By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For White Tongue
Herbal teas for white tongue are a natural remedy that helps alleviate the symptoms of a white tongue, also known as oral candidiasis.
This condition occurs when an overgrowth of yeast on the tongue causes a thick, white coating. Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, and sage help soothe and balance the oral flora, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy tongue.
By incorporating these teas into one's daily routine, individuals can improve their overall oral health and boost their confidence, allowing them to live a more comfortable and active life.
The following article describes in detail the most important teas for white tongue, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Althaea officinalis
- 2. Calendula officinalis
- 3. Echinacea purpurea
- 4. Taraxacum officinale
- 5. Sambucus nigra
- 6. Mentha x piperita
- 7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 8. Zingiber officinale
- 9. Cymbopogon citratus
- 10. Eucalyptus globulus
- What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for white tongue?
- What ailments similar to white tongue are treated with herbal teas?
1. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, teas helps with white tongue because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The root of the plant contains mucilages, which coat and calm the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This can help to eliminate the bacteria and fungi that cause white tongue, a condition often associated with poor oral hygiene and an imbalance of the oral microbiome.
Regular consumption of Althaea officinalis tea may also help to maintain a healthy oral environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with white tongue.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the mouth, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of white patches.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the inflammation associated with white tongue, promoting a healthy oral environment.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect the oral mucosa from oxidative stress and promote the resolution of white tongue symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make teas for white tongue.
- Roots: The roots are commonly used due to their rich content of mucilages, which provide soothing and protective properties to the mucous membranes.
- Leaves: The leaves are also used, as they contain similar mucilages, which help to calm and heal the inflammation associated with white tongue.
- Barks: The barks of Althaea officinalis are occasionally used, although less frequently than the roots and leaves, for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for white tongue.
- Harvest 1 to 2 ounces of dried root of the medicinal plant in late summer or early fall.
- Rinse the dried root in cold water to remove any impurities or debris present on the surface.
- Use a grinder or mortar to crush the dried root into a fine powder with a texture of flour.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of the powdered root in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining particles or sediment.
2. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, teas helps with white tongue because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, work to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. By soothing the mucous membranes and promoting a healthy balance of oral flora, Calendula officinalis tea can help to alleviate the appearance of a white tongue, promoting a cleaner and healthier oral environment.
This can lead to fresher breath and an overall improved oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis teas that help with white tongue.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the oral cavity, potentially alleviating white tongue symptoms.
- Saponins: A type of triterpenoid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat oral infections and reduce inflammation, contributing to the treatment of white tongue.
- Carotenoids: A group of pigments with antioxidant properties, which may help protect the oral mucosa from oxidative stress and promote the healing of mucosal lesions, potentially reducing the appearance of white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make teas for white tongue.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for white tongue due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for white tongue due to their ability to stimulate the immune system and reduce bacterial growth.
- Roots: They are used to make teas for white tongue due to their antimicrobial properties, which help combat infections and promote oral health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for white tongue.
- Harvest 20-30 calendula officinalis flowers in the morning when they are dry and free of moisture.
- Rinse the flowers gently with cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
- Steep 1 tablespoon of dried calendula officinalis flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flower petals.
- Serve the tea hot or cold and drink within 24 hours to reap the benefits of the flowers.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, teas helps with white tongue because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant's compounds work to reduce swelling and soothe the mucous membranes in the mouth. This, in turn, helps to remove the white coating caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or a fungal infection. By promoting a healthy balance of oral flora and reducing inflammation, Echinacea purpurea teas can help to restore a healthy, pink-colored tongue.
Regular consumption may also aid in preventing future occurrences.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with white tongue.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce bacterial or fungal infections that may be contributing to a white tongue.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the mouth and tongue, potentially alleviating white tongue symptoms.
- Cichoric acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat oral infections and reduce inflammation, making it a potential remedy for white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make teas for white tongue.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas for white tongue because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate symptoms of oral infections.
- Roots: The roots are used to make teas for white tongue because they contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and fight off infections in the mouth and throat.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for white tongue.
- Harvest 1-2 cups of fresh echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves for optimal tea quality.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 1 hour.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of dried echinacea flowers and leaves with 1 quart of boiling water.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse and release their properties.
- Strain the tea and serve immediately to enjoy the echinacea purpurea's health benefits.
4. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with white tongue because it is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's high content of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium, helps to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy oral environment. By stimulating saliva production and improving digestion, dandelion tea can also help to remove bacteria and debris that may contribute to the appearance of a white tongue.
Regular consumption may lead to a reduction in tongue inflammation and a return to a healthy, pink color.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with white tongue.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds may help alleviate white tongue by reducing inflammation and improving oral health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Inulin: As a soluble fiber, inulin can help regulate the gut microbiome, which may contribute to the reduction of white tongue symptoms by promoting a healthy balance of oral microorganisms.
