Toothaches can be incredibly distressing, but traditional remedies offer natural ways to relieve pain and promote oral hygiene. Over the centuries, many herbs and natural ingredients have proven their effectiveness in soothing dental issues.

Cloves have been a trusted remedy for tooth pain for generations. Rich in eugenol, an oil with powerful healing and soothing properties, cloves help calm the nerves inside the tooth. Chewing a few cloves near the affected tooth allows the natural oil to seep into the area, providing relief. Alternatively, a mixture of clove oil and a few drops of olive oil can be applied directly to the aching tooth using a cotton swab. Afterward, rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater helps eliminate bacteria and clear any residual oil.

In rural parts of India, herbal sticks like Neem and Babool continue to be widely used for oral care. These sticks are known for their antibacterial properties, helping fight tooth decay and plaque. The Miswak stick, in particular, offers strong anti-microbial benefits. A fresh, soft stem, free of leaves and bark, can be chewed gently to clean the teeth naturally. For those seeking a more convenient option, herbal toothpastes fortified with extracts of Babool and Miswak, such as Dabur Babool and Dabur Meswak, provide similar benefits and leave the mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Amla powder, derived from the Indian gooseberry, is another powerful natural remedy. Rich in antioxidants, Amla helps strengthen connective tissues, supporting overall tooth health. Consuming a teaspoon of Amla powder daily can offer long-term benefits for stronger, healthier teeth and gums.

Another traditional remedy is asafoetida, or hing, a resin obtained from the Ferula plant. Beyond its culinary use, asafoetida possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can ease tooth pain. It can be applied raw directly onto the affected area or mixed with lemon juice to create a paste. The lemon juice enhances the antibacterial action, providing quick relief.

Wheatgrass is also known for its ability to relieve dental pain. It acts as a natural detoxifier and can be used as a mouthwash to combat bacteria. Chewing on wheatgrass strands or gargling with wheatgrass juice or diluted wheatgrass powder can help soothe the affected area and promote oral hygiene.

Turmeric powder, or haldi, celebrated for its antibacterial and healing qualities, can prevent dental infections. A paste made from finely ground turmeric and mustard oil can be applied to the affected tooth before bedtime for relief.

Garlic, too, has earned its place in traditional medicine. It is known to offer immediate relief from tooth pain when chewed raw. Alternatively, a paste made from garlic and salt can be applied to the sore tooth to harness its natural antibiotic properties.

Nutmeg, though less popular, is equally effective. It contains eugenol, like cloves, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. A paste made from nutmeg powder and mustard oil can help soothe dental discomfort.

Finally, Triphala Churna, a combination of three fruits, offers a simple solution for maintaining oral health. Gargling with a warm mixture of Triphala powder and water regularly can strengthen teeth and keep decay and pain at bay.

A 44-year-old UK woman suffered severe brain damage after developing acute liver failure while taking an ashwagandha-containing “stress-relief” supplement.

Lois Kinder, a cabin crew manager from Cheshire, developed liver failure in July after taking ashwagandha gummies for about a year, according to the Daily Mail.

She required an urgent liver transplant but suffered three cardiac arrests during the operation after a blood clot blocked the main artery to her lungs. Prolonged oxygen deprivation caused severe brain injury.

Kinder remains in critical care with limited movement and difficulty communicating.

“At this stage, nobody knows what her recovery will look like,” her husband was quoted as saying.

What Happened To Lois Kinder?

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Kinder began taking the gummies daily last July after seeing them advertised on TikTok. She initially felt more relaxed and later began selling the supplement to her social media followers.

About a year later, she developed nausea, vomiting and yellowing of her skin and eyes. Tests showed that her liver was failing.

Doctors placed her in an induced coma and transferred her to a specialist center, where she was put on the urgent transplant list. A suitable donor liver became available on July 22.]

After the complications during surgery, her family was told to prepare for the worst.

“A number of times we were told we were going to lose her – and then she just defied the odds,” her family said.

Kinder woke from the coma on August 13 and remains in critical care undergoing neurological rehabilitation.

Did Ashwagandha Cause Her Liver Failure?

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Doctors told the family that ashwagandha was the “main cause” of Kinder’s liver failure, although the case remains under investigation.

