Glossitis/Inflamed tongue
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Sabrina
Posted on: November 27, 2005

I am praying you can give us some advice. My mother had a full set of dentures made about 2 years ago. The doctor/dentist put some purple goop in her mouth to get a mold. They left it in for too long, and some got on her tongue. She had to peel it off in places, because it hardened a glue to her tonque! Since then she has had nothing but problems. Her tongue is sensitive and red. She cant eat any favorite foods, or wear her dentures! We have tried, B12 shots, diflucan, and other things. Nothing works.. She heals up almost totally, then it reverts to the condition it was in before. Are there any herbs that can help?

The following herbs are used to promote healing of an inflamed tongue:

* Sage tea: Sage is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Use it as a mouth wash 5 or 6 times daily

* Propolis is antibacterial and a mild pain killer. It is effective in promoting the health of the mouth and gums. Mix 5-10 drops of the tincture in half a glass of water, and rinse the mouth four times daily.

* Echinacea is useful in healing the tongue, mouth and gums on direct contact, and increases the body’s healing powers internally. Add 15 drops to a bit of water. Rinse the mouth and then swallow. Repeat every 2 hours.

* Slippery elm bark powder can be used to protect the tongue from acids in the mouth: mix slippery elm bark powder with liquid honey to make a paste. Form the paste into balls, and roll the balls in a little slippery elm bark powder. Keep a ball in the mouth between meals and mouthwashes to protect the tongue and to promote its healing.

Avoid acidic foods like citrus fruit, coffee and sugar.

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