Nepali Medicinal Plants For Teeth Health ~ NepalAyurveds.com

Discover the ancient healing magic of Nepali medicinal plants! Dive into a treasure trove of natural remedies enhancing dental health and well-being

Taking care of your teeth is really important for your overall health. When your teeth are in good shape, it can positively affect your physical, mental, and social well-being. In many developing countries, a lot of people, both kids and adults, struggle with dental cavities. Over the past ten years, there has been a worrying increase in dental cavities around the world. Various factors, often linked to a lower socio-economic status, contribute to the development of these cavities.

Healthcare professionals are concerned about this issue, but there are effective ways to prevent and manage it. Lately, there's been a trend towards using natural resources for healthcare. Researchers are looking into phytochemicals from specific plants used in traditional Indian medicine as potential solutions to fight dental cavities.

The main troublemakers causing dental cavities are certain types of bacteria, particularly mutans Streptococci. These bacteria turn sucrose into acids that can break down the calcium phosphate in teeth, causing decay. One way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of these bacteria in the mouth. Herbal preparations from roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers have shown promise in fighting these bacteria.

Throughout history, people in different parts of the world have used medicinal plants to treat various diseases. These natural products contain active compounds that can be effective alternatives to common drugs. Unfortunately, some traditional medicines are becoming less effective because of microbial resistance over time.

Gorashpaan (Spilanthes acmella) for tooth ache

1. Gorashpaan (Spilanthes acmella)

In Nepal, the "Gorrashpaan" toothache plant, also known as the eyeball plant, has been used in traditional medicine to relieve toothaches by numbing the affected area when its flower heads are chewed. Additionally, it serves various purposes such as acting as a diuretic, improving digestion, combating malaria, relaxing muscles, and treating conditions like sore throat, flu, headaches, fever, and skin wrinkling. The flower buds contain bioactive components, particularly lipophilic alkylamides, mainly Spilanthol. These components have demonstrated effectiveness against various microbes, including streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Salmonella species. The chloroform extract of S. acmella has also shown antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus species with a minimum inhibitory concentration

Shami Plant (Prosopis spicigera) for teeth health

2. Shami Plant (Prosopis spicigera)

Shami, also known as Prosopis spicigera, belongs to the Fabaceae family and thrives in dry regions globally. The leaf extract of P. spicigera, particularly the ethanolic fraction containing the piperidine alkaloid spicigerin, demonstrates noteworthy effectiveness against Streptococcus species like S. mutans and S. bovis. In traditional Indian medicine, different parts of the plant are employed to address various health issues such as hypertension, rheumatism, dysentery, and more.

3. Haledo (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric, also known as haldi in India, is a plant that belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Ancient Indian healers and folk medicine practitioners have referred to it as the 'golden spice of life.' It possesses proven anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antimicrobial, and carminative properties. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, turmeric is used for respiratory issues like asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, allergy, cough, and runny nose. It is believed to have various medicinal benefits, such as enhancing overall energy, improving digestion, and combating gastrointestinal problems.

4. Thulo piplaa (Piper cubeba)

In Nepal, Piper cubeba is commonly known as Thulo Pipla, Java pepper, or kabab-chini. It belongs to the Piperaceae family and was described by Hippocrates as a medicament rather than a spice. This perennial plant with a climbing stem has been used in traditional Ayurvedic practice for various purposes. It has been employed as a mouthwash to cure halitosis and as an expectorant for cough, loss of voice, and fever by practitioners throughout history. Recent research has highlighted its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

5. Kimbu (Morus alba)

Kimbu, also known as Morus alba in Nepali and commonly referred to as Tut, shahtoot, or mulberry in Nepal, belongs to the Moraceae family. This plant is rich in beneficial compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotene, Vitamin B1, folic acid, isoquercetin, quercetin, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, which act as antioxidants. Morus alba has been researched for its various health properties, including antidiabetic, antihelminthic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects. Kuwanon G, an antibacterial agent isolated from the root bark, has demonstrated efficacy against Streptococcus mutans, with a bactericidal test showing complete inactivation at specific concentrations.

