Natural Herbs To Stop Gums From Bleeding

Bleeding gums can be a symptom of the gum infections known as gingivitis and periodontitis. When plaque hardens on your teeth, it becomes a hiding place for bacteria. The longer this condition persists, the more irritated and swollen your gums will become, bleeding easily with the slightest touch. Eventually, you can lose bone, tissue and even teeth. Natural herbs may help stop the bleeding and heal gum tissue. See your dentist for a thorough cleaning and advice before starting herbal therapy.

Herbal Actions

Natural herbs help stop bleeding gums in different ways. Some, like astringent herbs, will act directly on gum tissue by shrinking it and reducing all secretions, including blood. Others, like anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs, will stop the bleeding by helping to soothe irritation, reduce swelling and heal the infection. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for bleeding gums.

Calendula

Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is both a wild and cultivated plant with bright orange flowers. Herbalists use the flower heads in topical forms to treat wounds, burns, skin diseases, oral fungal infections and mouth inflammations. Folk healers also use calendula as an herbal mouth rinse or in dentifrices for bleeding gums. The active ingredients are flavonoids, saponins and essential oil, and the plant has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the 2010 issue of the "Research Journal of Medicinal Plant" found that a toothpaste containing calendula flowers decreased plaque and bleeding gums in test subjects compared to a placebo group. Do not use this herb if you have allergies to members of the Aster family. Clear the use of calendula with your dentist.

Myrrh

Myrrh, or Commiphora molmol, is a thorny tree found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The bark exudes a bitter, fragrant resin also known as myrrh. Traditional healers use a mouth rinse of the tincture as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent in gum infections, tonsillitis and canker sores. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbalist Penelope Ody states that myrrh is highly astringent and antimicrobial. She recommends it to stop bleeding gums and heal the infection. Avoid myrrh if you are pregnant. Ask your dentist if myrrh would be suitable for you.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a small shrub native to North America with yellow flowers. Herbalists use the leaves, bark and stems for diarrhea, bleeding and inflamed gums, sore throat, skin problems, excessive menstruation, and hemorrhoids. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that witch hazel is rich in tannins --- up to 10 percent in the leaves and bark --- and has potent astringent, antiseptic and hemostatic actions. They recommend using it as a mouth rinse several times each day. Do not use internally in high doses, or if you are constipated. Talk to your dentist about using witch hazel.