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Could Ginger Tea Cause Mouth Irritation?

Posted By Elizabeth (Me) on 09/23/2015

About two months I bought some ginger root and used about a thumb size piece to make tea. I had never made ginger tea before but heard it was good for inflamation. I noticed a burning sensation on the roof of my mouth but just thought that must be normal as ginger has a strong taste. The next day it was a little bothersome when I ate so I looked at the roof of my mouth with a mirror. I noticed red spots (3 to be exact) in the middle of the roof of my mouth. After 3 weeks they were still there and I began to worry that they might have been there before I drank the tea, and the tea incident might have just irritated an already existing condition.

Last week I went to the dentist to have him look. I told him about the tea. He said it may be a chemical type burn and we should just keep an eye on it. It has now been 6 weeks and the small red marks are still there. I am due to go back to see the dentist the first of October. (My tongue has also been coated and it feels like a film on my teeth all the time although I brush at least 5 times a day with organic toothpaste). Of course I am worried it might be something serious. Anyone have any ideas or had a similiar reaction to something like ginger? Could it have anything to do with yeast? Thank you very much for any help anyone can give.

Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/23/2015

Dear Elizabeth,

What a puzzle! I have never heard of anyone reacting to ginger, but definitely people can react to herbs. But, as you suggest, maybe it just irritated a condition that was just surfacing.

If I were you I would look in to oil pulling which is helpful to many condition, especially mouth conditions. You don't have to know the exact cause or even what it is to try some remedies that work on a variety of conditions.

You could also try swishing hydrogen peroxide in your mouth after you brush. (Be sure to use a toothpaste that does not have SLS in it.) I dilute peroxide with 2 parts water (1 part peroxide) when I use it to rinse my mouth.

Since you were taking ginger tea to help with inflammation, you could try taking some turmeric. It is great for inflammation. It may even help what you are dealing with. 1/2 teaspoon in some milk once or twice a day. Or a couple of capsules a couple of times a day, taken with plenty of water.

Let us know what you find out and what helps! You have my curiosity up!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Elizabeth (Me) on 09/23/2015

Thank you "Mama to Many" for your suggestions. I am fairly new to this site and am very grateful for all the help. I will try swishing with Hydrogen Peroxide, as I have just purchased some at the Health Food Store (3%). Also, toothpaste, so I assume it is good. I did not know what SLS was.

I have heard pros and cons about Oil Pulling if you have silver fillings, which I do. I have had most of them replaced but still have two large ones in the back that the dentist wants to cap. I am not crazy about that idea, not to mention the cost. Do you think it is OK for me to try oil pulling with these fillings? If so, what is the best oil?

My inflamation issue is rheumatoid arthritis (that is a whole other story). I know turmeric is good for inflamation, but I have such stomach problems I thought the tumeric would cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Would it be easier on the stomach mixed with milk? (I do not do dairy, so it would be almond milk. Sound OK? I will let you know what helps and would so appreciate your thoughts on my two questions.

(I love your name! ) I just lost my mother who was 97 a few months ago.

Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/24/2015

Dear Elizabeth,

I am not sure about oil pulling with silver fillings. Perhaps someone else here has experience with that that they could share? I too have heard pros and cons. So, maybe for now, stick to peroxide and see how it does. If you decided to try oil pulling, I prefer extra virgin coconut oil or cold pressed sesame oil for oil pulling. An alternative to oil pulling would be to use either of those two healing oils on the irritated spots in your mouth a few times a day.

We have actually found turmeric to be helpful for stomachs that are delicate. Yes, taking it in almond milk sounds great. Some say that turmeric can cause constipation, so it should always be taken with plenty of water/liquid.

Do you take a pro-biotic of some sort? If not, do look into that for your RA. Healthy gut flora is important for everyone, and perhaps especially for those with auto-immune disorders.

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My mother passed away last year, and even though she lived a good, long life, it has been more difficult than I thought it would be. And 97, wow!

~Mama to Many~

P.S. SLS= sodium lauryl sulfate.

Replied by Elizabeth ( Old Orchard Beach, Maine) on 09/24/2015

Thank you. I will try both of your suggestions as far as applying the oil directly to the irritated spots in my mouth, and the turmeric in Almond Milk. I will try a small amount of Turmeric the first few times to check the reaction.

Yes I take a good pro-biotic every day, and always try to drink plenty of water.

Bless you for your help!

Replied by Marko (New Orleans) on 03/09/2018

Both Ginger and Tumeric irritate my mouth. They are botanical cousins and mildly spicy. I have also been drinking more soft drinks so I will lay off the sodas too and look for things that soothe like Tom's mouthwash and maybe Aloe Vera juice. If anyone has any other ideas let me know.

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