Herbal Cures for Frequent Dry Mouth

Annoying and uncomfortable, frequent dry mouth makes swallowing difficult and can make your tongue and lips feel sore. The saliva in your mouth plays a key role in digestion, and it also helps to fight bacteria in your mouth. A constantly dry mouth puts you at higher risk for infections and can even make eating difficult. Fortunately, several herbal remedies can help relieve dry mouth symptoms.

Causes

• Several factors can cause chronic dry mouth. Many prescription medications include dry mouth as a side effect. Alzheimer's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, anemia and high blood pressure can cause dry mouth as well, along with damage to or infection of the saliva glands.

  Often the causes of dry mouth are difficult to correct. That's why finding safe herbal remedies that can relieve dry mouth can make such a difference to your quality of life.

Chrysanthemum

• The chrysanthemum, commonly used as a decorative flower, has had a place in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Chrysanthemum flowers contain compounds that help support and soothe the delicate tissues of the eyes, the throat and the mouth. The flowers also have antiseptic properties that can help prevent the infections of the mouth for which you're at higher risk when suffering from dry mouth.

  Take chrysanthemum as an herbal infusion. Steep the flowering tops in water, then strain them. Add an ounce of the infusion to a glass of water or a cup of tea. Take two or three doses a day to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

Slippery Elm

• The bark of the slippery elm tree contains compounds that can soothe irritated tissues and effectively relieve discomfort due to dry mouth. Drink slippery elm tea whenever you need relief from your symptoms. Look for it in most natural markets and health food stores. Add a 1/4 tsp. of the bark to boiling water, and allow it to steep for 10 minutes to make a comforting tea.

Prickly Ash

• A tincture of prickly ash can help stimulate your own natural saliva production, providing lasting relief to dry mouth. Drink a mixture of 10 drops of prickly ash tincture and 4 oz. of water up to seven times a day.

  Though generally safe, prickly ash stimulates digestion; do not use it if you have an ulcer or a digestive condition such as colitis.