Dry Mouth: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth, often resulting in a feeling of dryness or stickiness.

It is typically caused by dehydration, medication side effects, or medical conditions such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome. If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and an increased risk of infections. To alleviate dry mouth, herbal remedies like aloe vera juice, slippery elm, and licorice root tea can be effective.

However, it's essential to consult with 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 dry 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 dry mouth?

The main causes of dry mouth are related to a decrease in saliva production, which can be triggered by medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, affecting up to 70% of older adults.

Other causes include hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy, smoking, and certain medical conditions like diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, radiation therapy to the head and neck can also cause dry mouth in some individuals. Furthermore, mouth breathing, particularly in children, can contribute to dry mouth due to the reduced saliva production.

In some cases, dry mouth can be a side effect of medical procedures, such as chemotherapy and surgery.

• Medications: Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and sedatives can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production and interfering with the normal functioning of the salivary glands.
• Aging: Aging is a common cause of dry mouth due to reduced saliva production and decreased function of the salivary glands, which can lead to decreased saliva flow and increased dryness.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production, damaging the salivary glands, and irritating the mucous membranes in the mouth, leading to decreased saliva flow and increased dryness.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy can cause dry mouth due to changes in hormone levels that affect saliva production and the functioning of the salivary glands.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause dry mouth due to high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves and blood vessels in the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production and decreased saliva flow.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can cause dry mouth due to increased stress hormones that stimulate the 'fight or flight' response, leading to decreased saliva production and increased dryness.
• Respiratory Diseases: Respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia can cause dry mouth due to dehydration and decreased saliva production associated with respiratory infections.
• Mouth Breathing: Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth due to reduced saliva production and decreased saliva flow associated with breathing through the mouth rather than the nose.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth due to damage to the salivary glands and mucous membranes in the mouth, leading to reduced saliva production and decreased saliva flow.
• Sjögren's Syndrome: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dry mouth due to inflammation and damage to the salivary glands and mucous membranes in the mouth, leading to reduced saliva production and decreased saliva flow.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry mouth?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry mouth are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Aloe vera, Mentha x piperita, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Centella asiatica, Cinchona officinalis.

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing dry mouth inflammation. Echinacea purpurea stimulates the production of saliva by enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing water production in the mouth. Salvia officinalis and Melissa officinalis have antimicrobial properties, fighting off bacteria and fungi that can exacerbate dry mouth.

The remaining herbs, Aloe vera, Mentha x piperita, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Centella asiatica, Cinchona officinalis, have additional benefits like soothing the mucous membranes, increasing saliva production, or reducing inflammation and infection, helping alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to stimulate saliva production and help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has not been found to have any direct effects on dry mouth, but some studies suggest its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, has been traditionally used to stimulate saliva production and improve oral health, but its effectiveness in treating dry mouth is largely anecdotal and requires further research.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a mouthwash to help soothe and moisturize the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, contains menthol, which has been shown to stimulate saliva production and help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus has not been found to have any direct effects on dry mouth, but its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry, has not been found to have any direct effects on dry mouth, but its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, contains triterpenoid saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the mouth, potentially alleviating dry mouth symptoms.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as Peruvian bark, contains quinine, which has been traditionally used to treat malaria and may have some effects on saliva production, but its effectiveness in treating dry mouth is largely anecdotal and requires further research.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry mouth?

The main herbal preparations used for dry mouth are Decoction, Lozenge, Tea, Tincture, Mouthwash, Capsule, Gargle, Spray, Salve, Powder.

Decoction is made by boiling herbs like licorice root, slippery elm, and marshmallow root to create a soothing liquid that coats the mouth and throat. Lozenges, teas, and tinctures often contain herbs like aloe vera, milk thistle, and Siberian ginseng that help stimulate saliva production and reduce inflammation. Capsules and mouthwashes containing herbs like xylitol and vitamin C can help stimulate saliva production, while gargles and sprays can provide quick relief from dry mouth.

Salves and powders containing herbs like chamomile and licorice root can be applied topically to soothe dry, irritated tissues.

• Decoction: A decoction of Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) helps with dry mouth by providing a protective barrier to the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the extract of Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with dry mouth by stimulating saliva production and reducing inflammation in the mouth.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with dry mouth by stimulating saliva production and reducing inflammation in the mouth.
• Tincture: A tincture of Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) helps with dry mouth by providing a soothing and protective coating to the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.
• Mouthwash: A mouthwash made from the extract of Sage (Salvia officinalis) helps with dry mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting saliva production, thereby alleviating symptoms of dry mouth.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dry mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process, thereby alleviating symptoms of dry mouth.
• Gargle: A gargle made from the extract of Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) helps with dry mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process, thereby alleviating symptoms of dry mouth.
• Spray: A spray made from the extract of Chlorophyll-rich plants such as Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) helps with dry mouth by providing a soothing and protective coating to the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) helps with dry mouth by providing a protective coating to the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.
• Powder: A powder made from the extract of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with dry mouth by stimulating saliva production and reducing inflammation in the mouth.