Precautions and Recommendations

• Wintergreen mouthwash is an excellent astringent and antiseptic. (See Using Herbs, Mouthwash Preparation, in Part Three.)
• Soak a cotton ball in wintergreen oil and place it on a sore tooth or rub it on inflamed gums for temporary relief.

Witch Hazel
A shrub native to eastern North America, witch hazel has yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn. The bark and leaves have astringent, sedative, and hemostatic (acting to stop the flow of blood) properties. Witch hazel is used internally to treat excessive blood flow during menstruation and hemorrhages. Externally, is good for healing sores and wounds.

Precautions and Recommendations

• Use witch hazel mouthwash to cleanse the mouth and help fight infections. (See Using Herbs, Mouthwash Preparation, in Part Three.)

Wood Betony
Also known as lousewort, wood betony grows in shady places and reaches heights of twelve to twenty-three inches. The stem is slightly hairy with aromatic leaves and purplish flowers arranged in terminal spikes. In ancient times, wood betony was considered the "infallible remedy" for almost fifty serious diseases, including rabies. Today, the leaves are used to treat diseases that stem from impurities of the blood, to kill intestinal worms, and to heal open wounds. Wood betony contains magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and tannins.

Precautions and Recommendations

• Drink wood betony tea to promote relaxation before a dental appointment. (See Using Herbs, Tea Preparation, in Part Three.)

Yarrow
The yarrow plant grows in pastures, in meadows, and along roadsides. It stands ten to twenty inches tall and has many downy, toothed leaves, white or pale rose flowers, and oblong fruit. Achilles is said to have been the first to use yarrow to cure wounds; hence its scientific name Achillea millefolium. The leaves and fruits are now used to treat hemorrhages, ulcers, and chicken pox, and to heal mucous membranes, ease diarrhea, and improve blood clotting. Yarrow contains potassium, tannins, and vitamin C, as well as other chemicals and nutrients.

Precautions and Recommendations

• Yarrow interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals.
• Use yarrow mouthwash to promote healing of cuts in mouth due to surgery, teeth cleaning, and braces. (See Using Herbs, Mouthwash Preparation, in Part Three.)

From The Complete Book of Dental Remedies by Flora Parsa Stay, DDS, ©1996. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.