HERBS WITH A HISTORY
Herbs have played a role in oral health traditions for thousands of years. This collection draws on ten time-honored herbs — each with a rich history in folk herbalism — brought together in our handcrafted oral care products. Below, explore the traditional history and folklore behind each one.
10 HERBS USED FOR ORAL CARE
Bee Propolis (Bee Glue)
Bee propolis, a resinous treasure crafted by honeybees, has long been considered a potent elixir in traditional oral health practice, its rich composition giving rise to a symphony of traditionally believed benefits. Laden with flavonoids, phenolics, and antimicrobial compounds, propolis was traditionally credited with powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, believed to combat oral pathogens, reduce plaque, thwart cavities, and freshen breath. Its anti-inflammatory reputation, attributed to bioactive compounds, made it a traditional remedy for soothing irritated gums, easing swelling and discomfort associated with sensitive or inflamed oral tissue. Propolis also carried a traditional reputation as a natural analgesic, historically used to gently ease pain from toothaches, ulcers, or minor oral wounds, while its astringent qualities were traditionally valued for tightening gum tissue and curbing bleeding. Whether applied as a diluted tincture in a mouth rinse, incorporated into natural toothpastes, or used sparingly as a topical resin, propolis's multifaceted reputation has traditionally invigorated oral care routines as a natural ally for mouth health.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Burdock root (Arctium lappa), a robust and earthy herb prized in traditional herbal practice for its detoxifying and nutritive reputation, has long stood as a powerful ally in folk oral health care, its rich blend of bioactive compounds giving rise to a nurturing tapestry of traditionally believed benefits. Laden with inulin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, burdock root carried a traditional antimicrobial reputation, believed to combat oral pathogens, reduce plaque, deter cavities, and freshen breath. Its anti-inflammatory reputation, driven by potent antioxidants, was traditionally used to soothe irritated gums and ease swelling and discomfort tied to oral sensitivities or mild gingivitis. Burdock's traditional detoxifying reputation was believed to support a balanced oral environment by clearing toxins and impurities, fostering a cleaner foundation for healthier teeth and gums. Its astringent qualities, derived from tannins, were traditionally valued for tightening gum tissue and promoting a resilient oral landscape. Whether steeped as a tea for a mouth rinse, incorporated into herbal toothpastes, or used sparingly as a diluted extract, burdock root's traditional reputation has long enlivened oral care practices.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense):
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has long held a place in traditional herbal practice, valued for a phytochemical composition believed by traditional herbalists to offer real promise for oral wellness. Its high silica content was historically considered a vital mineral for fortifying connective tissues, and folk herbalists traditionally used it to support gum strength and aid tissue repair in the mouth, including traditional use for enamel remineralization and the healing of oral wounds or ulcers. The plant's flavonoid compounds gave it a traditional reputation for soothing gum inflammation, with folk herbalism historically turning to horsetail for conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis to calm swollen tissue. Traditional herbalists also valued horsetail's mild antibacterial and antifungal reputation, believed to combat oral pathogens and help curb plaque buildup, prevent cavities, and freshen breath. Its astringent qualities were historically prized for tightening gum tissue, minimizing bleeding, and promoting the healing of minor irritations — making horsetail a versatile herbal ally in the traditions of those who came before us.
Myrrh Gum (Commiphora molmol):
Myrrh gum has long been considered a powerhouse in traditional oral health practice, revered for centuries for properties folk herbalists believed promoted a healthy mouth. Its robust antimicrobial reputation, attributed to compounds like sesquiterpenes and terpenoids, was traditionally believed to combat oral pathogens such as those responsible for plaque, reducing buildup, preventing cavities, and freshening breath. The resin's anti-inflammatory reputation, thought to work by calming irritation, made it a traditional remedy for soothing irritated gums, historically valued for managing gingivitis and periodontitis. Myrrh's astringent qualities were traditionally used to tighten gum tissue, reduce bleeding, and promote healing of minor oral wounds, ulcers, or abrasions. Traditional herbalists also valued its mild analgesic reputation, believed to offer relief from oral discomfort such as toothaches or sore gums. Myrrh has traditionally been used as a mouthwash via diluted tincture or infusion, incorporated into herbal toothpastes, or applied as a resin powder for targeted traditional use.
