taste due to the concentration of saliva, which contains acids that can give off a sour taste when it becomes concentrated, such as when not enough saliva is produced or when it is not being produced properly.
• Oral thrush: Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the production of acidic compounds by the fungus, which can irritate the mouth and give off a sour taste.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the body's ability to conserve water and electrolytes, which can lead to the concentration of acids in the mouth, giving off a sour taste.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to their effects on the nervous system and the production of saliva, leading to changes in the pH of the mouth and giving off a sour taste.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the backflow of stomach acid, which can irritate the mouth and give off a sour taste.
• Sinus infection: Sinus infection, an infection of the sinuses, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the production of mucus by the sinuses, which can irritate the mouth and give off a sour taste.
• Oral cancer: Oral cancer, a type of cancer that affects the mouth, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the destruction of tissue in the mouth, which can lead to changes in the pH of the mouth and giving off a sour taste.
• Gum disease: Gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the production of acidic compounds by the bacteria, which can irritate the mouth and give off a sour taste.
• Dental abscess: Dental abscess, a bacterial infection of the teeth or gums, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the production of acidic compounds by the bacteria, which can irritate the mouth and give off a sour taste.
• Liver disease: Liver disease, a condition where the liver is not functioning properly, can cause a sour taste in the mouth due to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can lead to changes in the pH of the mouth and giving off a sour taste.

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

The main medicinal herbs used for sour taste in mouth are Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinnamomum verum, Piper nigrum, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Mentha x piperita, Centella asiatica.

Zingiber officinale contains gingerols and shogaols which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth that cause sour taste. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in the mouth. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing sour taste.

These herbs also contain other compounds that help reduce acidity and promote oral health, such as Cinnamomum verum which contains cinnamaldehyde, Piper nigrum which contains piperine, Foeniculum vulgare which contains anethole, Trigonella foenum-graecum which contains trigonelline, Zanthoxylum bungeanum which contains zanthoxylum, Mentha x piperita which contains menthol, and Centella asiatica which contains asiaticoside.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps to alleviate sour taste in the mouth due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a compound that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, reducing irritation and inflammation that can contribute to sour taste.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or Ceylon cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, that can contribute to sour taste.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains piperine, a compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, contains anethole, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, reducing irritation and inflammation that can contribute to sour taste.
• Trigonella foenum-graecum: Trigonella foenum-graecum, or fenugreek, contains trigonelline, a compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.
• Zanthoxylum bungeanum: Zanthoxylum bungeanum, or Sichuan pepper, contains hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains menthol, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, reducing irritation and inflammation that can contribute to sour taste.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, or gotu kola, contains asiaticoside, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the mouth and throat, making it easier to manage sour taste.

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

The main herbal preparations used for sour taste in mouth are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Salve, Lozenge, Gargle, Suppository, Ointment, Cream, Lozenges.

Decoction, a liquid extract of herbs, is effective in treating sour mouth due to its antibacterial properties, which help combat oral infections causing the condition. Tincture, a concentrated liquid herbal extract, can be applied topically or ingested to alleviate sour taste, as it contains bioactive compounds that soothe the mucous membranes.

Capsules, containing dried and powdered herbs, are ingested to target the root cause of sour taste, often due to digestive issues or nutritional deficiencies. Lozenges, available in various forms, including oral gels, tablets, or drops, are designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, releasing active ingredients that quickly neutralize the sour taste, while Salve, Ointment, Cream, and Suppository are topical preparations used to treat underlying oral health issues contributing to sour taste.

Gargle preparations can be used to rinse the mouth, removing bacteria and debris that contribute to the condition, while Lozenges are designed to provide localized relief, and Capsules and Tinctures address the condition's underlying causes, allowing for targeted treatment and symptom relief.

• Decoction: A decoction of plants such as Zingiber officinale or Glycyrrhiza glabra, which have anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.
• Tincture: A tincture of plants like Echinacea purpurea or Calendula officinalis, which have antimicrobial properties, helps to eliminate bacteria that may be causing a sour taste in the mouth, promoting a healthy oral environment.
• Capsules: Capsules containing herbs like Aloe barbadensis, which have soothing properties, help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.
• Salve: A salve of plants like Myrrh (Commiphora molmol), which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria that may be causing a sour taste in the mouth.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from herbs like Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), which have soothing properties, helps to coat and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing irritation and inflammation that may be causing a sour taste.
• Gargle: A gargle of plants like Sage (Salvia officinalis), which have antimicrobial properties, helps to eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.
• Suppository: A suppository of herbs like Calendula officinalis, which have anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.
• Ointment: An ointment of plants like Myrrh (Commiphora molmol), which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria that may be causing a sour taste in the mouth.
• Cream: A cream of herbs like Aloe barbadensis, which have soothing properties, helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made from herbs like Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which have anti-inflammatory properties, help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the mouth, thereby alleviating a sour taste.