Natural herbs have been used to relieve toothache pain since history was recorded and probably even earlier than that. Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop the pain. Dentists were just starting to come around, although they didn’t have anything like the equipment and sophistication that they have these days. Teeth were pulled during these times, but it normally happened with alcohol to numb the pain then pliers to remove the tooth.
Natural herbs such as cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help relieve the pain until you can get to the dentist. For many years, different cultures have relied on herbs to help control the pain of a toothache and provide temporary relief.
The herb known as clove the flower bud of the tree native to tropical areas. Early American physicians were the first to extract the oil from the bud and use it to rub on the gums to relieve toothache. The pain stops almost instantly and even today, if oil of cloves is compared to other natural toothache remedies, cloves are the most effective.
Yarrow can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in open wood lands. The root of the yarrow contains the anaesthetic effect. If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain at least until you can get an appointment with the dentist.
Different cultures around the world have relied on herbs to help control the pain of a toothache and provide temporary relief. For instance, Native Americans rubbed the inner bark from the butternut tree on their gums to get relief from toothaches.
The butternut tree is found in North America along rivers in well drained soil, rich woods and even back yards. It is from the same genus as the black walnut tree. Once the tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling the black walnut tree. Throughout the course of time, the use of herbal remedies and preventatives has proven to be a very effective method of treating ailments.
If you are interested in herbs or have any questions about them, you’ll find an absolute wealth of information in Helen Andersons book, Herbs The Natural Alternative, which is illustrated so you can recognise each herb. Today doctors and dentists alike are becoming more knowledgeable about herbal alternatives and should be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request them. The next time you experience the pain of a toothache - you should always remember that herbs are a great way to relieve the pain.
Sleep Like A Baby!
I always think this expression is something of a misnomer – babies tend to wake up every four hours or even less! Still, we all accept that babies are peaceful and stress free when they are asleep, so at least the saying holds true in that respect. As we grow up and our life takes on the responsibilities and stresses adulthood brings, getting a good night’s sleep is not as easy as it should be.
I personally think my brain springs into hyper activity the instant my head hits the pillow these days! So what can we do to ensure a good night’s sleep that will see us waking bright eyed and bushy tailed – to quote another age old saying? Prescription drugs are an option of course, but one I choose to avoid for several reasons.
Natural alternatives are always my choice as they are less habit forming and have few, if any, side effects. They also don’t have me waking up with a drug ‘hangover’ the next day.
The most effective natural herbs for a good night’s sleep are Passion flower, Lemon Balm, Hops, Skullcap and Camomile. These calmative herbs not only ensure a sound sleep, but also calm nerves and dispel any agitation or irritability you may be feeling.
Lemon Balm has been proven especially useful for hundreds of years as it serves to relieve pain and also aid the digestion, which is really useful as indigestion is frequently the cause of unsettled sleep.
Skullcap is a nerve tonic and still considered one of the best therapies around today. Using it at night helps to bring tranquillity and help you wake up feeling well rested, calm and ready to face whatever the day may bring.
Hops have the reputation for bringing a good night’s sleep and calming nerves – but not when they’re an ingredient in beer!
Passionflower is quite powerful and especially calming for a restful night’s sleep.
Camomile is well known for its calming properties and chamomile tea is sold in most stores.
Valerian is also very calming, but not everyone reacts well to it, so I don’t recommend it’s use for everyone and it should only be used on the recommendation of a qualified herbalist or naturopath.
Information about other safe and useful herbs to promote sleep and offer alternatives to conventional medicine for other problems can be found in Helen Anderson’s 100+ page, fully illustrated book, Herbs The Natural Alternative. I use it for reference regularly- the illustrations certainly help me recognise each herb.
