HELLO ANAND SONI,
10 WHAT IS HAPPENNIG ? -Normally the tongue is pink, moist, and smooth -when digestion is weak for along time (gastritis, hyperacidity), food is not digested properly -this leads to ama 9toxic buildup) in Ayurveda and bacterial / fungus overgrowth in modern medicine -The papillae small hair likee structures on tongue become elongated and trap food, bacteria, and pigments-> tongue looks black or dark brown -Medicnes like Rabeprazole may reduce acidity but do not always fully clear toxins or improve oral flora
This condition is often called “Black hairy tongue” in modern medicine and jihva Shyava varna due to Ama in Ayurveda
TREATMENT GOALS -Correct root cause= improve digestion, reduce acidity, remove toxins -Improve local hygiene= clean oral cavity, remove coating -restore healthy tongue color and ora flora -prevent recurrence by lifestyle changes
INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED -Blood sugar -CBC -vitam b12 and giron studies -H.pylori test/endoscopy -oral examination
INTERNAL MEDICINES
1) AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water before meals =for acidity and ama pachanga for 3 months
2) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp at bedtime with lukewarm water for detox and bowel regulation
3) GUDUCHI + AMLA POWDER= 3 gm each in morning for immunity and cooling effect for 3 months
4) HARITAKI POWDER= 3 gm at night with warm water if constipation persist
IN SEVERE GASTRITIS= KAMDUDHA RAS with Gilroy satva can be taken
EXTERNAL/LOCAL CARE -Daily tongue scraping with copper or silver scraper -Oil pulling- 1 tbsp sesame or coconut oil, swish for 10 minutes, then spit daily morning -Triphala decoction gargle once daily -Warm water. + pinch of turmeric + rock salt gargle for cleansing and antimicrobial effect -Chew clove or cardamom after meals for fresh breath and reducing bacterial growth
DIET AVOID= excess tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, fried food, spicy food, bakery, and packaged food
TAKE MORE= warm water, moong dal, green leafy vegetables, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, buttermilk diluted with cumin
FRUITS= pomegranate, amla, papaya, apple avoid citrus if acidity severe
INCLUDE SPICES THAT IMPROVE DIGESTION= cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, small amount of ginger
Avoid overeating and late-night meals
LIFESTYLE AND YOGA -Maintain oral hygiene= brush twice, tongue clean daily -sleep properly avoid late nights -manage stress-> gastritis worsens with anxiety
YOGA AND PRANAYAM -Sheetali and sheetkari= cooling effect for gastritis -Anulom vilom= balances digestion and stress -Vajrasana sit after meals for 5-10 min -Pawanmuktasana and bhujangasana= help digestion
HOME REMEDIES -Aloe vera juice= 2 tbsp with water, empty stomach-> reduces acidity and cleanses -Chew fennel seeds after meals-> natural mouth freshner -Honey + turmeric paste= apply locally on tongue for 5 minutes, then rinse -Lukewarm water sip therapy-> sipping hot water every 12 hours helps dissolve ama
DURATION OF TREATMENT -Improvement in coating= 2-4 weeks with local + internal care -Significant pinkness= 2-3 months with proper digestion correction -Long term maintenance= diet = lifestyle ongoing
Your black tongue is not dangerous in most cases, but since it is chronic (2 years), investigations are needed to rule out fungal infection, nutritional deficiencies or precancerous changes
If serious causes ruled out, this treatment will work and restores natural pink color
Consistency is key
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Avipattikara churna- 1/2 tsp with warm water at night Do mouth gargling with warm sesame oil daily at morning And at night mouth wash with triphala decoction
Hello Anand ji, I completely understand your concern. A blackish discoloration of the tongue that has lasted for almost 2 years can be worrying, especially when it affects confidence in speaking or smiling. But dont worry we ard here to help you out😊
✅Ayurvedic Understanding
In Ayurveda, the tongue is considered a mirror of the digestive system. A healthy tongue should be pink, moist, and clear.
A black or brownish coating indicates Ama (undigested toxins) deposited in the system due to weak digestive fire (Mandagni).
Thus, my treatment will not only focus on the tongue surface but also on restoring digestion, detoxifying the gut, and balancing Pitta-Kapha dosha
✅AYURVEDIC MEDIACTION
1. Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp with lukewarm water before food , helps reduce acidity & cleanses the gut.
