Glossodynia (Burning Tongue Syndrome): Are There Any Natural Remedies?

Glossodynia, in English known as “burning mouth syndrome” (syndrome de la bouche qui brûle), is a chronic condition that affects roughly 1 to 4% of the French population. It presents as pain, without visible lesions, on the tongue. A disease that is difficult to diagnose and to treat.

Symptoms and Remedies for Glossodynia

Glossodynia can be secondary, linked to an external or internal cause (disease, allergy…), or primary: this latter form is called the “burning tongue syndrome” and its treatments are difficult.

Burning Tongue: Am I Suffering from Glossodynia?

The symptoms of glossodynia include: burning tongue, tingling, a sensation of dry mouth, taste disturbances… They usually intensify during the day and stop at night. To determine whether you have a primary glossodynia, your doctor will order a battery of tests: saliva tests, blood work, screening for bacteria or fungal infections… This is to verify whether the described symptoms are due to a disease or dysfunction, or whether they are indicators of a disorder. A visit to a periodontist can help rule out dental problems.

A modification of medication, an antibacterial or antifungal treatment (candidiasis) can help stop the symptoms. If these persist, then one must treat primary glossodynia, which often involves a psychological treatment(1). The treatment of glossodynias often involves the administration of antidepressants to relieve the anxiety generated by this phantom pain whose source is unknown.

The people most often affected by glossodynia are women aged 40 to 60. It is sometimes an adverse side effect of menopause. Anxiety and stress often trigger the onset of symptoms, or worsen them.

Natural Treatments to Relieve Glossodynia?

There are two kinds of discomfort: the physical pains themselves: burns, tingling, and the psychological distress that is often the cause of glossodynias.

To prevent glossodynia symptoms, avoid smoking, steer clear of spicy dishes, and do not use mouthwash containing alcohol. To relieve tongue burns, one can use aloe vera for its hydrating properties (for example as a juice cure). Calendula, in decoction or mother tincture, helps both to soothe burns and to reduce stress.

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The Langue de Feu association reports cases of glossodynia that have been treated with homeopathy, kinesiology, or oligotherapy. In all cases, it is essential to consult a specialist and avoid self-medication. Some glossopathies can also be treated with thermal spa cures, notably Saint-Christau: according to ALDF, “it is the station officially recommended for ailments of the buccal-lingual mucosa and glossodynias.”

Finally, it seems that some glossodynias can be treated with propolis: this natural substance has powerful anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. In a two- to three-week course, it can help overcome burning tongue syndromes and ease certain symptoms, such as canker sores.

It is also essential to address the root cause of the problem, namely anxiety and stress. To do this, improve your lifestyle, sleep better and longer, particularly by avoiding screens. You can also engage in regular physical activity, or practices such as yoga or meditation that help release stress. You can manage stress with herbs to be used occasionally or in a regimen.