Metallic taste in mouth
Metal flavors appear in men, women and children from all areas of the world and can range from slightly annoying to extremely bothersome. They are usually harmless. A number of reasons could explain the experience of a metallic taste in the mouth. Some include dental fillings, early symptoms of pregnancy and the use of herbs. In fact, after a recent number of consumer complaints, the FDA has issued a notice addressing a metallic taste associated with pine nuts. The FDA hasn't approved all uses for herbs. Do not use them in place of medication prescribed by your doctor.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as Purple Cone Flower, is found in three species: They are Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea and E. pallida. The most common is E. purpurea, which is widely grown and easy for manufacturers to obtain. The quality as well as price expected is determined by the type of Echinacea, but it is even more important to look at the part of the plant that has been used, according to herbalist James Hart.
Since Echinacea is known for its tingling sensation, suppliers looking to purchase this herb will test the tingle factor on their tongue prior to purchase, to determine the quality. The rule of thumb is that superior plants will emanate higher tingle sensations.
Black cohosh
Herbs
Black cohosh is an herb also known by several other names: Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root, rattleroot, bugwort and richweed.
Black cohosh, not to be confused with Blue cohosh, is an herbal supplement used to treat the symptoms of menopause, menstrual discomfort, rheumatism and common coughs. Some claim it slower cholesterol levels and reduces hardened arteries.
Herbs like Black cohosh are often sold as an herbal supplement and packaged with other herbs to make up a proprietary blend for common over the counter weight loss pills. Since there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many black cohosh and other herbal compounds, reports have shown contamination from toxic metals, which can result in a metallic taste, especially in herbal teas. Purchase herbal/health supplements from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Zinc
Zinc is used in a variety of ways, including ingestion from an herbal supplement sprayed into the nostrils through a nasal applicator. You can apply it as a topical agent for wound-healing and acne.
The human body requires a small amount of zinc, and those with noticeable symptoms such as stunted growth, acute diarrhea in children, and slow wound healing could be diagnosed with a zinc deficiency. In this case, a zinc supplement could be the cure; however, there are side effects, including a metal taste in the mouth. Some manufacturers combine zinc products with another metal called cadmium, which can increase the metallic flavor.
Dietary Supplements
Multicomponent, ephedra-containing dietary supplements are reported to have a high concentration of many metals. Hydroxycut contained the highest levels when taken according to the directions, and Xenadrine RFA-1 was close behind.
Since these products are herbal supplements and are not FDA approved, the extent of the side effects is unknown. However, the tests resulting in elevated metallic levels support the claim behind the metal taste some consumers have experienced.
Storage
Metal containers
Dried herbs like basil, marjoram, parsley, savory, thyme and oregano can cause a metallic taste on their own. But a less obvious culprit could be the container where you store the herbs. Naturopaths and chefs alike can experience a metal taste after using herbs stored in a metal tin can. Reaching for an old metal coffee can instead of a plastic container may be just a habit, but it can lead to hours of research diagnosing how a penny-like taste came from a fresh herb recipe.
Remedies
A variety of internal and external remedies is readily available to battle the harsh iron taste that can come from certain herbs. The most obvious and available is acid. The acidity in flavors such as citrus juice, lemonade, and vinegar will neutralize the metallic taste in your mouth while increasing saliva production to flush your tongue.
If you are unable to remedy the metal taste on your own, see your physician regarding a more serious issue. Physicians often use anti-thyroid drugs and diuretics to treat metallic flavor.
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