Tooth Abscess
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Elderberry for Tooth Abscess: Natural Immune Support and Healing

| Modified on Nov 04, 2024
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Black Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry, commonly known for its immune-boosting properties, can also be a valuable natural remedy for treating a tooth abscess. While not a direct antibacterial agent like some other treatments, elderberry’s ability to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing makes it an effective complementary treatment for managing the symptoms of a tooth abscess. Below, we explore how elderberry can be used to support oral health and promote recovery from an abscess.

Benefits of Elderberry for a Tooth Abscess

  • Immune System Support: Elderberry is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which help to strengthen the immune system. A robust immune response is essential for fighting the bacterial infection that causes a tooth abscess.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Elderberry contains bioflavonoids and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with a tooth abscess.
  • Antiviral and Antioxidant Effects: While elderberry is best known for its antiviral properties, its antioxidant content helps protect tissues from oxidative stress, aiding in the healing process.

How to Use Elderberry for a Tooth Abscess

Here’s how to use elderberry to support the treatment of a tooth abscess:

  1. Elderberry Syrup or Extract:
    • Take elderberry syrup or extract daily to boost your immune system. Follow the dosage instructions on the product, typically 1-2 teaspoons of elderberry syrup 1-3 times a day.
    • Elderberry supplements in the form of capsules or tablets can also be taken according to the recommended dosage.
  2. Elderberry Tea:
    • Brew elderberry tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried elderberries in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink the tea 1-2 times daily to help reduce inflammation and support immune function.
  3. Topical Application:
    • While less common, elderberry extract can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically to the gum area to help reduce inflammation. However, this should be done cautiously and is best combined with internal use.

Precautions When Using Elderberry

While elderberry is generally safe, it’s important to follow these precautions:

  • Only use commercially prepared elderberry products. Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before using elderberry, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have an underlying health condition.
  • This remedy should be used as a complementary treatment. A tooth abscess requires professional dental care to fully address the underlying infection and prevent complications.

Final Thoughts

Elderberry offers a natural way to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, making it a valuable addition to the treatment of a tooth abscess. While elderberry can provide significant support, it’s essential to seek professional dental care to ensure a full resolution of the abscess and prevent further complications.

Continue reading below for advice from Earth Clinic readers who have successfully used elderberry for a tooth abscess.

Related Links:

Effective Natural Remedies for Tooth Abscess Relief


1 User Review


Posted by Pascale (Limoges, France) on 10/31/2020
★★★★★

I have just recently recovered from a very painful cavity and abcess under a molar. I had to cope with the pain for 2 weeks because I could not go to the dentist since nobody was available and also, they request that you wear a mask and I will not.

I was also very tired at the time, and was running a fever. I suspect that the abcess had formed, burst and infected me, causing the fever.

During the two weeks I tried several home made remedies :

- green clay, my absolute favorite, was partly disappointing : I used it dry and directly on the gum and it worked ok until the real pain came and then I could not stand the clay anymore on direct contact. It seemed to aim at the nerve and the pain got out of control. I then used the clay as a poultice on the cheek and it did ok but was not the best remedy, for once ;

- sea salt, vinegar and powder of cloves was used to rinse frequently and contain the infection. It helped a lot.

- oil of cloves (one drop) mixed with a thick oil (5 drops of castor oil or hazelnut oil in my case) worked very nicely and contained most of the pain ; I applied it directly on the tooth and gum ;

- elderberry flowers, as a herb tea mixed with mint was great ; elderberry acts as a natural antibiotic for staphylococcus and other ...coccus bacteria. I drank several cups a day and this remedy got rid of the infection quickly enough and for good.

I must add that after 15 days I ended up seeing the dentist (without a mask) ; she kept me over an hour, stuck the needle five times in my tooth, made me swallow lots of anesthetics and disinfectant (the coronavirus procedure does not allow you to spit anymore...) and was unable to confirm the abcess. I was about ok the following day but a week after the treatment, the pain had returned as bad as ever. This is when I added the elderberry tea to my home treatment as I did not trust the antibiotics she had recommended (generic penicillin).

As a conclusion, I think that there are other options for taking care of our teeth that seeing a dentist that agressively treats the tooth itself. It is possible to take care of tooth pain or gum disease without drilling the tooth or hurting the gum. And yes, even a very bad pain from cavity or abcess can be successfully treated.

Thanks for your other remedies. I am keeping a note on all these for future reference.

I love Earth Clinic.

Replied by Pascale
(Limoges, France)
11/01/2020

I have to add that the vinegar for the salt, vinegar and cloves mixture is CIDER vinegar.

As for the elderberry, I use the flowers of the kind (sambucus nigra) that blooms in Spring. They help sweating and getting rid of a fever also. The berries can also be used for jam.

There is another elderberry (sambucus ebulus) that blooms in late Summer. It is supposed to be (mildly) toxic but there is very little chance of confusing them.