Natural remedies for a dry mouth

People with serious illnesses often experience a dry mouth, which can be a common side effect of treatments, medications, or the illness itself. Common triggers also include dehydration, poor nutrition, breathing through the mouth, stress and anxiety. Although there are medical treatments that can provide relief for a dry mouth, there are also many natural remedies that can be helpful and may come with fewer side effects.

Fennel seeds can be chewed to produce more saliva.

Green tea can help soothe the mouth and stimulate saliva production.

Fresh ginger can be chewed to produce more saliva.

Aloe vera gel can be applied to the inside of the cheeks and lips to soothe them. It can also be consumed as a juice to stimulate saliva production.

Chamomile tea or mouthwash can be used for its soothing and moisturizing properties.

Coconut oil can help with moisturization. Oil pulling technique can also reduce discomfort. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around in the mouth for 5-7 minutes. Remember to spit out the remaining coconut oil after the swishing.

Licorice root can be had as tea, but is also available in liquid extract or in throat lozenges. It can stimulate the production and quality of saliva.

Marshmallow root or slippery elm come as tea and throat lozenges. They can soothe irritation and keep the mouth moist.

Baking soda (1 tsp), table salt (1 tsp), and 0.5 liters of water can be mixed together to create a mouthwash that can loosen up thick or stringy saliva.

Remember to consult with the healthcare provider before trying any natural remedies as they may not be suitable for everyone and can in some cases interact with certain medications.