Herbs are plants used medicinally or for their flavor or scent. Herbs with medicinal properties are a useful and effective source of treatment for various disease processes.
Many drugs used in Western medical science-called allopathic medicine-have their origin in medicinal plants. The chemical ephedrine is extracted from the plant and used as a decongestant. Codeine, derived from opium, has long been used as an analgesic. Salicin, a forerunner of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), was derived from the bark of the willow tree.
By World War II, herbology was losing popularity in the West. Penicillin and other "wonder drugs" seemed to be cure-alls. And the war itself had cut off supplies of herbs from around the world. The advent of the drug industry with its synthetic medicines seemed to ring a death knoll for herbology, yet plants remain a major source of drugs today. For example, the previously mentioned ephedrine, digitalis (a heart strengthener), and vincristine (an antitumor drug) are all plant-derived
Generally speaking, herbs are used to cleanse the blood, warm and stimulate the body, increase surface circulation, increase elimination of wastes, reduce inflammation, and calm and soothe irritation. Herbs may be used internally as pills, syrups, and infusions, or externally as poultices, plasters, and liniments.
An external application of clove oil, for instance, will stop the pain of toothache, as will tincture of hops.
These wraps are especially effective for sore, tense muscles or jaw when temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is present.
The herbs most commonly used for dental problems are described below.
- Alfalfa : is useful in cases of hemorrhaging and fungal infections.
- Aloe Vera : Applied externally, aloe vera gel is excellent for soothing inflamed gums and sores in the mouth.
- Anise : An anti-inflammatory herb, anise is commonly used in tea form to soothe the gums. Also Chew fennel seeds whole to eliminate bad breath.
- Annatto: Apply annatto after tooth extraction or gum surgery.
- Arnica: Available in creams and ointments, arnica can be externally applied to relieve bruises, strains, sprains, pain, and muscle tension.
- Catnip: Drink catnip tea or take in capsules to help you relax before dental treatment. (See Using Herbs, Tea Preparation, in Part Three.)
- Chamomile: Use as a mouthwash to soothe inflamed, irritated gums.
- Echinacea: Echinacea has antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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