2. Triphala Powder – 3–5 g with warm water at bedtime, acts as a gentle detox & clears tongue coating.
3. Sutshekhar Ras – 1 tablet twice daily after food , effective in chronic gastritis and Pitta imbalance
✅EXTERNAL CARE=
1 Gandusha (oil pulling) – swish with coconut or sesame oil every morning.
2 Herbal Mouth Rinse – boil triphala or neem leaves in water, use as mouthwash.
✅DIET AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
✅ Foods to Prefer: 👉Light, warm, easily digestible meals like moong dal khichdi, lauki sabzi, green gram soup.
👉Fresh fruits such as pomegranate, papaya, apple (avoid very sour fruits).
👉Herbal teas: cumin, coriander, fennel (good for acidity and cooling Pitta).
❌ Foods to Avoid:
Oily, spicy, fried, and fermented foods. Excess tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol, bakery products. Heavy-to-digest foods like paneer, red meat, and maida products.
✅DAILY HABITS
👉Drink lukewarm water through the day to aid digestion. 👉Perform tongue scraping every morning with a copper/steel scraper. 👉Do oil pulling with coconut oil for 5 minutes to cleanse oral toxins. 👉Practice deep breathing, anulom-vilom pranayama to reduce acidity and stress.
Since the black coating has persisted for 2 years, it is advisable to also get a basic oral examination by a doctor to rule out fungal infection (oral candidiasis), pigmentation due to medication, or other local causes.
✅ With regular diet correction, Ayurvedic remedies, and oral hygiene, you should notice gradual fading of the blackness and a return to natural pinkness.
Wish you a good health😊
Warm. Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Ayurvedic & Home Remedies for Pink Tongue
1. Oral Cleaning (Jivha Shuddhi)
After brushing, gently scrape your tongue with a tongue cleaner (copper/stainless steel).
Rinse mouth with lukewarm water + pinch turmeric + rock salt once daily.
2. Oil Pulling (Gandusha)
Take 1 tbsp sesame oil or coconut oil in mouth.
Swish for 5–10 minutes, then spit. 👉 Removes toxins, improves tongue color, strengthens gums.
3. Herbal Mouthwash
Boil 1 tsp Triphala powder in 1 glass water, cool, and use as mouth rinse daily.
Or chew neem leaves (if available).
Hello Anand ,
Thank you for explaining your concern in detail. Your case of persistent blackish discoloration on tongue (2 years), partially reduced after taking Rabeprazole, but not fully pink suggests a combination of Ama (toxin) deposition, Mandagni (low digestive fire), possible fungal / bacterial colonization, and long-standing Pitta–Kapha imbalance. In Ayurveda, this is related to Jihva malasrava (tongue coating) due to weak digestion & rasa dhatu dushti. The approach will focus on detoxifying tongue coating, improving digestion, correcting gut flora, and restoring healthy pink tongue color.
🔎 Why Blackish Tongue Persists - Long-term acidity / gastritis (hence Rabeprazole helped partially). - Poor Agni → Ama builds up → deposits on tongue. - Excess tea, coffee, antibiotics, or smoking (if any) can also darken tongue. - Fungal growth (Candida) sometimes gives whitish/black patches.
💊 Ayurvedic Internal Remedies 1. Triphala churna – 1 tsp at night with warm water (mild detox, clears ama). 2. Avipattikar churna – 1 tsp with warm water before meals, twice daily (for acidity & tongue coating). 3. Guduchi (Giloy) ghan vati – 2 tablets twice daily (detox & immunity).
🍀 Local Oral Care (Daily Routine) 1. Tongue scraping (jihva nirlekhana) – use copper tongue cleaner every morning. 2. Oil pulling (gandusha) – swish 1 tsp sesame/coconut oil for 5 min, spit out, then rinse (removes deposits, balances oral flora). 3. Herbal mouth rinse – boil water with triphala + clove + licorice, use lukewarm as mouthwash. 4. Apply honey + turmeric paste lightly on tongue, keep for 2–3 min, then rinse (antimicrobial, restores pink color). 🥗 Dietary Advice ✅ Include: - Warm water through the day (flushes ama). - Fresh fruits: pomegranate, apple, papaya. - Leafy greens, lauki, ridge gourd (light, detoxifying). - 1 tsp ghee in meals (improves Agni, clears dryness). ❌ Avoid: - Excess tea/coffee, spicy fried food. - Alcohol, smoking, tobacco. - Cold/stale food, curd at night. 🧘🏻♂️ Lifestyle & Yoga - Practice Vajrasana after meals (improves digestion). - Pawanmuktasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana (improve gut health). - Kapalabhati & Anulom Vilom pranayama – 10 min daily (detox & balance).
