Don’t be a Victim to a Toothache this Holiday Season

One of the most awful feelings is that of a toothache. To make matters worse is a toothache during the holiday season. Not only does it inhibit your consumption of the delicious food that is the holidays but it can be difficult to get an appointment with a dentist. So today I'd like to provide some all natural ways to help you deal with a toothache.

Why do I have a toothache?

The likely source of a toothache is due to an infection or abscess. This happens when decay penetrate the hard exterior of the tooth and extends into the soft tissue, known as the pulp, in the center of the tooth. Bacteria then infiltrated the tooth causing inflammation and ultimately an infection. The pain that results can be deep, sharp and throbbing. Other common symptoms associated with a toothache include:

• Pain with chewing.
• Hot and cold Sensitivity that may persist after the stimuli is removed.
• Slight bleeding around the tooth or gums.
• Swelling around the tooth or jaw.

Other Reasons for a Toothache

Infection is the most common explanation as to why you have a toothache; however, there are other reasons for the pain. Other dental related issues including:

• Gum disease
• Tooth fractures
• Tooth extraction

For any of these issues a dentist appointment should clear things up. There are also more serious issues that can cause a toothache. If you experience any of the following issues, seek professional medical attention immediately:

• Issues of the ears, sinuses or throat.
• Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ: jaw pain that radiates giving the perception of a toothache.
• High fever or chills: may be an indication that the infection has spread.
• Recent head Injury: the tooth pain may be an indication of more serious issues.
• Facial rash.
• Jaw pain coupled with chest pain: the jaw pain may be referred pain from other areas and can be an indication of a heart attack.
• Trouble swallowing, extreme pain and bleeding from the gums: in individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes or have taken a regimen of steroids recently these symptoms may indicate the need for a more aggressive treatment.

Natural Remedies for a Toothache

The first thing to do when you have a toothache is to go to the dentist. Infection can spread quickly and it is important to get it under control. When you can't make it to the dentist because it is a night, weekend or holiday here are some suggestions.

• Address the infection: A Fever is an important sign that an infection is present. The western approach is to take antibiotics. If you choose this approach, be sure to take Probiotics to counteract the effects that the antibiotics have on your gut flora. If you choose an herbal approach to fighting the infection, antimicrobial herbs are invaluable. Blasting your system with a tincture of Echinacea and goldenseal can help get the infection under control, but this means taking several milliliters every couple of hours.
• Garlic: Garlic is another great antimicrobial herb that can be valuable for a toothache. You can take it internally (remember that the antimicrobial properties are destroyed by cooking) as food or place a slice of garlic on the tooth for 20 minutes to increase circulation and fight infection.
• Clove Essential Oil: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil is one of my go-to remedies for toothaches. Eugenol, one of the constituents in cloves, helps to anesthetize the pain and fight infection. I find the best way to apply clove essential oil is to put several drops on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected tooth. It doesn’t taste good and the salivary glands really kick into high gear when you use it but it helps with the pain tremendously! If you are using this for a child only use one drop of clove and soak the rest of the cotton ball with olive oil. If you are unable to obtain the oil you can crush or chew a whole clove and apply it to the site of the pain. Overuse of clove essential oil can cause gum damage so be sure to only use this in acute emergency situations.
• Salt Water Rinse: In a glass of warm water add 2-3 teaspoons of salt. Swish the salt water in your mouth several times before spiting it out. Do this with the entire glass. It will help to clean and disinfect the infected tooth and help to draw out fluid that may be causing swelling. For added antiseptic power, add 1-2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.
• Fresh Ginger: Cut a slice of fresh ginger and remove the skin. Place the chunk of ginger directly over the sore tooth and bite into it. It should take away the pain almost instantly. Replace with a fresh piece of ginger periodically.
• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help to increase circulation to the infected tooth. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric to make a paste and dab it on the sore tooth. To amplify this remedy, add a drop of clove and tea tree essential oil.  
• Green tea and Chamomile tea: Green tea contains constituents that can treat infection and reduce inflammation. It is also very easy to obtain from any grocery store, convenience store or restaurant. Drink 2 cups a day to help with a toothache. Chamomile tea will help to relax you and your nerves by gently sedating the nervous system. It can also help to fight the infection, and is safe for children to take. For an adult take up to 3 cups of tea daily (1/2 to 1 tsp of dried flower in 1 cup of hot water steeped for 10 minutes). For children follow the guidelines for using Herbal Remedies for Kids.
• Spilanthes: The leaves and flower heads of Spilanthes acmella, known as the toothache plant, are an amazing asset when you have a toothache. It’ analgesic property can numb the gums and relieve toothaches when the leaves or flowers are chewed. It is also a relative to echinacea, which is evident in its ability to stimulate wound healing, reduce swelling and treat bacterial, viral and fugal infections.  