“When the doctors ran tests, one of the first things they asked us was if she was taking pills containing ashwagandha, which they later said they believed had caused the liver problems,” her husband said.

He said doctors told the family there had been around 70 reported cases of liver failure following prolonged use of products containing the herb.

“I want to spread awareness and warn people that even if you think the supplement you are taking is safe, there can still be serious health consequences.”

What Does Research Say About Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, botanical name Withania somnifera, is one of the most widely used herbs in Ayurveda. It is also called the king of herbs and is commonly taken to manage stress, improve sleep, and support overall well-being.

However, rare cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha, particularly in concentrated extracts.

A 2023 study led by Indian researchers, including hepatologist Cyriac A Philips, found that ashwagandha-induced liver injury can cause cholestatic hepatitis and, in some cases, progress to acute-on-chronic liver failure, particularly in people with pre-existing liver disease.

Published in Hepatology Communications, the study also documented cases of severe liver injury linked to Withania somnifera.

How Safe Is Ashwagandha?

Dr M. Wali, Senior Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Principal Director, Medicine in Preventive Cardiology, Pacific One Health, Delhi, told HealthandMe that high doses may pose a liver risk, particularly for people with liver disease or those who regularly consume alcohol.

He also stressed the importance of product quality, saying contaminated or poor-quality extracts could increase the risk of liver toxicity.

"Ashwagandha should also be used with caution in people with autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, liver disease, or those preparing for surgery," added Dr. Vikas Jindal, Consultant, Dept of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and autoimmune thyroid disorders can have a significant impact on everyday life. Rheumatoid arthritis alone affects millions globally, with women accounting for about 70% of those living with the condition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The causes of autoimmune disorders are complex and can involve genetic, environmental and lifestyle-related factors. While not all these factors are within our control, the way we eat, sleep, manage stress and structure our daily lives can influence overall health and wellbeing. This is where Ayurveda offers a valuable perspective—not simply by looking at the disease, but by looking at the individual as a whole.

Ahara: Moving beyond “healthy” food

In Ayurveda, Ahara, or food, is considered one of the fundamental supports of life. The approach goes beyond simply counting calories or meeting daily protein targets. It considers what we eat, when we eat, how we eat and whether the food is appropriate for an individual's constitution, season and digestive capacity.

This perspective is particularly relevant today, when ultra-processed foods have become increasingly common. Rather than following restrictive diets based on trends, Ayurveda encourages mindful and individualised food choices. Classical Ayurvedic principles such as Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana provide guidance on the manner, timing and suitability of food.

The objective is not to label individual foods as universally “good” or “bad”, but to understand what supports the individual's health and digestion.

Also read: Fasting and Ayurveda: Balancing Tradition, Digestion and Nutrition

Vihara: Restoring rhythm to everyday life

Ayurveda's understanding of health extends beyond food. Sleep, daily routine, physical activity and mental wellbeing are equally important...

Ayurveda describes Ahara, Nidra (sleep) and Brahmacharya as the Trayopastambha, or three supporting pillars of life. Maintaining adequate and regular sleep, therefore, is not merely about feeling rested; it is part of maintaining a balanced routine.

Dinacharya and Ritucharya further encourage individuals to align aspects of their daily lives with regular rhythms and seasonal changes. Simple practices such as maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, eating mindfully, staying physically active according to one's capacity and creating time for relaxation can make healthy living more sustainable.

Also read: Ageing Healthy With Ayurveda

Panchakarma: An individualised approach

Ayurveda also includes Panchakarma, a set of therapeutic procedures traditionally used within an individualised Ayurvedic treatment framework. The Ministry of AYUSH describes Panchakarma as comprising five therapeutic procedures of purification.

Importantly, Panchakarma should not be viewed as a generic “detox” programme or something that is suitable for everyone. In Ayurveda, its application depends on the individual's constitution, health status and clinical assessment, and should be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

The mind-body connection

Ayurveda also recognises the influence of the mind, or manas, on overall wellbeing. Persistent stress, irregular routines and inadequate rest can affect how we experience health and resilience. Supporting mental wellbeing through appropriate rest, yoga, breathing practices, mindfulness and healthy routines can therefore form an important part of a holistic approach.

