Ayurveda, literally "the science of life," is a system of complimentary and alternative medicine native to India that can be used to supplement conventional Western medicine. According to MayoClinic.com, Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional healing system that embodies a comprehensive philosophy of health for determining remedies and cures. Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition that occurs when the mouth begins to lose its ability to produce saliva, often causing difficulty with speech and eating, and potentially accelerating tooth decay. While you should see a doctor if you are experiencing dry mouth, minor cases can sometimes be solved through the use of alternative medicine remedies, such as Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine borrows from the five element system of traditional Chinese medicine when appraising an individual's state of health. According to the Blue Lotus Ayurveda web resource, traditional Indian medicine divides everything from food and substances to human constitutions into three doshas: the kapha, representing earth and water, the pitta, composed of fire and water and the vata that contains air and ether. According to Ayurvedic medicine, most ailments are caused by an imbalance of an individual's dosha and can be remedied by strengthening an opposing dosha, or "elemental state."
Dry Mouth Conditions
According to Medline Plus, individuals experiencing dry mouth -- also called xerostomia, drooth, des or cotton mouth -- typically experience thick and stringy saliva before experiencing a general loss of moisture in the mouth. Cuts and cracks in the lips and corners of the mouth may occur, as well as soreness, pain, gum disease and a reduced sense of taste. While many dry mouth conditions are caused by smoking or adverse reactions to some medications, it may be also be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Ayurvedic Dry Mouth Diagnosis
According to Ayurveda MD, ayurvedic medicine classifies dry mouth and dry skin conditions to an imbalance in the vata dosha of an individual. For an Ayurvedic diagnosis, compare your symptoms to other manifestations of "vishami agni" or irregular digestion caused my a vata imbalance, such as gas and bloating, constipation, dark coating on tongue, variable appetite, mental restlessness and a tendency to be underweight.
Ayurvedic Dry Mouth Treatments
An Ayurvedic approach to treating dry mouth involves following a vata-pacifying diet by eating foods that are heavier and warm, such as whole grains, cooked vegetables, dairy products and nuts. The Hollistic Online web resource also recommends avoiding salads, fruits and caffeine while maintaining a warm body temperature throughout the day to curb your exposure to vata elements. Herbs that may be effective in balancing vata ailments include: anise, cumin, ginger, licorice, nutmeg, cinnamon, sesame seeds and mild doses of valerian before bedtime.
Considerations
While studied and practiced by many individuals in the alternative healing community, Ayurvedic medicine is not as regulated or monitored as Western or conventional medicine in the United States. While some of the recommended herbs are easy to find and relatively safe, many Ayurvedic herbs and herbal mixtures contain multiple ingredients that may be lacking English labeling. Never consume an Ayurvedic herbal remedy or attempt at-home treatment without first consulting an Ayurvedic medical practitioner or your doctor.