Followup to the toothache

When using these herbal remedies, is not uncommon for the toothache to go away; however, it is still important to go to the dentist. If the infection persists, it can penetrate the root and then you run the risk of losing the tooth. Also, chronic dental infections are correlated to an increased risk in stroke. Plaque and bacteria can enter the blood stream through the mouth causing blood clots. So take care of your teeth.

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Mars, B., & Fiedler, C. (2011). The country almanac of home remedies: time-tested & almost-forgotten wisdom for treating hundreds of common ailments, aches & pains quickly and naturally. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press.

White, L & Foster, S. (2000). The herbal Drugstore: the best natural alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Wildwood, C. (1996). The encyclopedia of aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

http://www.tbyil.com/Toothache.htm

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/toothache-home-remedy.php

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/toothache/article_em.htm

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/spilanthes.php

Daily Herb-o-Scope - Natural remedies for Sunburn

Yesterday I talked about natural ways to protect yourself from getting sunburned and the obvious next blog should be about natural ways to treat sunburn. Colorado weather has been brutally hot theses last few weeks, and any time spent outside has been miserable and burn laden. First and second degree burns can be treated at home, just as long as the area is kept clean and infection free. For third degree burns medical attention must be sought.


First and foremost, the area must be immediately cooled. Cold water or ice should be applied to the area for about 30 minutes. Do not put any ointment or cream on the burnt area until the skin is cooled because the ointment may lock in heat, making the burn worse. Egg whites on the burned skin is another way to help draw out the heat from a sunburn and this may happen so quickly the the egg may actually cook on the skin right before your eyes. Once you initially draw out the heat, there are several other ways to continue to cool the skin and help the burn to heal. 

Aloe vera plants are such a helpful and easy houseplant to have around and they have documented use of for over 2000 years. The gel in the stalks are antibacterial, vulnerary and anti-inflammatory, helping to cool, disinfect and heal the affected area. By dilating capillaries and increasing blood flow, aloe gel helps to increase blood flow to the burnt area and encourages healing. The inside of aloe vera leaves contains a gel that has a pH of 4.3, which is great for the skin.

Fresh aloe vera gel is always better than a bottle bought from the store. To harvest the fresh leaf, tare one of the lower leaves from plant. Slice the leave length wise up to the point you plan on using because the leaf will heal itself and when it is placed in the fridge it can keep for several months.Then peel the leaf open and scrap the gel from the tough outer part. I like to put the gel in the refrigerator before slathering on the goo for an extra coolness. When purchasing aloe vera gel form the store, beware of preservatives and food coloring that might present in the gel. Aloe vera gel should be more a a clear color and any artificial food colorings placed on the skin are readily absorbed into the blood stream and can be toxic.

Black and green and tea (Camellia sinensis) are sunburn tools that you can find in any grocery store and most hotel rooms. When your skin is burnt and crawling, just brew a cup of tea and then chill it. When the tea is cool, soak a cloth in the tea and ring out. Place the wet cloth directly on the burnt skin for 15-30 minutes. Reapply as needed. The tea will help to reduce inflammation, deter infection and help heal the skin. I tend to use this remedy when I am vacationing on the beach simply because of its convenience and availability.

Vinegar application is also another folk treatment for sun burn. Make a solution of half white distilled vinegar and half water, use a cotton ball to apply the vinegar solution to the skin. It isn't a pleasant experience, mainly because it smells so bad, but it really helps to take the sting out of a raw and irritated sunburn.


Lavender essential oil is one of my favorite remedies for a sunburn. Its usefulness in the treatment of burns occurred in the 1920's when perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse set his arm on fire. He thrust his arm in the nearest cold liquid which happened to be a big vat of lavender essential oil. He noticed almost instant pain relief and later, abbreviated healing time with minimal scaring. Not only have studies shown that lavender essential oil is beneficial to the actually burnt skin but it is soothing properties help to ease the tension and aggravation associated with being uncomfortable. A cool bath with several drops of lavender essential oil and no more than 8 tablespoons of cider vinegar can be very helpful to a sunburn.  Lavender essential oil is something that I always bring on vacation or camping trip. It most certainly is a first aid kit in a bottle.


These are my suggestions to help sooth a raw sunburn and help the skin heal faster. I hope they are helpful to you or you loved ones this summer.

Sources

Culpeper, N. (1950). Culpeper's complete herbal. London: W. Foulsham & Co., LTD.

Duke, J. A. (2000). The green pharmacy herbal handbook: your comprehensive reference to the best herbs for healing. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Reach.


Fontaine, K. L. (2005). Complementary & alternative therapies for nursing practice (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health and vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey  Books.

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide for natural medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications. 

http://www.tisserand.com/gattefosse.html