- Chlorogenic acid: This polyphenol may help mitigate the risk of oral infections and inflammation associated with white tongue by exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for white tongue.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for white tongue due to their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Roots: Dandelion roots are used in teas for their bitter taste and earthy flavor, as well as their ability to stimulate digestion and liver function, which can help to clear toxins from the body.
- Flowers: The flowers of the dandelion plant are used to make teas for their sweet, slightly bitter taste and their ability to soothe and calm the digestive system, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for white tongue.
- Harvest taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in the early morning when the dew is still present on the plants.
- Rinse the fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Steep one teaspoon of dried taraxacum officinale leaves or two teaspoons of fresh taraxacum officinale leaves in boiling water.
- Allow the taraxacum officinale leaves to steep for 5 to 10 minutes to release the desired medicinal properties.
- Strain the taraxacum officinale tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup or teapot.
5. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, teas helps with white tongue because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea is rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy oral environment. This, in turn, helps to combat the bacteria that can cause white tongue, also known as oral candidiasis.
By reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy oral balance, Sambucus nigra tea can help to restore a pink, healthy appearance to the tongue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with white tongue.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and redness associated with white tongue, promoting a healthier oral environment.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids have antimicrobial properties, helping to combat the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can contribute to white tongue, promoting a balanced oral microbiome.
- Anthocyanins: These pigments have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the mouth, contributing to a healthier oral environment and potentially alleviating symptoms of white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make teas for white tongue.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat infection and reduce inflammation associated with white tongue.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause white tongue.
- Barks: They are used to make teas due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to reduce the growth of pathogens that can cause white tongue.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for white tongue.
- Choose fresh or dried sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in equal proportions for the tea mixture.
- Measure 1 teaspoon of the mixture for every 8 ounces of water and add to a pot.
- Bring the water to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
- Bottle the tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with white tongue because of its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The menthol and menthone compounds present in peppermint tea can help to reduce inflammation and kill off bacteria that may be contributing to the condition. This can help to promote a healthy oral environment, reduce bad breath, and ultimately, help to alleviate the appearance of a white tongue.
Regular consumption of peppermint tea may also stimulate saliva production, further aiding in oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with white tongue.
- Menthol: Helps with white tongue by providing antimicrobial properties, reducing bacteria and other pathogens that cause the condition, and promoting a healthy oral environment.
- Rosmarinic acid: Contributes to the relief of white tongue by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help reduce swelling and oxidative stress associated with the condition.
- Menthone: Supports the treatment of white tongue by exerting its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that can cause oral infections and contribute to the appearance of a white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for white tongue.
- Leaves: Leaves are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of essential oils, including menthol and menthone, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: Stems, especially the young shoots, are sometimes used to make teas, providing a similar flavor and aroma to the leaves, although they may be less potent.
- Buds: Buds are another part of the plant that can be used to make teas, offering a more delicate flavor and aroma compared to the leaves or stems.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for white tongue.
- Harvest fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the early morning when they are at their most fragrant and potent.
- Dry the harvested leaves in a warm place out of direct sunlight for at least two days.
- Steep one teaspoon of dried mentha x piperita leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids to avoid any bitter flavors.
- Drink the tea immediately and enjoy the refreshing and invigorating effects of mentha x piperita.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with white tongue because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe the mucous membranes in the mouth.
The tea's active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin, help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy balance of oral flora. This leads to a decrease in the bacteria that cause white tongue, also known as oral candidiasis, allowing the tongue to return to its normal color and texture.
Regular consumption of licorice tea can promote a healthy oral environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with white tongue.
- Licoricidin: This phenolic compound exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause white tongue.
- Glycyrrhizin: As an anti-inflammatory agent, glycyrrhizin helps to soothe and reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can contribute to the development of white tongue.
- Licorixanthone: This flavonoid compound has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the oral mucosa from oxidative stress and promote a healthy oral environment.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for white tongue.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps in reducing inflammation and soothing the oral mucosa.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing the irritation and inflammation associated with a white tongue.
- Barks: The bark of Glycyrrhiza glabra contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe the tongue and prevent infections.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for white tongue.
- Harvest 50 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots for an average single serving.
- Steep the roots in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large cup to remove solids.
- Add honey to taste if desired to sweeten the herbal tea mixture.
- Allow the tea to cool down before serving and consuming the liquid.
8. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, teas helps with white tongue because it possesses antimicrobial properties that combat the underlying bacteria causing the condition.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy oral environment. Regular consumption of ginger tea may help to restore a balanced oral flora, reducing the appearance of a white tongue and promoting overall oral health.