Ultimately, Ayurveda's contribution to the conversation around autoimmune health lies in its emphasis on the individual and their everyday habits. Ahara, Nidra, Dinacharya, Ritucharya and, where appropriate, Panchakarma represent a broader approach to health that focuses on personalised and sustainable practices. For people living with chronic health conditions, such an approach can complement comprehensive healthcare while encouraging a more conscious relationship with food, routine, rest and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

By Dr Punith P, Assistant Professor, Department of Manasaroga Evum Manovijnana, SDM College of Ayurveda Hospital & Research Centre, Udupi

Fasting the "gut reset” is the cornerstone of health. It serves many purposes in this world: some fast for political reasons, some for spiritual wisdom, but very few do it for health.

Ayurveda, "The Science of Life," aims to preserve the health of the healthy (Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam) and treat the imbalance of the diseased (Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam), fasting serves both goals. When practiced by a healthy individual following Ayurvedic principles, it maintains health; when followed by a diseased individual, it restores it.

Upavasa means a state of abstinence from food, but Ayurveda regards it, at its core, as a science of digestion and metabolism, both governed by Agni (Digestive fire), one of the cornerstones of health. According to Ayurevda most diseases are said to begin with weak Agni, and periodic fasting is one of the best ways to sustain Agni and ultimately Health.

How Ayurveda Personalises Fasting For Each Person

Unlike modern fasting, which focuses only on calorie restriction and time windows, Ayurveda personalizes fasting to the individual accounting for Prakriti (constitution of body), Bala (Physical and Psychological strength), Agni (digestive capacity), Desha (habitat), Kala (season, time of day, stage of disease), Vyadhi (disease state if any), Occupation, and Avastha (physiological state like age, pregnancy, lactation, menstruation etc…).

A Kapha dominant person thrives on longer fasts because of slow digestion and metabolism; a Pitta constitution needs a gentler, well-hydrated approach because of sharp digestion (Tikshna agni);

Vata types are the most fragile fasters and do better with short time fasting. Sluggish Agni benefits from the rest, which is provided by fasting, while sharp or irregular Agni needs caution.

Season and timing matter too late winter into spring suits fasting best, while autumn does not; Conditions of excess (indigestion, obesity) respond well, while conditions of depletion (anaemia, emaciation) do not.

Also read: Ageing Healthy With Ayurveda

Why Ayurveda Favours Gentle Fasting Over Prolonged Deprivation

On prolonged or absolute fasting, Ayurveda favours gentler, sustainable approaches. A common method is the one meal a day a single light, easily digestible food such as khichdi, fruit, buttermilk, milk (anyone or which is compatible) instead of a full range of dishes which reduces digestive capacity.

The traditional Ekadashi fast, observed on the eleventh lunar day, aligns rest for the gut with natural cycles. For example, for Vata-dominant or weaker individuals, fasts using fruits, warm water, herbal teas, or ghee-infused broths are preferred over complete food abstinence.

When Agni is allowed to rest, the body redirects its energy toward removing Ama, the toxic residue of undigested food that Ayurveda considers the root of most illness. This is believed to improve metabolism, mental clarity, support healthy weight, and strengthen immunity. Fasting is also considered a discipline for the mind, cultivating focus alongside physical benefit.

Ayurveda never treats fasting as prolonged deprivation. Breaking a fast mindfully matters as much as the fast itself starting with something warm and light, like soup or fruit, rather than heavy or fried food.

Warm fluids are preferred over cold water, which can destroy Agni further, and raw, processed, ultra processed etc… foods should be avoided immediately before and after fasting. Reintroducing easily digestible proteins and healthy fats, such as moong dal or ghee, etc… helps replenish the body gently.

Also read: Ayush Ministry, IndiaAI Join Hands To Boost AI-Driven Innovation In Traditional Medicine

Who Should Avoid Fasting?

Fasting suits healthy adults with Bala and Agni. Ayurveda is equally clear on who should avoid it: pregnant and lactating women, menstruating women, growing children, the elderly, and those recovering from chronic or acute illnesses or surgery, in these cases, nourishment is important over restriction, regardless of prakriti. For these groups, a easily digestible diet (Laghu Ahara) is advised instead.

Ultimately, fasting in Ayurveda isn't about willpower, it's about working with the body's digestive capacity, not against it. Practiced mindfully and matched to one's constitution, it remains a powerful tool for resetting digestion and sustaining wellbeing.