Gum pain can be due to bacterial infections, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, a vitamin deficiency, trauma, or an abscessed tooth. You may also have symptoms such as bleeding, inflammation, swollen or puffy gums, and bad breath. Herbs may help relieve gum pain, but consult your dentist to determine the cause of the pain before using herbal remedies.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for gum pain can have several actions. Antimicrobials can kill the bacteria that's causing gum infection and pain. Analgesic herbs can soothe your gums and relieve pain temporarily. Herbs with anti-inflammatory and styptic actions can reduce swelling and stop bleeding, which should help relieve pain. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for directions on dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Aloe
Aloe, or Aloe vera, is a succulent originally from North Africa. The inner pulp is a slimy gel rich in polysaccharides, amino acids and salicylic acid. The gel has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunostimulant actions, and herbalists use it to treat wounds. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend applying the gel directly to your gums to relieve pain and soothe irritated tissues. Do not use aloe internally if you have an autoimmune disorder. Aloe may have a laxative effect if taken internally.
Clove
Clove, or Syzygium aromaticum, is an aromatic herb used in cooking and herbal medicine. The dried flower buds, also known as cloves, contain an essential oil that is a useful analgesic for treating toothache, mouth inflammations, nausea and rheumatism. The Balches advise rubbing clove oil on gums to relieve the pain. If the pure oil is too strong, dilute it with an edible oil, such as olive or safflower. Discontinue this herb if you develop an allergic reaction.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a perennial North American herb with white flowers and small red inedible berries. Herbalists use the rhizome and root to stop bleeding and treat bacterial infections. The active ingredients, hydrastine and berberine, are potent antimicrobial and astringent agents. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend goldenseal capsules or tinctures for gum infection, bleeding and pain. Do not use goldenseal if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have heart problems.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
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