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Herbal Remedies for Infected Gums
The use of herbs as a remedy for common ailments is on the rise as more and more persons worldwide are won over by the safer and more pocket friendly aspects of herbal medicines.
Among the generous bounty of herbal medicine are plants, roots and extracts that help people afflicted by a variety of problems and help restore their health and vitality to them in the safest possible way, be it a sore throat, infected or bleeding gums or bad breath. Some of these natural remedies are discussed below:
Herbal help for infected gums
- Magic of Myrrh: Myrrh is an herb with antiseptic, antibiotic, antimicrobial, expectorant and astringent properties. It is often used as a cleansing agent which counters toxins in the body and therefore is the preferred main ingredient in mouthwashes and gargles to help with sore throats, infected gums, pyorrhea and halitosis. Its healing propensity extends to treating Candida albicans (thrush) and for athlete's foot as well. The herbal remedy for treating infected gums involves using 6-12 drops of Myrrh in juice or water, under the tongue 3 times daily.
- White Oak Bark: has myrrh-like properties and is also an antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and urinary stone dissolver. As an astringent, white oak bark is a very strong herbal cure and is widely used both internally and externally to treat problems ranging from swollen tissues and gums infected areas in the mouth, for low grade fever, as a douche or enema, cold compress for burns and sore or even as an effective poultice to strengthen a loosened tooth. The recommended dosage is to use a about 8-10 drops of this herbal extract in juice or water under the tongue, or as desired, thrice daily. It is considered an excellent mouthwash for treating swollen or infected gums and cleanses and heals the mucus membranes and damaged tissues.
- Bringraj /thistle species: Also known as Eclipta erecta / Eclipta Alba / Eclipta prostrata, Bhringaraj is the Indian thistle plant that is considered one of the most important herbs in the Hindu listing of 'Ten Auspicious Flowers.' Thistle extracts/Bringraj have been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine (the Indian branch of herbal medicine, over 5000years old) for treating skin and hair issues and rejuvenation of the human body and soul. Bringraj is believed to be endowed with medicinal value to cool the affected area and calm the mind while aiding in cellular metabolism as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-hepatotoxic, anodyne, absorbent, tonic and deobstruent properties.
For infected gums, this means that it is a good antiseptic and stops the infection from spreading further while its astringent qualities help it perform as an excellent oral rinse for loose teeth and sore gums. It helps to maintain the teeth and bones while acting as a quickie-mouth freshener.
For internal use, Bringraj is taken in powder form and a dosage of half a teaspoon twice a day, mixed with warm water is as effective as the tablet form. The recommended period of use is about 3 months for best results.