A bitter taste in the mouth may be caused by various reasons. It may be due to improper oral hygiene, from eating some specific kind of food stuff, dryness in the mouth and cigarette smoking. However, in some cases, it may indicate an underlying health condition. The first among these is dental problems including inflamed gums (gingivitis) and tooth cavities. The second cause can be acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It refers to the backflow of stomach acid in the food pipe due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. Thirdly, it may happen in case of common cold (viral infection of nose and throat), sinus infection and tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). The next cause could be burning mouth syndrome. It refers to a condition in which there is a burning sensation in the mouth. The burning may occur inside the cheeks, on tongue, gums, lips or the entire mouth varying from case to case. This condition can be primary (without any obvious cause) or secondary (it results from some underlying health condition like fungal infection in mouth, allergic reaction to some food, acid reflux etc.). Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth) could be another reason. Liver problems like fatty liver (a condition characterised by build – up of excess fat in the liver), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis (condition causing scars in the liver and permanent liver damage) can also leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Pine nut syndrome is yet another cause. In this syndrome, there is a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth one-three days after eating pine nuts. Besides the above reasons, use of certain medicines like some antibiotics or supplements containing zinc, iron and some antidepressants can leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also lead to it. Bitter taste in mouth can also be experienced during pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal changes. Apart from the above, stress and anxiety too can cause bitter taste in the mouth.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in cases of bitter taste in the mouth. Homeopathic medicines are of natural origin that help in managing bitter taste by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is treated, the bitter taste gradually fades away and normal taste begins to occur in the mouth. Along with bitter taste, any attending symptoms in the mouth also start to improve with the use of homeopathic medicines. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for treating cases of bitter taste in the mouth is selected after taking into consideration the individual symptoms in every case. So, it is advised to always get any case of bitter taste evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription. Self-medication should not be done.

Homeopathic Medicines For Bitter Taste In Mouth

1. Arsenic Album – Top Medicine

Arsenic Album is a top recommended medicine for managing cases of bitter taste in the mouth. After eating, a bitter taste is left in the mouth. There can be dryness of the mouth and tongue along with the above symptoms. It is attended with excessive thirst. A burning sensation is felt on the tongue and the edges of the tongue appear red. Blisters or ulcers can be present in the mouth sometimes.

2. Pulsatilla – For Bitter Taste With Dry Mouth

Pulsatilla is an excellent medicine for managing bitter taste in the mouth. The food also tastes bitter in cases needing this medicine. The mouth is dry, especially in the morning, and despite the dryness, there is no desire to drink water. There may be white or yellow coating on the tongue in most cases. Sticky mucus may cover the tongue. Offensive odor may emanate from the mouth.

3. Merc Sol – For Bitter Taste With Excessive Salivation

Another well-indicated medicine for bitter taste in the mouth is Merc Sol. There is excessive saliva in the mouth in cases needing it. The tongue may be inflamed, red and coated. It appears as if the tongue is covered with fur. Pricking pain is felt in the tongue along with swelling. Ulcers may be seen on the tongue, inner cheeks or on the gums. Burning sensation may be felt in the mouth. There is fetid, offensive odor from the mouth. There is increased thirst for water. Inflammation of the gums can be prominent. Besides helping cases of bitter taste, this medicine is also indicated to manage sweetish or metallic taste in the mouth.

4. Natrum Mur – When Food Tastes Bitter

This medicine is recommended when every kind of food tastes bitter. There is dryness of the tongue. A sensation of hair on the tongue may be felt. The tongue is coated with red patches on it. Blisters or ulcers may be seen in the mouth with a burning sensation when food particles come in contact with the ulcers. There is decreased appetite for food and water.

5. Nux vomica – For Bitter Taste In Mouth In Morning

Nux Vomica is an effective medicine for managing bitter taste in mouth in the morning. It is attended with offensive breath from the mouth. Small ulcers may be seen in the mouth and throat. The front part of the tongue is clean but the back portion appears fur white or yellow. The above complaints can be attended with bitter or sour burping. Inflammation of the throat and gums can be present sometimes.

6. China Officinalis – When Food, Drink And Water Tastes Bitter

This medicine is valuable to manage cases in which food and drinks, even water, tastes bitter. There is no bitter taste in the mouth while not drinking or eating. The tongue has a thick, dirty coating. The tongue may be white or yellow coated. Burning can be felt on the tip of the tongue. At times, stitching pain is felt on the tongue. There are bitter belchings where this medicine is needed. This medicine is also indicated to manage cases where a sweet taste is felt in the mouth followed by sour taste. It is attended with excessive salivation.

7. Borax – When Food And Saliva Taste Bitter

Borax is an important medicine for cases where not only food but even saliva has a bitter taste. Ulcers are seen in the mouth and on the tongue in cases needing this medicine. The tongue may have cracks. There is marked heated sensation in the mouth, along with excessive salivation. In some cases, fungal infection can be present in the mouth (oral thrush).

8. Sulphur – For Bitter Taste Soon After Eating

Sulphur is a beneficial medicine when there is bitter taste in the mouth soon after eating. The tongue is coated white with redness on the tip and borders. There is burning sensation on the tongue. There is bad smell from the mouth after eating. Bitter saliva is felt in the mouth. It is accompanied with nausea.

9. Bryonia – For Bitter Taste When Not Eating

This medicine is helpful when food appears tasteless but bitter taste is felt in the mouth when not eating. It is attended with offensive breath. The tongue is dry, rough, cracked. The tongue may be coated yellow or brown. The mouth is dry with an increase thirst for water. Little ulcers may appear on the tip of the tongue.