White Tongue: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

White tongue, a condition characterized by a thick, white coating on the surface of the tongue due to an overgrowth of bacteria and dead cells, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and candidiasis.

If left untreated, white tongue can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and an increased risk of infections. To relieve white tongue, herbal remedies like aloe vera, neem, and turmeric can be used to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant or have any underlying medical conditions, and follow proper preparation and dosage instructions to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of white tongue, 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 tongue?

The main causes of white tongue are primarily due to an overgrowth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouth, often as a result of poor oral hygiene and inadequate tongue cleaning.

This bacterial overgrowth can lead to the formation of a white or creamy coating on the tongue, known as leukoplakia, which is a condition characterized by the appearance of white patches or spots. Additionally, an imbalance of the oral microbiome, which is often associated with conditions such as oral thrush and geographic tongue, can also contribute to the development of a white tongue. Furthermore, dehydration, smoking, and the use of certain medications, such as antibiotics and antihistamines, can also increase the risk of developing a white tongue.

Studies have shown that individuals with a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates are also more likely to experience an overgrowth of bacteria on the tongue, leading to the appearance of a white tongue.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene, characterized by infrequent brushing and flossing, leads to the accumulation of bacteria and debris on the surface of the tongue, causing the white coating.
• Oral Infections: Oral infections, such as thrush or oral candidiasis, cause the overgrowth of yeast on the tongue, resulting in a white, patchy coating.
• Smoking: Smoking dries out the mucous membranes in the mouth, including the surface of the tongue, creating an environment conducive to bacterial and yeast overgrowth, leading to a white coating.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to changes in the oral microbiome, causing a white coating on the tongue.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to a buildup of bacteria and debris on the surface of the tongue, causing a white coating.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 or iron, can lead to changes in the oral microbiome, causing a white coating on the tongue.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or antihistamines, can disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome, leading to a white coating on the tongue.
• Genetic Conditions: Genetic conditions, such as leucoplakia, can cause a white coating on the tongue due to the abnormal growth of cells.
• Geographic Tongue: Geographic tongue, a condition characterized by the temporary loss of papillae on the tongue, can cause a white coating on the tongue due to the exposure of the underlying mucosa.
• Oral Irritation: Oral irritation, such as from a sharp tooth or denture, can cause inflammation and a white coating on the tongue.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for white tongue?

The main medicinal herbs used for white tongue are Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe barbadensis, Salvia officinalis, Cinchona officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Astragalus membranaceus.

Echinacea purpurea possesses immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing tongue inflammation. Zingiber officinale's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce bacteria and inflammation on the tongue, while Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory properties soothe the tongue and reduce swelling. Aloe barbadensis's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to soothe and heal the tongue, while Salvia officinalis and Cinchona officinalis have antimicrobial properties that help to combat bacteria and fungi on the tongue.

Ginkgo biloba, Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, and Astragalus membranaceus have antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and promote overall health, contributing to the treatment and prevention of white tongue.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help with white tongue due to its immunomodulatory effects, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the oral cavity.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in the mouth.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help calm irritation and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help calm irritation and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, or sage, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that may contribute to white tongue.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that may contribute to white tongue.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with white tongue due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus, may help with white tongue due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, may help with white tongue due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the oral cavity.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus, or astragalus, may help with white tongue due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the oral cavity.

What are the main herbal preparations used for white tongue?

The main herbal preparations used for white tongue are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Capsule, Ointment, Poultice, Gargle, Suppository, Tea, Lozenge.

Decoction of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, while Tincture of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is used as an antimicrobial agent to combat bacterial and fungal infections that may cause white tongue. Salve of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) and Capsule of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the tongue's surface. Ointment of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Poultice of turmeric (Curcuma longa) are applied topically to reduce inflammation and soothe the tongue's surface, while Gargle of sage (Salvia officinalis) is used to reduce microbial load and promote healing.

Tea and Lozenge of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) are used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, while Suppository of aloe vera is used to deliver aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties directly to the affected area.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea is prepared by boiling its roots in water to create a liquid solution that helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue caused by oral candidiasis.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Berberis vulgaris is prepared by soaking its roots in a solvent and then mixing it with water to create a liquid solution that helps to reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Calendula officinalis is prepared by infusing its flowers in a solvent and then mixing it with a base to create a topical cream that helps to soothe and protect the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the herb Syzygium aromaticum is prepared by grinding its buds into a powder and then filling it into a capsule that can be taken orally to help reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Aloe barbadensis is prepared by infusing its leaves in a solvent and then mixing it with a base to create a topical cream that helps to soothe and protect the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Plantago major is prepared by pounding its leaves and then mixing it with water to create a paste that can be applied topically to the affected area to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Gargle: A gargle of the herb Myrrh is prepared by infusing its resin in water to create a liquid solution that can be gargled to help reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Curcuma longa is prepared by grinding its rhizomes into a powder and then filling it into a suppository that can be inserted into the vagina to help reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Tea: A tea of the herb Coptis chinensis is prepared by infusing its rhizomes in water to create a liquid solution that can be taken orally to help reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of the herb Echinacea purpurea is prepared by grinding its roots into a powder and then mixing it with a base to create a sweet tablet that can be sucked on to help reduce the growth of Candida albicans and promote the healing of the oral mucosa, which can be beneficial in the treatment of a white tongue.