It also helps to reduce bad breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with white tongue.
- Gingerols: These compounds, particularly 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol, possess antimicrobial properties that help combat the bacteria and fungi causing white tongue, promoting a healthy oral environment.
- Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and eliminate the underlying causes of white tongue, promoting a faster recovery.
- Curcuminoids: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound found in Zingiber officinale, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and reduce inflammation in the oral cavity, contributing to the healing of white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make teas for white tongue.
- Rhyzomes: These are the most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale for making teas due to their high concentration of active compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and whiten the tongue.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are also used to make teas as they contain similar active compounds as the rhyzomes, providing relief from inflammation and promoting oral health.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale can be used to make teas that help soothe and calm the tongue, as they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote oral health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for white tongue.
- Gather 1 teaspoon of dried root of zingiber officinale, 1 cup of boiling water and a heat-resistant cup.
- Steep the dried root in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release its active compounds.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the heat-resistant cup.
- Discard the solids and let the tea cool down to a comfortable serving temperature in 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve the herbal tea immediately and consume within 1 hour for maximum flavor and benefits.
9. Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, teas helps with white tongue because it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's active compounds work to reduce the bacterial load that causes white tongue, promoting a healthier oral environment. Additionally, lemongrass tea's astringent properties help to dry out the affected area, reducing its appearance. This natural remedy can help to alleviate symptoms and restore a normal tongue appearance, promoting overall oral health and well-being.
Its antimicrobial properties also help to prevent future occurrences.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with white tongue.
- Citral: This terpene helps reduce inflammation and antimicrobial activity, which aids in eliminating the underlying causes of white tongue, such as fungal or bacterial infections.
- Geraniol: This terpene exhibits antifungal properties, helping to combat fungal overgrowth and other microbial imbalances that can lead to white tongue.
- Limonene: This terpene has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help reduce the growth of pathogens that contribute to white tongue, promoting a healthy oral environment.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make teas for white tongue.
- Leaves: Fresh or dried leaves are commonly used to make teas for white tongue due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the affected area.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of Cymbopogon citratus contain essential oils that are used to create teas for treating white tongue, as they have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help combat oral infections.
- Stems: The stems of Cymbopogon citratus are also used to make teas for treating white tongue, as they contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce swelling and soothe the affected area.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for white tongue.
- Gather 1/2 cup of cymbopogon citratus leaves and 1 quart of water in a large pot.
- Steep the leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release the essential oils.
- Strain the tea using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
- Add honey to taste to balance out the bitterness of the tea.
- Store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
10. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum, teas helps with white tongue because it contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat oral bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth.
The tea's expectorant properties also aid in loosening and removing debris from the tongue's surface, promoting a healthier oral environment.
Additionally, eucalyptus' decongestant properties can help reduce swelling in the tongue, making it an effective natural remedy for white tongue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with white tongue.
- Cineole: Cineole is a terpene that helps reduce inflammation and fight off infections in the mouth, which can contribute to white tongue.
- Catechin: Catechin is a phenolic compound that has antimicrobial properties, which can help combat the bacteria and fungi that can cause a white tongue.
- Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation in the mouth, potentially alleviating the appearance of a white tongue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make teas for white tongue.
- Leaves: The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are commonly used to make teas due to their antimicrobial properties that help combat infections and inflammation associated with white tongue.
- Barks: The barks of Eucalyptus globulus are also used to make teas, as they contain compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal oral infections.
- Roots: Some sources suggest using the roots of Eucalyptus globulus to make teas, as they may contain additional antimicrobial compounds that aid in the treatment of oral health issues like white tongue.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for white tongue.
- Gather 1 tablespoon of dried eucalyptus globulus leaves from a reputable source for medicinal use.
- Boil 1 cup of filtered water in a kettle or on the stovetop for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Steep the dried eucalyptus globulus leaves in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Allow the tea to cool for 2 to 5 minutes before consumption.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for white tongue?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with white tongue is a blend of peppermint, sage, and echinacea.
Peppermint tea helps to freshen breath and reduce inflammation, while sage tea has antibacterial properties that combat oral bacteria causing white tongue. Echinacea tea, rich in antioxidants, supports immune function and fights off infections. By drinking a combination of these teas, you can promote oral health, reduce white tongue symptoms, and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
Regular consumption may also prevent future occurrences.
What ailments similar to white tongue are treated with herbal teas?
Ailments similar to white tongue that are treated with herbal teas are various oral health issues.
For instance, thrush, which causes a white or yellowish patch on the tongue and inner cheeks, can be treated with tea made from herbs like slippery elm, licorice root, and calendula.
Herbal teas containing sage, chamomile, and peppermint have also been used to soothe mouth sores, gum inflammation, and bad breath.