📌 Follow up
With proper digestion & oral cleansing, tongue color should improve in 4–6 weeks.
If blackness persists beyond 2–3 months, rule out oral lichen planus, candidiasis, or pigmentation from medicines (consult ENT / dentist).
✨ By improving Agni, detoxifying the gut, and maintaining oral hygiene, your tongue can regain its natural pink color gradually.
With kind regards, Dr. Sumi
HELLO ANAND JI, BLACKISH DISCOLOURATION OF TONGUE IS DUE TO TRAPPED FOOD DEBRIS,BACTERIA OR YEAST . THIS CAN BE DUE TO - .POOR ORAL HYGIENE. .TOBACCO USE,CAFFEINE .BISMUTH CONTAINING MEDICATIONS. .DRY MOUTH .POOR IMMUNITY .BACTERIAL OR FUNGAL OVERGROWTH. .DIGESTIVE ISSUES.
TREATMENT- 1. YASTIMADHU TABLET 1-0-1 AFTER MEALS 2. UDARKALP CHURNA 1TSF WITH LIKEWARM WATER TWICE A DAY AFTER MEALS 3. TRIPHLA KWATH - USE AS A MOUTHWASH
DIET AVOID SPICY FOOD,CAFFEINE,ALCOHOL,TOBACCO. OTHER TIPS- .USE A COPPER OR STEEL TONGUE CLEANER. .BRUSH TWICE A DAY.
FOLLOW THESE ,YOUR TONGUE WILL GRADUALLY BECOME PINK. REGARDS, DR. ANUPRIYA
Black Tongue in Ayurveda Vata Imbalance: A black or brown tongue coating is often indicative of a derangement of the Vata dosha. This is a classic sign of Vata accumulation or imbalance in the body, which can be linked to conditions like digestive issues and dehydration.
Ama (Toxins): A coating on the tongue, regardless of color, is a sign of Ama, or toxins, building up in the system due to poor digestion. A black coating suggests a more significant toxic buildup, particularly in the colon.
Serious Illness: In some traditional Ayurvedic texts, a black coated tongue is considered a grave symptom, suggesting a serious illness and poor overall health. Gastritis and Ayurveda
Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, is known as Amlapitta in Ayurveda. It is primarily attributed to an aggravation of the Pitta dosha. Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism, and when it is imbalanced, it can lead to excess stomach acid (Amla) and a burning sensation. While gastritis is a Pitta disorder, the black tongue symptom points to a Vata imbalance, suggesting that your condition may involve a combination of both doshas. The imbalance of one dosha can affect the others, leading to a complex set of symptoms. Ayurvedic Recommendations Ayurvedic treatment focuses on addressing the root cause by balancing the doshas and improving digestion. Here are some general recommendations,
Dietary Modifications: Avoid Pitta-Aggravating Foods: Steer clear of spicy, fried, sour, and acidic foods. This includes chili peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar, and fermented foods. Focus on Pitta-Pacifying Foods: Incorporate cooling and soothing foods into your diet. This includes cooked grains, steamed vegetables, and cooling herbs and spices like coriander, cumin, and fennel. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas like cumin-coriander-fennel (CCF) tea can also be beneficial for digestion. Coconut water is known to soothe the stomach. Eat Mindfully: Chew your food thoroughly and eat at regular intervals. Avoid skipping meals or eating late at night. Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs with anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties are often used to treat gastritis
Lifestyle Practices: Tongue Scraping: Daily tongue scraping with a copper or stainless steel scraper is a fundamental practice in Ayurveda to remove the overnight buildup of toxins and bacteria. Stress Management: Stress can significantly aggravate Pitta dosha and gastritis symptoms. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises (Pranayama) like Sheetali (cooling breath) can be very helpful. Regular Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine for eating, sleeping, and other activities to support your body’s natural rhythms.
1) triphala churna 1tsf before food 2 times a day
2) tab yashtimadhu 1 tab 3 times after food
1.Avipattikar churna 1 tsp twice daily with warm water before meals 2.Giloy ghana vati 2 tab twice daily with water’ 3.Khadirarishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily after meals
- Triphala Mouth Rinse: Boil 1 tsp Triphala in water, cool, and rinse mouth twice daily. - Licorice (Yashtimadhu) Powder: Mix with honey and apply on tongue for soothing and healing.
