Inflamed Mouth: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An inflamed mouth, also known as stomatitis, is a condition characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the mouth, often accompanied by ulcers or sores.

This condition can be caused by various factors, including bacterial or viral infections, food allergies, hormonal changes, and autoimmune disorders. Left untreated, inflamed mouth can lead to complications such as difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking, and may even affect overall health. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile can be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal herbs, and to follow proper dosages and preparation methods to avoid any adverse reactions.

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

The main causes of inflamed mouth are bacterial infections, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which are often caused by poor oral hygiene and the buildup of plaque on teeth, leading to inflammation of the gums.

Viral infections, including herpes simplex and hand, foot, and mouth disease, can also cause mouth inflammation. Irritation from spicy or acidic foods and drinks can cause temporary inflammation, while mouth breathing during sleep can lead to dry mouth and inflammation. Trauma to the mouth, such as biting or cutting the inside of the mouth, can cause inflammation and infection.

Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of mouth inflammation due to their systemic effects.

• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the most common cause of inflamed mouth, typically resulting from poor oral hygiene, particularly inadequate brushing and flossing, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and infection.
• Dental Abscess: Dental abscess is a common cause of inflamed mouth, often resulting from a bacterial infection in the teeth or gums, which can cause a pocket of pus to form, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is a common cause of inflamed mouth, typically resulting from an overgrowth of Candida fungus in the mouth, often caused by antibiotic use, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
• Mouth Ulcers: Mouth ulcers are a common cause of inflamed mouth, often resulting from a combination of factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical injury to the mouth, which can cause painful sores to form on the gums, cheeks, or lips.
• Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a less common cause of inflamed mouth, typically resulting from a severe infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth, often caused by poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of bacteria over time.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease is a less common cause of inflamed mouth, often resulting from a chronic infection of the gums, which can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue.
• Canker Sores: Canker sores are a less common cause of inflamed mouth, typically resulting from a combination of factors, including stress, anxiety, and physical injury to the mouth, which can cause painful sores to form on the gums, cheeks, or lips.
• Tongue Inflammation: Tongue inflammation is a less common cause of inflamed mouth, often resulting from a bacterial or fungal infection of the tongue, which can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Cheilitis: Cheilitis is a less common cause of inflamed mouth, typically resulting from a skin condition that affects the lips, often caused by dry skin, allergies, or irritants.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for inflamed mouth?

The main medicinal herbs used for inflamed mouth are Echinacea purpurea, Aloe barbadensis, Zingiber officinale, Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha x piperita, Symphytum officinale, Aloe vera, Eucalyptus globulus, Sanguinaria canadensis.

Echinacea purpurea contains alkylamides which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that help reduce inflammation and prevent infections. Aloe barbadensis gel has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while Zingiber officinale contains gingerol and shogaol that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Calendula officinalis and Aloe vera contain flavonoids and polysaccharides that exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, respectively. Glycyrrhiza glabra and Mentha x piperita contain glycyrrhizin and rosmarinic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, respectively, while Symphytum officinale contains allantoin that promotes wound healing.

Eucalyptus globulus and Sanguinaria canadensis contain eucalyptol and sanguinarine that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with inflamed mouth by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which helps to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as stomatitis and mouth ulcers.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to calm and heal irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and reduce pain and discomfort.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with inflamed mouth by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with inflamed mouth by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to calm and heal irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and reduce pain and discomfort.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to calm and heal irritated mucous membranes in the mouth and reduce pain and discomfort.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with inflamed mouth by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.
• Sanguinaria canadensis: Sanguinaria canadensis helps with inflamed mouth by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote healing of oral ulcers and lesions.

What are the main herbal preparations used for inflamed mouth?

The main herbal preparations used for inflamed mouth are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Cream, Tea, Lozenges, Gel, Capsule, Ointment, Poultice.

Decoction is a liquid extract of herbs that can be used as a mouthwash to reduce inflammation by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract that can be applied topically to inflamed areas with the help of a cotton swab to reduce pain and inflammation. Salve and Cream are topical preparations that can be applied directly to the affected area to provide a protective barrier and reduce inflammation.

Lozenges, Gel, Capsule, Ointment, and Poultice are also used to provide relief from inflamed mouth by releasing anti-inflammatory compounds, soothing the affected area, and drawing out infection.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with inflamed mouth by releasing its bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and pain in the oral cavity.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Calendula officinalis helps with inflamed mouth by delivering its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties directly to the affected area, which can help to reduce swelling, pain, and the risk of infection.
• Salve: A salve of the plant Plantago major helps with inflamed mouth by providing a physical barrier that protects the affected area from irritants and bacteria, while also delivering its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to promote healing.
• Cream: A cream of the plant Aloe barbadensis helps with inflamed mouth by releasing its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling, pain, and redness, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Tea: A tea of the plant Camellia sinensis helps with inflamed mouth by releasing its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce swelling, pain, and the risk of infection, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Lozenges: Lozenges of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra help with inflamed mouth by providing a direct and sustained release of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling, pain, and redness, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Gel: A gel of the plant Mentha piperita helps with inflamed mouth by releasing its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can reduce swelling, pain, and redness, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Capsule: Capsules of the plant Trifolium pratense help with inflamed mouth by delivering its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties systemically, which can reduce swelling, pain, and the risk of infection, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Ointment: An ointment of the plant Symphytum officinale helps with inflamed mouth by providing a physical barrier that protects the affected area from irritants and bacteria, while also delivering its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to promote healing.
• Poultice: A poultice of the plant Urtica dioica helps with inflamed mouth by applying heat and its anti-inflammatory properties directly to the affected area, which can reduce swelling, pain, and redness, while also promoting wound healing and tissue repair.