Oat Straw (Avena sativa):
Oatstraw, drawn from the green stems and leaves of the oat plant, has traditionally offered several benefits in folk oral health practices thanks to its nutrient profile and soothing reputation. Its high content of calcium and silica was historically believed to strengthen teeth and gums, traditionally used to aid enamel remineralization and tissue repair for oral wounds or ulcers, with these minerals traditionally thought to support gum health and reduce the risk of conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis. Oatstraw's anti-inflammatory compounds, such as avenanthramides, were traditionally used to soothe inflamed gums and ease discomfort from oral irritation. Its mild antimicrobial reputation made it a traditional choice believed to reduce the oral pathogens responsible for plaque, cavities, and bad breath. The demulcent quality of oatstraw, prized traditionally for its soothing, coating effect, was historically used to moisturize and protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, easing dryness or soreness. Traditionally, oatstraw was used as a mouthwash via a long-steeped infusion or diluted tincture, or incorporated into herbal toothpastes to support gum and tissue health.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
Peppermint has long shone as a refreshing staple of traditional oral health care, its menthol and essential oil content giving rise to a cascade of traditionally believed benefits for the mouth. Folk herbalism traditionally credited peppermint's antimicrobial reputation with battling oral pathogens, helping reduce plaque, prevent cavities, and freshen breath with its crisp, invigorating aroma. Its anti-inflammatory compounds, like flavonoids, were traditionally used to calm swollen gums and ease discomfort from irritation or sensitivity. The cooling touch of menthol gave peppermint a traditional analgesic reputation, historically used to soothe toothaches or tender oral tissue, while its mild astringent qualities were traditionally valued for tightening gums and supporting a resilient oral environment. Whether sipped as a tea-based mouthwash, blended into natural toothpastes, or carefully applied as a diluted essential oil, peppermint's vibrant essence has traditionally enlivened oral care routines as a natural, refreshing complement to daily habits.
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca)
Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), the starchy cousin of the banana, has long been considered a nourishing ally in traditional oral health care, its rich nutritional profile and bioactive compounds giving rise to a cascade of traditionally believed benefits. Packed with vitamins like A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium, plantain carried a traditional anti-inflammatory reputation, believed to gently soothe irritated gums and ease swelling and discomfort. Its antimicrobial qualities, derived from natural compounds like phenolics, were traditionally used to help combat oral pathogens, reduce plaque buildup, support cavity prevention, and freshen breath. Plantain's astringent nature, stemming from tannins, was traditionally valued for tightening gum tissue and curbing bleeding, and its nutrient-dense composition traditionally supported tissue repair, aiding in the healing of minor oral wounds or ulcers. Whether used as a diluted infusion in a mouth rinse, incorporated into herbal oral care formulations, or applied sparingly as a mashed poultice, plantain's traditional reputation has long provided a natural, supportive complement to mouth health.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has long been considered a radiant herbal ally in traditional oral health practice, its potent compounds giving rise to a tapestry of traditionally believed benefits. Rich in hypericin, flavonoids, and other bioactive elements, it carried a traditional antimicrobial reputation, believed to combat oral pathogens and help reduce plaque, deter cavities, and freshen breath. Its anti-inflammatory qualities, driven by potent phytochemicals, were traditionally used to soothe inflamed gums and ease discomfort from irritation or sensitivity. The herb's mild analgesic reputation offered traditional relief from toothaches or minor oral wounds, and its astringent nature was traditionally valued for tightening gum tissue and reducing bleeding. Whether used as a diluted tincture in a mouth rinse, infused into herbal toothpastes, or applied sparingly as a topical preparation, St. John's Wort's traditional reputation has long enlivened oral care routines as a natural, supportive complement to mouth health.
Usnea (Usnea barbata)
Usnea (Usnea barbata), a lichen celebrated in traditional herbal practice, has long stood as a remarkable ally in folk oral health care, its distinctive compounds giving rise to a symphony of traditionally believed benefits. Infused with usnic acid and an array of bioactive elements, Usnea carried a traditional reputation for powerful antimicrobial action, believed to vigorously target oral pathogens, diminish plaque, prevent cavities, and freshen breath. Its anti-inflammatory reputation, fueled by natural constituents, was traditionally used to calm irritated gums and ease swelling and discomfort. Usnea's mild analgesic reputation offered traditional soothing relief, tempering pain from toothaches or minor oral wounds, while its astringent qualities were traditionally valued for tightening gum tissue and cultivating a resilient oral landscape. Whether incorporated as a diluted tincture in a mouth rinse, blended into herbal toothpastes, or applied cautiously as a topical preparation, Usnea's traditional reputation has long provided a natural, fortifying complement to mouth health.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):
Yarrow has traditionally offered several benefits in folk oral health practice, credited with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties. Its flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones were traditionally believed to reduce gum inflammation, historically used for conditions like gingivitis, while its antibacterial and antifungal reputation, driven by compounds like cineole and chamazulene, made it a traditional choice believed to help combat the oral bacteria responsible for plaque, cavities, and bad breath. Yarrow's astringent qualities were traditionally used to tighten gum tissue and promote healing of minor oral wounds or ulcers, and it carried a traditional mild analgesic reputation for easing discomfort from toothaches or sore gums. It was traditionally used as a mouthwash via yarrow tea or diluted tincture, as a poultice for sores, or in herbal toothpastes — though historically, caution was always advised for those sensitive to Asteraceae plants, and traditional use called for dilution and consultation with a dentist, especially during pregnancy or for those with medical conditions.
Discover the hidden Benefits of Herbs Book series
The use of herbs for tooth and gum oral health dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. In many cultures, herbs were used to prevent and treat various oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores. During the Middle Ages, herbal remedies continued to be used for oral health. Herbs like chamomile, lavender, and peppermint were used to treat toothaches and gum disease. As dentistry evolved, herbal remedies were replaced by modern dental treatments. However, some herbal remedies continued to be used, such as licorice root for tooth decay and gum disease.
