By Leen Randell
Updated: Oct 1, 2024
White Patches In Month: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations
White patches in the mouth, also known as oral leukoplakia, are abnormal white or gray patches that develop on the tongue, gums, or the inside of the cheeks, often due to chronic irritation or infection, and can be a precursor to oral cancer.
The causes include smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive consumption of hot spices. If left untreated, it can lead to difficulty eating, swallowing, and speaking, as well as increased risk of oral cancer. To alleviate white patches, herbal remedies like aloe vera gel, turmeric, and neem have been found effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.
This article explains in detail what are the causes of white patches in month, 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 white patches in month?
The main causes of white patches in mouth are primarily due to fungal infections, specifically oral candidiasis, which is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast.
This condition can be triggered by factors such as weakened immune system, antibiotic use, diabetes, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. Other causes include oral lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by white patches and redness, and leukoplakia, a precancerous condition caused by prolonged irritation or smoking. Additionally, geographic tongue, a benign condition characterized by white patches on the tongue, can also appear as white patches in the mouth.
In some cases, white patches can also be a sign of underlying conditions such as oral thrush, oral hairy leukoplakia, or oral melanin deficiency.
- Thrush: Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, which thrives in warm, moist environments and can cause white patches in the mouth due to the overgrowth of Candida cells, leading to inflammation and lesions.
- Smoking: Smoking is a common cause of white patches in the mouth due to the chemicals in cigarette smoke that damage the mucous membranes and lead to inflammation, which can cause white patches to form.
- Lichen Planus: Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause white patches in the mouth due to the immune system's attack on the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and the formation of white, lacy patches.
- Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Oral lichenoid lesions are a type of inflammation in the mouth that can cause white patches to form due to the immune system's response to certain medications or allergens, leading to chronic inflammation and lesions.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer can cause white patches in the mouth due to the abnormal growth of cells, which can lead to the formation of white, lacy patches or red, bleeding ulcers.
- Erythema Multiforme: Erythema multiforme is a rare skin condition that can cause white patches in the mouth due to the immune system's response to a viral or bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and lesions.
- Pernicious Anemia: Pernicious anemia can cause white patches in the mouth due to the deficiency of vitamin B12, which is necessary for the health of the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and lesions.
- Zinc Deficiency: Zinc deficiency can cause white patches in the mouth due to the essential role of zinc in maintaining the health of the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and lesions.
- Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency can cause white patches in the mouth due to the essential role of iron in maintaining the health of the mucous membranes, leading to inflammation and lesions.
What are the primary medicinal plants used for white patches in month?
The main medicinal herbs used for white patches in mouth are Aloe vera, Terminalia chebula, Ginkgo biloba, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Calendula officinalis, Psoralea corylifolia, Cassia auriculata, Melaleuca alternifolia, Azadirachta indica.
Aloe vera contains aloin, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to soothe and heal mouth ulcers, reducing the appearance of white patches. Terminalia chebula, also known as haritaki, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with oral lesions.
These herbs, combined with their ability to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, provide a promising approach for the treatment of white patches in the mouth.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera, known scientifically as Aloe barbadensis, helps with white patches in mouth by its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, and its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection.
- Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula, also known as Haritaki, helps with white patches in mouth by its antioxidant properties which prevent oxidative stress and its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes.
- Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with white patches in mouth by its antioxidant properties which prevent oxidative stress and its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, although its effectiveness is largely anecdotal.
- Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, known as Aloe vera, helps with white patches in mouth by its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, and its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection.
- Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as Turmeric, helps with white patches in mouth by its antioxidant properties which prevent oxidative stress and its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes.
- Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as Marigold, helps with white patches in mouth by its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, and its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection.
- Psoralea corylifolia: Psoralea corylifolia, also known as Bhilawa, helps with white patches in mouth by its antioxidant properties which prevent oxidative stress and its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes.
- Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata, also known as Sariva, helps with white patches in mouth by its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, and its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection.
- Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as Tea tree, helps with white patches in mouth by its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection and its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes.
- Azadirachta indica: Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem, helps with white patches in mouth by its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes, and its antimicrobial properties which prevent infection.
What are the main herbal preparations used for white patches in month?
The main herbal preparations used for white patches in mouth are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Salve, Topical Ointment, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Oil, Suppository.
Decoction of herbs like Ayurvedic Turmeric is used to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Tincture of herbal extracts like Triphala is used to prevent further damage and promote oral health. Cream and Salve of herbs like Aloe Vera are applied topically to soothe and moisturize the affected area, while Topical Ointment of herbs like Tea Tree Oil is used to fight fungal infections.
Capsule of herbal supplements like Zinc, Oil of herbs like Castor Oil, and Suppository of herbal extracts like Licorice Root are also used to treat the underlying causes of white patches in mouth.
- Decoction: A decoction of the medicinal herb Achyranthes aspera is helpful in treating white patches in the mouth due to its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and pain, and its antimicrobial properties which combat fungal and bacterial infections that cause oral thrush.
- Tincture: A tincture of the medicinal herb Calendula officinalis, rich in triterpenoids and flavonoids, is useful in treating white patches in the mouth as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe and heal the affected area.
- Cream: A topical cream made from the medicinal herb Aloe barbadensis, containing aloin and aloe-emodin, is effective in treating white patches in the mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which reduce discomfort and promote healing.
- Salve: A salve of the medicinal herb Echinacea purpurea, rich in alkylamides and caffeic acid, is beneficial in treating white patches in the mouth as its immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties help boost the immune system and combat infections.
- Topical Ointment: A topical ointment of the medicinal herb Melaleuca alternifolia, containing terpinen-4-ol, is useful in treating white patches in the mouth due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which combat fungal and bacterial infections and reduce inflammation.
- Gel: A gel of the medicinal herb Plantago major, rich in aucubin and caffeic acid, is effective in treating white patches in the mouth as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe and heal the affected area.
- Capsule: Capsules of the medicinal herb Trichosanthes dioica, containing triterpenoids and glycosides, are beneficial in treating white patches in the mouth as its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
- Poultice: A poultice of the medicinal herb Ginkgo biloba, rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, is useful in treating white patches in the mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduce inflammation and protect the affected area from oxidative damage.
- Oil: A topical oil of the medicinal herb Cymbopogon citratus, containing limonene and citral, is effective in treating white patches in the mouth as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe and heal the affected area.
- Suppository: Suppositories of the medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza glabra, containing glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, are beneficial in treating white patches in the mouth as its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.