Class Notes from Lesson 3-6 Constitutional

 Lesson 3-6: Upper GI Therapeutics 1

Somatostatin is also a stress hormone that dries the mouth. Can lead to bacteria in mouth, acid environment, infections, bad breath, soft teeth. Almost all mouth problems derive from inadequate saliva. Bitter tonics stimulate both saliva and stomach acid. Sour stimulates saliva but not gastric secretions. Any smooth object in the mouth stimulates saliva, like a smooth pebble. Echinacea, candied/honeyed ginger, prickly ash and spilanthes stimulate saliva directly. 99% of prescription drugs diminish secretions. Over use of direct saliva stimulants can exhaust salivary glands. Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps reduce acid in mouth and strengthen teeth.

Long discussion on food allergies that can lead to dry mouth while you sleep.

Myrrh good for sore gums. Anemopsis better for puffy gums/serious problems. Coptis, yellow root, mahonia also good, but Anemopsis better.

So, all this makes sense of something that happened to me about a month ago. Having been through a recent break up, I've been under more stress than usual, especially with live being out of sync due to the virus. I also changed pillows, to one that caused me to sleep more on my back with my mouth open (neck pillow) . Suddenly, my gum swelled up, turned purple and split! I mean it swelled tot he point I could barely see one of my molars, then split open and bled like crazy!! Yep, dry mouth caused an infection. I treated it with garlic and peroxide and am fine now - switched pillows and am adjusting to circumstances. I think the bitters and brushing with baking soda would be a good idea ... probably an herbal tonic, too.... and start working out again, fish more and take longer walks/hikes. Now, if I could just sleep!

Discussion on receding gums, dentistry, etc. He mentions marijuana drying the mouth, which explains why my old stoner friend had brown/black teeth.

Yarrow root good for tooth pain. Fresh yarrow root soaked in liquor. Chew on root after it absorbs. Good to keep on hand - pickled in alcohol. I couldn't understand the herb he said next. Echinacea tincture numbing. Cow parsnip seed. Only use oil of clove short term. Clove is caustic.

Broken tooth, lost filling, chipped tooth. Topical aconite.... wolf's bane/monks hood... scary stuff... be careful! Called "The Queen of Poisons".

Discussion on cow parsnip being far more potent when grown up north.

Yarrow and echinacea good for teething babies.

Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course

https://www.swsbm.com/school/