6. Jwaano (Trachyspermum ammi)

In Nepal, the plant known as Trachyspermum ammi, or Jwaano, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is a valuable medicinal seed spice. The traditional Indian medicine system uses Ajwain for various purposes, such as antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-spasmodic, broncho-dilating, antilithiasis, carminative, and antipyretic properties. Real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that 2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol, extracted from these seeds, significantly inhibits genes related to biofilm formation, impacting the cariogenicity of S.mutans.

7. Babul (Acacia nilotica)

Babul, also known as Acacia nilotica, kikar, or the Indian gum Arabic tree, is a versatile tree belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is found in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. The plant contains various chemicals such as alkaloids, essential oils, phenols, phenolic glycosides, resins, oleosins, steroids, tannins, and terpenes.

These chemical compounds contribute to the tree's diverse properties. Extracts from Acacia nilotica have been shown to have anti-hypertensive, antimutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-platelet aggregatory effects. Additionally, the tree exhibits anti-plasmodial, antifungal, anti-microbial,

8. Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia)

This small evergreen shrub, known as Noni or Indian mulberry, originally comes from Southeastern Asia to Australia but is now found widely across the tropics. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. For over 2000 years, people have used various parts of the Noni plant for herbal remedies, addressing issues such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle aches, menstrual difficulties, headaches, heart disease, gastric ulcers, sprains, mental depression, poor digestion, and atherosclerosis.

While scientific evidence supporting the benefits of Noni fruit juice is limited, some anecdotal evidence suggests its success in treating colds and influenza. A recent study found that a crude aqueous extract of ripe Noni fruits effectively inhibited the growth of certain bacteria. About 160 phytochemical compounds have been isolated from the plant, mainly organic acids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids, with anthraquinones, aucubin, asperuloside, and scopoletin being among the most important.

9. Paamgaa (Drosera peltata)

Also known as the insectivorous shield or pale sundew, this plant belongs to the Droseraceae family and is at risk of extinction in India. Drosera, the scientific name for this plant, contains beneficial substances like naphthoquinones (such as plumbagin and 7-methyljuglone) and flavonoids, which have medicinal properties. Plumbagin, obtained from the chloroform extract of Droserapeltata's aerial parts, has been found to exhibit significant antibacterial effects against S. mutans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration

10 Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem, also known as Indian lilac, is a highly versatile medicinal plant from the Meliaceae family. It is acknowledged for its wide range of biological benefits. The neem tree's significance has been highlighted in a 1992 report by the US National Academy of Sciences titled 'Neem – a tree for solving global problems.' Different parts of the neem plant, including the leaves, fruits, bark, and oil, have medicinal uses. Neem oil is particularly effective in treating skin infections, leprosy, as well as respiratory and intestinal conditions.

10. Naribel Tel (Cocos Nucifera)

In India, traditional medicine has long utilized coconut oil pulling to address various oral issues. This technique includes swishing oil in the mouth for about 15-20 minutes, providing both oral and overall health benefits. Oil pulling has been a popular folk remedy in India for many years, helping prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, dry throat, and chapped lips, while also strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw.

1. Diospyros tricolor

• Properties: Chewing stick/teeth cleaning

2. Distemonanthus benthamianus

• Properties: Root & stem used as chewing stick; oral antibacterial; oral antimicrobial

3. Drypetes sp.

• Properties: Toothache treatment

4. Dydymopanax morototoni

• Properties: Stems used as toothpicks

5. Echinacea angustifolia

• Properties: Root ingestion/plant decoction; toothache treatment; oral anti-inflammatory

6. Equisetum arvense

• Properties: Decoction held in mouth as long as possible to stop bleeding from tooth extraction

7. Equisetum bogotense

• Properties: Tea used as mouthwash for pyorrhea

8. Eschscholzia californica

• Properties: Raw root placed into the cavity for toothache

9. Eugenia caryophyllus

• Properties: Clove oil application/decoction for toothache

10. Fagara (Xanthoxylum) zanthoxyloides

• Properties: Root & stem used as chewing sticks; oral antibacterial; oral antimicrobial; oral analgesic/counterirritant; treatment for toothache & oral canker sores

11. Ferula asafetida

• Properties: Resin is ground, crushed, or melted in liquid & placed in the cavity to treat dental pain

12. Ficus sp.

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antiseptic; antibiotic chewing gum

13. Garcinia afzelii

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

14. Garcinia epunctata

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

15. Garcinia kola

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

16. Garcinia morella

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

17. Garcinia sp.

• Properties: Chewing stick; oral antimicrobial

18. Gaultheria procumbens

• Properties: Root chewed for toothache/teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

