Several issues ago, I ran a piece about natural therapy for gum diseases. Of all the articles I have written, no article has pleased you readers as much as that one. Everyone
commented on how helpful it was to have a source of easy-to-get herbs and homeopathic remedies to treat gum disease naturally.

Many of the people who wrote or called me about that article asked if there was something they could have for toothaches. The answer is YES!

NUMERO UNO- CLOVE OIL - Perhaps the best of the old-time natural remedies for toothache is Clove Oil (Eugenia caryophyllata). Dentists use Oil of Cloves as an oral anesthetic and even to disinfect root canals. Clove Oil is the active ingredient in a number of toothache pain relief preparations.

It is available at any good health food store, and even a regular drug store. For temporary relief of toothache, dip a Q-tip or cotton swab in clove oil and then apply to the aching tooth and surrounding gum.

TARRAGON - Tarragon oil contains the chemical, eugenol, the same major anesthetic ingredient in Clove Oil. Chewing fresh Tarragon leaves will temporarily relieve minor oral pain. Tarragon is available in two varieties, Russian and French. The Russian Tarragon has less oil in it, thus is of less medicinal value.

ALLSPICE (Pimenta officinalis)- Allspice Oil is also rich in eugenol. Allsp[ice oil may be applied directly to painful teeth and gums one drop at a time, using a Q-tip or cotton swab. Take care not to swallow it, however, because as little as 1 teaspoon can cause nausea, vomiting and even convulsions.

CAYENNE PEPPER - Red pepper has been shown to have real pain relieving properties for toothache and gum inflammations. As a temporary treatment, rub some Cayenne powder or tincture onto the affected area.

While it has nothing to do with teeth and gums, there is another interesting use of Cayenne pepper: Cayenne powder, lightly sprinkled into socks or stockings, is a great cure for cold feet- providing the skin is not broken.

How about an alternative to Listerene mouthwash? Consider Fennel, a gargle for gum disorders and loose teeth.

Make an *infusion* using 1 tablespoon of crushed Fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water. Cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain off the liquid and use it as a mouthwash or gargle.

While there is no such thing as a magic bullet, there is one
naturally occurring substance that holds great promise as an aid in treating many conditions, including periodontal (gum) disease. This is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

CoQ is valuable as additional therapy in a number of
types of cardiovascular disease, in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, in immune deficiency diseases, to help promote healing of gastric ulcers, to improve physical performance and endurance.

The usual dosage is 30 milligrams per day, with a range of 20-50 milligrams per day, with adjustments being made according to the condition and/or the response of the person taking CoQ10. Be patient, it takes time to feel the effects of taking CoQ10, so you should not expect to see results immediately; more likely 8-10 weeks after you start taking it.