It sometimes happens that the salivary glands are congested by calcifications (lithiasis), they are called: salivary gland stones. They cause swelling under the jaw, which can be painful to the touch. Salivary stones are quite common in adults and affect men twice as much as women. What are the natural ways to treat them?
According to Wikipedia, “A salivary lithiasis or sialolithiasis is the formation and migration of calcium concretions in the excretory tract of saliva. ”
Stones in the salivary glands are also known as salivary lithiasis. these can block the flow of saliva in the mouth. This can cause swelling and pain in the salivary canal. There may be one or more salivary gland stones in people with this condition.
Saliva from the salivary glands, which is rich in mineral salts, usually drains constantly into the mouth. However, the chemicals in saliva can sometimes crystallize, especially with an increase in pH, and form one or more tiny stones.. A calculation can get lodged in the duct and cause obstruction of saliva in the mouth.
This in turn causes a swelling and pains in the salivary glands. Most salivary gland stones affect the submandibular glands which are located at the back of the mouth. However, less often these stones also affect the parotid glands which are inside the cheeks, where the sublingual glands, under the tongue.
These salivary gland stones are made of calcium and generally have a diameter of less than 1 cm. Usually these stones need to be removed, although sometimes they can go away on their own.
How are salivary gland stones formed?
It’s not clear exactly why salivary gland stones form. Their formation may be associated with changes in the flow of saliva through the gland. A person is probably more prone if the saliva is reduced or thickened. This can happen when it is dehydrated or when don’t eat enough. Certain drugs are also known to increase the risk of salivary gland stones..
In traditional medicine, how are salivary stones diagnosed?
Below are some of the diagnostic tests and procedures known to detect stones in the salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands):
Physical examination
In most cases, your doctor will try to locate them by examining your oral cavity, under the tongue. The ear can be auscultated to rule out any other problems. If they are not visible, x-rays or other diagnostic procedures may be done.
X-ray
X-rays can be done to look for stones in the salivary glands. If the x-rays show nothing, you may need to have other advanced tests.
MRI
MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is one of the diagnostic methods used to detect stones in the oral cavity. This process uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images.
CT scan
Computed tomography is useful for looking for stones in the salivary glands. This non-invasive diagnostic method uses x-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the interior of the head and neck and can detect any abnormalities that may not be visible on an x-ray.
Sialography
This is a special diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a dye into the salivary glands and then taking an x-ray. This is a special x-ray exam that helps show any abnormalities in the submandibular or parotid duct or salivary gland (under the ear).
Sialendoscopy
This is another diagnostic procedure where a thin tube fitted with a small lumen and a camera at its end (or an endoscope) is inserted into the salivary duct so that the doctor can inspect the inside of the tube. The gland. The stone in the salivary gland, if it is visible, can be removed during the same surgical procedure.
In most mild cases, you won’t need to do this, it is quite possible to dissolve the stones yourself in the mouth. They will eventually be destroyed by the digestive tract. With ingredients that you will find mostly in your kitchen.
If however, the calculation became too troublesome or would cause painful attacks. If you have a fever or behave abnormally (by which means that nothing happens after trying all natural remedies, contact your doctor for a closer check.
Your doctor will decide whether to prescribe medication or to have surgery.
Grandma’s tips for blocked salivary glands
A grandmother’s remedy to eliminate painful attacks and get rid of a salivary calculus:
- In the morning, when you get up and on an empty stomach, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon
- Swallow this juice as best you can without adding anything else.
- Repeat every morning, always on an empty stomach, for 1 week, It is an excellent detoxifying drink and helps to alkalize the body.
You can also for more efficiency, perform lemon gargles to increase the secretion of saliva, for this lemon is a good sialagogue, focus on the area of the calcul, Avoid gargling at the back of the throat so as not to irritate you and suffocate you!
You will notice that you will salivate a lot more, and normally, after several rinses, your saliva should eventually wash away your stones and unclog the ducts in your salivary glands. If you swallow your saliva, don’t worry the digestive tract will do its job and digest it with your meal.
Mother tinctures
Mother tinctures are often prescribed to dissolve the calcified intruder; in particular the tincture of Jaborandi® that you will find in pharmacies.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (organic) is a simple tonic and an effective home remedy for a variety of ailments. It helps to alkalize the body. We also know thatit is effective in many cases of lime deposits. You can use 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water sipped several times during the day.
Castor oil
Castor oil is recognized for its excellent wound healing properties and is beneficial in relieving many aches and pains. It can be applied with a soaked cloth, to the painful and swollen area for 20 minutes, twice a day. In addition, the sensitive or swollen area can be massaged with castor oil.
Vitamin supplements
Vitamin supplements like magnesium can be taken as a home remedy for salivary gland stones. Epsom salt can also be used to treat salivary gland stones.
Plants
Lithotrophic herbs can be used to treat salivary gland stones. These herbs help dissolve the stones in the salivary glands. The Chanca piedra is often one of these herbs. the dandelion, the gravel root (Eutrochium purpureum) are other herbs lithotrophs that can be used to treat salivary gland stones. These herbs can be taken in the form of herbal teas or capsules.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonderful root that helps relieve pain, inflammation, and infection. 1 teaspoon of turmeric can be mixed with milk, almond milk and taken twice a day
Recommended spices in the event of a salivary calculus
When you suffer from salivary stones, especially repeated, a very simple reflex: pepper all your dishes, without skimping. As long as you like it, of course!
In the book My natural health bible, you will find several very practical advice at “Salivary calculi” p 407, such as for example to consume foods which precisely help to expel naturally (and to avoid recurrence) of stones: pepper, paprika , nutmeg, mint, clove… In addition, these will also support the immune system.
In addition to their contribution in daily meals, we also suggest making infusions, mouthwashes and gargles with these same infusions of eucalyptus, licorice, lime, thyme, ginger …
Treat with garlic
- Bring 50 cl of water to a boil in a saucepan, then turn off.
- Add 5 cloves of garlic. Cover. Let it steep for thirty minutes.
- Let the infusion cool down then filter it through a colander.
- Then store it in a glass bottle.
- Drink 4 cups a day of this decoction.
Oregano essential oil to stop possible infection
Oregano essential oil can be used to treat infections caused by salivary gland stones. It can be given in the form of capsules or supplements and taken internally. A drop of oregano essential oil can also be added to 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil and can be used as a pulling oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes.
That’s it, if you have a weak immune system, if you have a fever or if after trying all these remedies your stones are still present after a month (it should be faster to clear them). Contact your doctor.