19. Gentiana lutea

• Properties: Root tonic to strengthen dentition; increases salivation

20. Gliricidia sepium

• Properties: Fruit juice application for toothache

21. Glycosmic pentaphylla

• Properties: Chewing stick

22. Glycyrrhiza glabra

• Properties: Plant chewed to treat teething in infants

23. Gouania lupuloides

• Properties: Powder dentifrice; tincture gargled for gum disease & throat ulceration; toothbrush

24. Gouania polygama

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

25. Haematoxylum campecianum

• Properties: Oral antibiotic

26. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

• Properties: Chewing stick; oral antibiotic

27. Humulus lupulus

• Properties: Oral antibiotic

28. Hyoscyamus niger

• Properties: Cut into beads to make teething ring (soaked in wine with powdered coral)

29. Jatropha sp.

• Properties: Treatment for bleeding gums

30. Juglans regia

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

31. Juglans sp.

• Properties: Bark used as toothbrush, to strengthen gums, & treat gum inflammation

32. Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Properties: Capsules, granules, powders, & tablets treat pain of a sore mouth caused by oral candidiasis & canker sores

33. Ligistrum medium

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antimicrobial

34. Liquidambar styraciflua

• Properties: Chewing stick; teeth cleaning; treatment for canker sores, trench mouth, & oral herpes simplex

35. Maclura pomifera

• Properties: Oral antifungal

36. Magnifera indica

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; resin used to treat canker sores; bark & leaves used to treat toothache, sore gums & sore throat

37. Mahonia aquifolium

• Properties: Root tonic; increases salivation

38. Mallotis sp.

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

39. Massularia accuminata

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; root & stem used as chewing stick; oral antibacterial; oral antimicrobial

40. Massularia acuminate

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antimicrobial

41. Matricaria recutita

• Properties: Flower decoction used to heal dental wounds; oral antimicrobial; oral anti-inflammatory

42. Melaleuca cajaputi

• Properties: Oil-soaked lint placed in cavity to ease toothache pain

43. Melampodium divaricatum

• Properties: Toothache treatment

44. Meletia zachiana

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

45. Melilotus sp.

• Properties: Oral antibiotic

46. Mentha piperita

• Properties: Oil application/leaf decoction for toothache treatments

47. Musa balbisiana

• Properties: Fibrous strings in leaf stems placed in the ear on the affected side for toothache

48. Musa sapientum

• Properties: Pounded peduncle & inflorescence used with charcoal for teeth cleaning; skin and fruit used as oral anticariogenic/ oral antibiotic

49. Mussaenda sp.

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

50. Myrica cerifera

• Properties: Bark powder/bark decoction used as dentifrice for cleaning and decay prevention

51. Myristica fragrans

• Properties: Oil placed in cavity to ease toothache

52. Nauclea latifolia

• Properties: Root & stem used as chewing stick; oral antibacterial; oral antimicrobial; oral cleanser

53. Nigella sativa

• Properties: Boiled seeds chewed & seed oil gargled for toothache & gum pain

54. Olea europaea

• Properties: Chewing stick/toothbrush; oral cleanser & disinfectant

55. Origanum majorana

• Properties: Oil-soaked lint placed in cavity to ease toothache

56. Osimum sp.

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antibiotic

57. Oxyanthus speciosus

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antimicrobial

58. Panax quinquefolium

• Properties: Root tonic to strengthen dentition

59. Pandanus sp.

• Properties: Pedicel used for teeth cleaning

60. Paullinia jamaicensis

• Properties: Stem & leaves used for teeth cleaning

61. Petiveria alliacea

• Properties: Leaf decoction used as toothache cure

62. Phaseolus vulgaris

• Properties: Oral antifungal

63. Phoenix dactylifera

• Properties: Peduncle used for teeth cleaning

64. Phyllanthus epiphyllanthus

• Properties: Leaf decoction used for teeth cleaning

65. Pimpinella anisum

• Properties: Seeds chewed to freshen the mouth; seed tea reduces tooth & mouth pain

66. Piper methysticum

• Properties: Root tonic for dental pain

67. Plumeria multiflora

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; oral antimicrobial & oral antifungal