Hi Anand this is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem…no need to worry… *Use luke warm water for drinking… *Avoid non veg diet. Rx-Avipattikar churna 1tsp twice before food Abhayaarista 2tsp -0-2tsp after food Just follow this…you will notice the changes…
1) Mix Amla juice 10ml+ Aloe vera juice 10ml take twice daily after food with water Kamdudharas 1-0-1 after food with water Apply honey 2-3 times during the day
No need to worry,
NEED PERSONAL CONSULTATION.
Please visit nearby ayurvedic physician for further advice and treatment.
Take care😊
Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj.
Black discoloration of the tongue can sometimes be linked to ama accumulation in the body, primarily resulting from digestive concerns like gastritis. The use of rabeprazole may have alleviated your symptoms slightly by addressing acid reflux, but it may not fully address the root cause. According to Ayurveda, restoring your tongue’s natural pink color will involve balancing your doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha, which are often implicated in such symptoms.
First, consider focusing on diet to improve your digestive fire, or Agni, which is crucial for preventing ama. Consume warm, lightly spiced foods which are easier to digest: think soups, stews, and khichdi. Flavor your meals with digestive spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel. Avoid foods that are too spicy, oily or fried as well as overly processed items.
Drinking warm herbal teas may benefit in stimulating digestion too. Try a tea made from ginger and a pinch of black pepper to aid in removing toxins. Consuming Triphala at bedtime with warm water also aids digestion and detoxification, helping cleanse gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally, practicing oil pulling with sesame oil in the morning can support oral hygiene and potentially reduce the appearance of blackness. Swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 10 minutes before spitting it out.
Lifestyle changes play an important role keeping your doshas balanced. Regular exercise, such as yoga or brisk walking, can stimulate digestion and reduce excess kapha. Ensure adequate sleep, but avoid sleeping immediately after meals as it hampers digestion.
If discoloration persists or worsens, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Consider working closely with an Ayurvedic practitioner to tailor recommendations to your specific constitution and imbalances for more targeted guidance. Reach for professional helps if symptoms continue or you notice new developments.
The blackening of the tongue you’ve experienced could be linked to imbalance in your digestive system, particularly a disruption in the balance of the doshas, mainly involving excess of vata and pitta. This can lead to improper digestion or accumulation of ama (toxins) in the body, which often manifest in various ways including discoloration of the tongue.
First, focus on restoring balance to your digestive system. Incorporate warm, easily digestible foods into your diet such as cooked vegetables and soups. Avoid heavy, oily, or spicy foods that can aggravate pitta. It is important to maintain regular meal timings to support the digestive fire (agni).
Supplements like shatavari and guduchi can be helpful to cool and balance pitta. You could also consider triphala churna, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation taken at night with warm water to help clear impurities and improve digestion.
Hydration plays a crucial role too, so drink adequate lukewarm water throughout the day to facilitate toxin removal. Follow a routine with oil pulling using sesame oil, as it helps in detoxifying the system and can reduce blackness on the tongue.
Including practices like pranayama or meditation can help manage stress levels, which can have an impact on digestive health. However, it’s essential to consult with a professional before integrating any Ayurvedic treatments, to ensure they align with your unique constitution and provide the most benefit.
If symptoms persist or you experience other complications, do seek consultation with a healthcare provider promptly, as it could indicate an underlying condition needing closer attention.
HELLO ANAND SONI,
I hear your concern- having blackish tongue for so long can definitely feel uncomfortable and make you self-conscious. What you describe sounds like it could be black hairy tongue or discolouration related to acidity, digestion, or certain medicines. It’s usually not dangerous, but since it has lasted 2 years, it would be wise to show It once to a doctor or dentist to rule out infection, fungal overgrowth, or other causes
Ayurvedic suggestions
TONGUE CLEANING= daily use of a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper to gently clean coating
TRIPHALA POWDER= 1 tsp with warm water at night to support digestion and mild detox
NEEEM OR TURMERIC GARGLE= warm water with pinch of turmeric or neem powder once daily for cleansing
DIGESTIVE BALANCE= take light, easily digestible food, avoid excess oily, spicy, fermented items that aggravate gastritis
INTERNAL SUPPORT
-LICORICE CHURNA= powder + honey apply and rub on area
-AMALAKI RASAYANA= 1 tsp in morning
-GUDUCHI GHAN VATI= 2 tabs twice daily
LIFESTYLE -keep good hydration, avoid smoking, reduce coffee/tea excess, and chew food properly
In Ayurveda, the tongue reflects the digestive system- so strengthening digestion and reducing “ama” (tongue buildup) is usually the key
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA
Until unless I see your tongue I can’t diagnose and advise treatment
