A coated tongue, whether white, yellow or black, can be an irritating and sometimes frightening condition. Coated tongue is usually caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth, which creates foul-smelling breath that mouthwash will not alleviate. While generally harmless, this may be a symptom of an underlying illness or imbalance in your system. Any health condition is best evaluated by a medical professional, but in some cases, the ancient Indian healing systems of Ayurveda and yoga may be able to help.
Yogic Remedies for Coated Tongue
In the Ayurvedic and yogic systems, a coated tongue is thought to be a manifestation of "ama," a buildup of debris and blocked energy in the system caused by weak digestion and an accumulation of toxins. The most commonly used and effective Ayurvedic remedy for coated tongue is a tongue scraper: a bent strip of metal, often copper, that can remove debris from the tongue, and which you can use up to twice a day. Limit your diet to easily digested foods such as rice and soups, and include ginger whenever possible for its cleansing properties. Completely eliminate tobacco and alcohol. An Ayurvedic herbal remedy called Triphala may also help strengthen the body's elimination systems.
Yoga to Release Ama
A buildup of ama can also be a result of stress, anger and regret, according to the Ayurvedic system. Relaxed, heart-opening yoga postures such as supported backbends can be useful in restoring balance. Place a bolster, rolled blanket or block under your upper back, around the area of your shoulder blades. Lie down over it and open your arms to your sides, palms up, until you feel an opening in your chest. Draw your feet toward you and bring the soles together, letting your knees fall open. Breathe deeply into your chest and allow your thoughts to drift through your mind without following any, or trying to control them. If you have difficulty breathing, your backbend is too deep; adjust your support.
Lion Face Yoga
A yogic method of refreshing the face, and especially the mouth, is called the Lion Face. To perform this exercise, open your mouth wide and stick your tongue all the way out, pointing down. Roll your eyes up and open your hands. Exhale with a loud, prolonged "ha," drawing in and up on your lower abdomen to expel all the air. Repeat as desired. This practice is intended to clear toxins from the lungs, mouth and tongue, and may help keep the skin and mucous membranes supple and healthy. It also helps flush the system of ama by providing an energetic and emotional release.
When to See Your Doctor
MayoClinic.com cautions that white tongue can occasionally be a symptom of infection or a precancerous condition. Yellow tongue can indicate a gallbladder or liver problem, or a fungal infection called thrush or candida. Thrush may also cause itching or soreness, or inflammation and bleeding of the tongue and gums, fever, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately, since thrush can spread to the throat and esophagus.
