You might have heard of marshmallow, the candy we toast around a campfire. But have you heard of the beautiful marshmallow herb that is a natural remedy for dry mouth?
The marshmallow herb, whose scientific name is Althaea officinalis, is an ancient botanical whose name means To Heal. It has been used in ancient Egyptian, Arab, Greek and Roman cultures for over 2000 years.
A Natural Remedy For Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is also called xerostomia, usually means that there is too little saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth is a common side effect of most prescription medications. A dry mouth can wreak havoc on the mouth, causing cavities, gum disease and oral infections.
The root of the marshmallow plant is a demulcent and has a soothing effect on the tissues it comes into contact with. It helps to moisturize a dry mouth. It is also commonly used for upper respiratory tract infections as well as a cough remedy.
To relieve your dry mouth, click on this link for a terrific recipe for a DIY Marshmallow Herbal Lozenge brought to you by gingertonicbotanicals.com.
You can also make an infusion to treat upper respiratory tract infections and soothe the digestive tract. The medicinal effects are reduced by heat so remember to make the infusion with room temperature water over a 6-8 hour period.
A dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and can lead to unwanted oral infections. If you are experiencing a dry mouth I hope that this natural remedy will help soothe your irritated tissue.
More About Dr. Dayan
Dr. Dayan offers nutritional and herbal remedies for oral health as part of a comprehensive approach to treating gum disease. She is the author of Keep Your Teeth, A Practical Guide For Everyone, available on Amazon. If you or a loved one are experiencing bleeding, puffy gums or you have been told you may be losing your teeth, consider a consultation in her Beverly Hills office, call 310-205-0900.
