BACK TO ASK THE HERBALIST INDEX

ANSWERS FROM CARLOS:
QUESTION: I read the question about salivary stones with interest.  I have a huge one in my right submandibular salivary gland which I am told must be surgically removed.  They will have to remove the whole gland.  Can you send me a treatment plan of herbs and diets?  Please (begging).   I live in upstate New York, although I was born in NM, and there is no one around here that can help me.

ANSWER: Increasing salivation is always important in these cases. Sucking on citrus fruits may be of some help here, as will eating foods that are bitter or sour.  Some medications will actually reduce the amount of saliva and you should consult with your physician before taking them.

Drink 6 to 8 glass of water daily. Avoid foods that stagnate the system such as: red meats, pork, white sugar, all dairy and all fried foods.

You can make your own form of bitters to increase salivation. To an infusion (tea) of Chamomile, add 15 drops of extract or tincture of Dandelion and 15 drops of extract or tincture of Gentian. Sweeten with a bit of honey and drink 3xs day.

You can also use Angostura bitters or Peychaud's Bitter 1/2 dropper consummed with a small amount of water 2xs day, to increase salivation.

As a last resort: It is possible to treat the stone with an alternative to open surgery and this is called sialendoscopy and involves using a very thin probe and camera that enters the duct. When the stone is located a very fine pair of graspers is introduced which will grab the stone and remove it.

ANSWERS FROM LORYHL
QUESTION: I hope you can help. I have been experiencing hyper-salivation for about 8 months. I have had botox treatments but to no avail. The only thing that I have taken which seems to help is Benadryl. Of course, there are side affects to taking Benadryl such as drowsiness. I would like to know if there is a specific herb known to help with this problem. My doctor calls this "Sialorrhea."

ANSWER:  As you may know, and the Doctors must have told you, there are many causes to this problem. So you know which one is a major contributor to the sialorrhea, that you have?  Anywhere from teeth, to birth defects, to Parkinsons, and on. If I knew which one, perhaps, I could be more specific in suggesting a herbal and diet regime for you to try. For sure , I can tell you to go on Amazon.com, and order the book on Food Combining Made Easy, read it, and implement the principles into your life, this will help. It will help your body make saliva, more appropriately for your digestive system, but may not completely take care of the problem. I also recommend you go to the nearest large China Town, and find the best Chinese acupuncturist, you can, and have him or her work on you, extensively, you can ask at your local health food store for the name of a really good one, they will know someone, ask the manager if you have to.  After I hear back from you, I will make further suggestions.

QUESTION: Well, I went to a Neurologist and he ruled out neurological causes. As for what caused this; I'm guessing that since I am no longer on any antidepressant medication, I may be having a syndrome (some sweating at times also) since stopping antidepressants. The last one I had was Effexor. It was after weaning off of it that I experienced salivation and swallowing activity. Additionally, I don't have health coverage for acupuncture either.

ANSWER: Most people don’t have coverage for acupuncture, it is generally about 45.00 per visit. If you are in this condition because of the drugs, and the system clearing, it may be easier to deal with. First of all, take the advice from the food combine book.  Read the downloads, I am sending you about diet. Get aloe vera juice, drink , 1/3 c three times daily, 6 days a week, for 3 months, then once a day, 6 days a week, for as long as you can, Soak in epsom salts baths, as hot as you can, then rinse in cold water after, and vigorously towel dry your body. Deep breathe, morning and night for 10 mins, and visualize your body, being full of light, and looking good, and feeling good. Drink milk thistle seed and leaf tea, it tastes good, 3 cups per day, 6 days a week, for one month. Let me know if you have further questions, and I will do what I can to serve you

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QUESTION: I have a persistent stone in my saliva duct. I found an article that recommended tinctures of Sweet Blue Violet, Burdock Root and Flowering Chickweed along with Red Clover Blossom tea to dissolve it. I cannot find Violet locally. Is there an alternative I can use for the Violet? I really do not want to have it surgically removed. Please advise.

ANSWER: You could try the nettle, or the yarrow.  However, if you are always getting the stone, I strongly suggest you see a good Chinese herbalist, and get herbs and acupuncture. I also suggest a close look at your diet. Here are some downloads for you to look at in the meantime. If you are near LA, there is a great Chinese doctor there who I know can help you further