Mouth & Throat Diseases { मुखरोगाः, कण्ठरोगाः }
Ayurveda provides a comprehensive approach to treating mouth and throat diseases, emphasising the balance of the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and focusing on specific locations and tissues. According to Shalyatantra and Shalakyatantra, Ayurveda identifies 65 varieties of oral diseases across seven key anatomical locations. These include conditions related to the lips, teeth, tongue, palate, oropharynx, and generalised mouth health.
In modern medicine, these are referred to as Stomatitis (inflammation and sores in the mouth), oral cancer, mouth ulcers, gingivostomatitis, halitosis (bad breath), Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), laryngeal cancer, goitre, thyroid, and tonsillitis.
General Ayurvedic Therapies for Mouth & Throat Health:
- Oil Pulling: Swishing sesame or coconut oil in the mouth to detoxify and improve oral health.
- Gargling: With warm saltwater or Triphala water to soothe inflammation and promote healing.
- Nasya: Medicated oils are applied nasally to clear toxins, enhance oral and throat health, and balance doshas.
- Panchakarma Detox: Ayurvedic purification treatments, including Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema), to cleanse the body and promote oral and throat health.
- Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic medicines are utilised for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties to treat and manage mouth and throat diseases.
- Dietary Recommendations: Ayurveda suggests a balanced diet with foods that are easy on the digestive system, including warm liquids, soups, and herbal teas. Avoiding spicy, fried, or too cold foods helps reduce irritation and inflammation in the mouth and throat.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
