Here are four of our favorite emergency toothache remedies made from wild plants. We swear by these cures!

Echinacea
Coneflower (Echinacea spp. – the genus name is also used as the common name) is one of the best-known herbal remedies, made famous right alongside Goldenseal in the simple American formula Echinacea / Goldenseal that used to be the quintessential herbal antibiotic formula. Unfortunately, many of the Echinacea products on the market are basically worthless due to the fact that Echinacea has a short shelf life as a dried herb. Best products, in general, are tinctures made from the fresh root, flower, or seed (the leaf and stem are less potent). The dried material does hold up for a little while, but not long.

If you happen to live in an area where Echinacea grows wild, or if you find some in a flower garden, you can simply pick it fresh to chew on it. If the cone part of the flower is still fresh, you can cut into it to and remove the center for use. You can also unearth a piece of the root. It is easy to figure out which part is most potent by chewing on it. Echinacea, like Toothache Plant (Spilanthes spp.), creates a distinct tingling sensation on the lips, tongue, or whatever part of your mouth it touches. It also encourages saliva production. The more you tingle and salvate, the better. It indicates medicinal potency. It also numbs the ache. You can also compare different species by taste.

Prickly Ash
Species of Zanthoxylum also have a tendency to produce saliva and a sensation that helps relieve pain. In this way, it is very much like Echinacea and Toothache Plant. Sometimes, Zanthoxylum is known at “Toothache Tree”. The name Prickly Ash is in reference to the pinnately compound leaves, which are similar to Ash (Fraxinus spp.). Prickly Ash and Ash are not very closely related. There are many species. I am not sure how all their medicinal properties compare, If you live near them or are travelling through an area where they grow. It is worth getting to know them. You might even find a toothpick, as the name Prickly is not in vain! The bark is the main part used. It is available through herb shops as well as in the wild.

Calamus
Calamus, or Sweet Flag, (Acorus spp.) is another very interesting medicinal plant. Like the berberine-containing herbs, the medicinal virtues of Calamus have been verified by many cultures all over the world. It has been a major medicinal of European and Chinese herbal traditions and has been among the most revered herbs of Ayurveda (the ancient healing tradition of India) and Native American medicine. Several Native tribes have used Calamus for toothaches. Moerman (Native American Ethnobotany) lists that the Blackfoot, Chippewa, Cree, Creek, Mahuna, Okanagan, Paiute, Saanich, Shoshoni, and Thomson used Calamus as a toothache remedy.

Unfortunately, one of the main side-effects of Calamus that is relatively common is that it can cause or exacerbate heartburn. This clashes a bit with the chewing method of administration I have been promoting for the treatment of toothache. Perhaps, for mild toothaches a small amount of Calamus would be beneficial and tolerated by most. But with higher doses, such as one with an intense toothache might be driven towards, there will be a higher rate of intolerance. Try a little first.

Calamus has many benefits, mostly relating to its pungent, aromatic, and somewhat bitter flavor. It stimulates digestion, opens the lungs, and benefits the mind. Native people have traditionally used it to help with concentration and as a stimulant when travelling or for ceremonial dance. Likewise, yogic and Taoist traditions have used Calamus for the mind. It is a primary remedy for lung congestion.

Spruce
The pitch is antimicrobial, pain relieving, and can be applied directly to the trouble area. It can also be used to pack a cavity to fight infection and close the hole. Cedar, Pine, Hemlock, Fir, and Juniper can likewise be used. The needles and inner bark are also medicinal.

Have you ever tried any of these herbal remedies for a toothache? How did they work for you? What are some of your emergency (and natural) toothache remedies? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Article Source: Survival Cache