There is little doubt that toothache pain can be downright unbearable. Whether the result of a lost filling, an infected tooth or a wisdom tooth that seems to be providing more pain than wisdom, the discomfort that can result from tooth trauma can send people racing directly to the medicine cabinet whilst awaiting a trip to the dentist. Surprisingly, nature provides some solutions to relieving tooth pain, and herbs can be used in a tea form which can also help provide soothing and relaxing relief as well.
Drinking a tea for toothache pain may seem far fetched. However, cloves have been used to combat the symptoms of a temperamental tooth for a very long time. Historically cloves were chewed or the ground spice or oil was taken to effectively relieve oral pain. Cloves boast amazing antiseptic properties, and their unique flavor makes them a popular addition in many herbal tea recipes. Hence, they remain an incredibly versatile, delicious and effective remedy for toothaches. In addition, they are very common, and many people already have cloves hanging about in their spice rack. Since toothaches tend to come about suddenly (and, almost always outside of the hours a dentist’s office is likely open) cloves are a handy and easily accessible herbal remedy. Their use in a tea for toothache adds a warm and soothing layer to their long list of uses.
But, cloves do carry a unique and not always loved flavor. Like licorice, people tend to either love or hate cloves. Thankfully, they are not the end all be all when it comes to combating toothache pain. Yarrow, a plant that is less likely to be found in a spice cabinet but a true gem among herbalists, has been used for a very long time to relieve toothache pain. The plant is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is likely why it is useful for painful and swollen gums that often accompany a troublesome tooth. Its growing popularity has led to yarrow tea becoming very easy to find and the plant making its way into many herbal tea recipes. Typically, it is found in blends alongside other wild grown plants in cold remedy teas, but standalone options are also available and very affordable.
Speaking of cold remedies, few are as popular as echinacea in terms of alternative and herbal therapy. But, like the aforementioned yarrow, echinacea has more tricks up its sleeve than just soothing the symptoms of the common cold, and it can be a very valuable component in a tea for toothache. The root of the plant when chewed was thought to quickly relieve discomfort from damaged or injured teeth. Since the effects are most notable on infected teeth, this result relates to the ability of echinacea to combat infection. The plant is incredibly popular in many herbal tea recipes, most of them targeted towards those who are battling cold symptoms, but its uses can extend well beyond an immune system boost.
Backtracking to biblical roots, myrrh easily makes its way into the list of best picks for a tea for toothache pain. In fact, it was used in ancient Chinese medicine for mouth infections, and it is still commonly found in dental powders today. These facts may be overshadowed by the shrub secretion’s predominant use in cosmetics, fragrances and incense today, but its medicinal uses haven’t become any less potent. The compound’s antiseptic and astringent properties make it an excellent addition to any tea for toothache, and its presence in mouthwashes and gargles alike are attributed to these traits.
Having a toothache can signal serious oral distress. An unattended infection can rapidly lead to an abscess or even further exacerbated health problems and symptoms. However, many toothaches are mild in nature and can be either temporarily staved off while awaiting an appointment or avoided altogether with herbal remedies including drinking tea for toothache pain. One should seek the care of a dental professional quickly for toothaches that are not easily subdued with over the counter remedies or alternative therapy options in order to reduce the risk of complications, and use herbs safely and responsibly in conjunction with, as opposed to in lieu of, professional dental care.