68. Polygala lutea

• Properties: Oral antimicrobial

69. Populus deltoids

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; dental pain reliever

70. Populus tremuloides

• Properties: Extract or decoction of bark mixed with rum & applied to tooth for toothache

71. Prunella vulgaris

• Properties: Root decoction/tonic

72. Pseudowintera colorata

• Properties: Leaves chewed to cure toothache

73. Psychotria sp.

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

74. Pyrethrum parthenium

• Properties: Leaf ingestion/leaf & stem decoction for toothache

75. Quercus alnifolia

• Properties: Bark powder or decoction as dentifrice for cleaning & decay prevention

76. Rheum officinale

• Properties: Teeth cleaning and oral antibiotic

77. Rhus glabra

• Properties: Teeth cleaning; treat canker sores, toothache, sore gums & throat

78. Rumex crispus

• Properties: Root tonic; increases salivation

79. Saccharum officinarum

• Properties: Teeth cleaning

80. Salmea scandens

• Properties: Toothache treatment

81. Salvadora persica

• Properties: Root used as chewing stick; teeth cleaning & decay prevention; oral antibacterial & oral antimicrobial; breath freshener; extract used as toothpaste & mouthwash

82. Salvia officinalis

• Properties: Leaf deco

83. Sanguinaria canadensis

• Properties: toothpaste/mouthwash/oral rinse/chewing stick; oral antimicrobial; toothache treatment

84. Sassafras albidum

• Properties: chewing stick; toothpaste flavoring

85. Scutellaria baicalensis

• Properties: root decoction

86. Scutellaria lateriflora

• Properties: plant infusion for dental pain

87. Sedum album

• Properties: cut into beads to make teething ring (soaked in wine with powdered coral)

88. Serindei wernickei

• Properties: root & stem used as chewing stick; oral antibacterial & oral antimicrobial

89. Sissyrhinchium schafferi

• Properties: toothache treatment

90. Spilanthes sp.

• Properties: plant decoction for toothache

91. Stachys betonica

• Properties: plant decoction for toothache

92. Symphytum officinale

• Properties: leaf decoction for toothache

93. Syzgium aromaticum

• Properties: clove oil used as oral anesthetic, analgesic & antiseptic; treatment for toothache, postextraction alveolitis, & teething pain; applied in root canal therapy

94. Tabebuia bahamensis

• Properties: leaf decoction used for dental pain

95. Tabebuia heterophylla

• Properties: leaf infusion used for toothaches; leaves chewed for dental pain

96. Tanacetum parthenium

• Properties: leaf ingestion/leaf & stem decoction for toothache

97. Taraxacum officinale

• Properties: root tonic increases salivation

98. Teclea verdoorniana

• Properties: toothache treatment; oral antibiotic

99. Terminalia glaucesens

• Properties: chewing sponge/chewing stick; teeth cleaning; treatment for caries, pulpitis, & periodontal disease; oral antibacterial & oral antimicrobial

100. Terminalia ivorensis

• Properties: chewing sponge for teeth, cleaning; treatment for caries, pulpitis, & periodontal disease

101. Tibouchina bourgaena

• Properties: warm mouthwash from leaf infusion for toothache

102. Turnera ulmifolia

• Properties: leaf infusion to treat toothache

103. Ulmus fulva

• Properties: poultice of bark infusion & cold water applied to face inflamed by toothache

104. Vellozia equisteloides

• Properties: teeth cleaning

105. Verbena sp.

• Properties: cut into beads to make teething ring (soaked in wine with powdered coral)

106. Vernonia amygdalina

• Properties: root & stem used as chewing stick & toothbrush; oral antibacterial/antimicrobial; mouth & tongue cleanser

107. Vicia faba

• Properties: oral antifungal

108. Zanthoxylum americanum

• Properties: bark chewed or mashed bark applied around aching tooth

109. Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

• Properties: toothache treatment; oral antibiotic

110. Zanthoxylum elephantiasis

• Properties: toothache treatment; oral antibiotic

111. Zingiber officinale

OKHAR (JUGLANS REGIA)

PADAMCHAL (RHEUM AUSTRALE)

PADBIRI (Paederia foetida)

PANCHAUNLE (Dactylorhiza hatagirea)

PANGRA (ENTADA PHASEOLOIDES)

PASHANVEDH (BERGENIA CILIATA)

PUSKARAMUL (INULA RECEMOSA)

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