A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection inside your tooth, around the root. An abscessed tooth can be painful, sensitive to hot and cold, and it can cause fever, inflammation and swollen lymph nodes in your neck and jaw. You should see your dentist immediately, since an untreated abscessed tooth can be life-threatening if the infection spreads. Herbs may help relieve the symptoms naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for an abscessed tooth work in several ways. Antibacterial herbs may help weaken or kill the pathogen responsible for the infection. Anti-inflammatory herbs can reduce the pain, inflammation and fever. Immune-stimulants help your body fight the infection naturally. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about usage, dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is an annual herb with daisy-like flowers. Herbalists use it topically to treat skin infections and internally for anxiety and gastrointestinal problems. In their 2000 book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend chamomile tea for tooth abscesses. They also note that you can apply a chamomile poultice to your cheek if your face is swollen from the infection. Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to plants in the Aster family.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or Echinacea pallida, is a North American herb with droopy purple flowers. Traditional healers use the roots to treat colds and flu. Echinacea contains polysaccharides, alkylamides, polyacetylenes and caffeic acid, and the plant has potent anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant and antibacterial actions. The Balches advise using the tea or diluted extract as a mouthwash for tooth abscesses. You can also take it internally to boost your immune system and fight the infection. Do not use this herb if you have an autoimmune disease.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a perennial herb in the ginger family and is native to India. Herbalists use the rhizomes to stimulate bile and treat digestive problems. The active ingredients are a group of chemicals known as curcuminoids and a volatile oil rich in bisabolane. In their 2000 book "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster explain that turmeric is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It also stimulates blood circulation, drawing more immune cells to the infected area. White and Foster recommend making a turmeric paste and applying it to the sore tooth. Turmeric can cause nausea or diarrhea in excessive amounts.
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
