A gum boil, also known as a parulus, is an infected area on your gums where an abscessed tooth is draining. If you have a gum boil, you may experience pain, nausea, swollen glands, fever and diarrhea. You should see a dentist immediately, since the gum boil is a sign that you have gum disease, a dead nerve in your tooth or an infected root canal. A gum boil may also indicate a weak immune system. Consult your dentist or health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for gum boils work in different ways. Antibacterial and immune-stimulating herbs may help fight the infection. Herbs for pain and inflammation will offer temporary relief. Carminative herbs will help if you have nausea. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for gum boils.
Echinacea
Echinacea, or Echinacea pallida, is a North American herb also known as pale purple coneflower. Herbalists use the roots to treat infections, and this may be a useful herb for your infected gums. Echinacea's active ingredients include polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives, and the plant has antibacterial and immune-stimulating actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that echinacea is a primary herbal remedy for helping your body get rid of bacterial and viral infections. It stimulates your immune system to activate macrophages, which are white blood cells that destroy invading pathogens. Do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease.
Myrrh
Myrrh, or Commiphora myrrha, is a thorny shrub native to Somalia and Ethiopia. It produces a fragrant resin that has potent medicinal properties. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that myrrh contains polysaccharides, triterpene acids and essential oil, and has astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions. As a mouthwash, it may reduce swelling and pain, and help shrink gum boils. This relief is temporary, so see your dentist to treat the underlying infected gums and tooth. Dilute myrrh tincture with water before using it as a mouthwash.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is an annual herb with a yellow flower trimmed with white petals. Traditional healers use the flowers to treat indigestion and inflammations. Active ingredients include essential oil, flavonoids and coumarins, and the plant has carminative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends chamomile for digestive problems. If your gum boil and infection are accompanied by nausea and diarrhea, chamomile may give you some relief. It may also help fight the bacterial infection and reduce the inflammation. Do not use this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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