What Herbs are Good for a Toothache?

What Herbs are Good for a Toothache?
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Numerous herbs may be helpful for your toothache. According to MayoClinic.com, tooth decay is the principle cause of toothache among children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on sugar and starch in the foods you consume. These bacteria form plaque, which sticks to the surface of your teeth. Before taking herbs to help treat or prevent your toothache, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

California Poppy

California poppy is an herb that may help treat your toothache. According to Botanical.com, California poppy, also known as Eschscholzia californica, is California's state flower. California poppy is a perennial plant with blue-green leaves and flowers that open with sunshine and close on cloudy days. Native Americans in California used California poppy both as a food and medicine. The above-ground parts of the plant are used medicinally. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that California poppy is an antispasmodic, analgesic and soporific, or a substance that induces sleep. Smith notes that California poppy is used to treat numerous health problems, including toothache, headache and general neuropathies, or any pathology of your peripheral nerves. Before taking California poppy to help treat your toothache, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaican dogwood is an herb that may help reduce your toothache-related pain or discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that Jamaican dogwood, also known as Piscidia erythrina or Piscidia piscipula, is native to Central America, Florida and the West Indies, although it now grows in Texas, Mexico and the northern part of South America. Jamaican dogwood has been used as a traditional remedy for treating numerous health problems, including toothaches, nerve pain, migraine headaches, insomnia, anxiety, fear and nervous tension. According to Smith, Jamaican dogwood is a nerve sedative, soporific, anodyne and antispasmodic. Jamaican dogwood helps treat various forms of neuralgia, or nerve pain, toothache, fractures, arthritis and sciatica. Before taking Jamaican dogwood to help treat your toothache, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is an herb that may be effective for treating your toothache. According to Botanical.com, meadowsweet, also known as Filipendula ulmaria, grows in meadows and moist bank and possesses fern-like foliage and creamy-white flowers that blossom from June to September. Meadowsweet is a member of the rose family and possesses a bitter and sweet taste. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that meadowsweet is a diaphoretic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Meadowsweet has been used to treat toothaches, colds, flu, chronic gastritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of your nerves, muscles and skin. Before taking meadowsweet to help treat your toothache, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

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Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 10, 2010

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