The Healing Properties of Saliva

Remember the Bible story where Jesus mixed saliva with mud, and applied it to a man's eyes? Researchers have actually found that there is scientific evidence to support His actions. In fact, saliva is one of the world's oldest remedies for both eye and skin conditions. Many physicians in the ancient world extolled the value of saliva for the healing of lichens, warts, spots, boils and tumors.

Today, scientists from the Netherlands have published reports confirming that saliva is indeed a healing agent. Saliva contains a chemical that aids in the speedy healing of wounds. It is called histatin. (Perhaps this may explain why animals lick their wounds instinctively.) And even though the mouth is full of bacteria, wounds heal much more quickly there, than those in other locations, such as the skin and bones.

Saliva has also been discovered to contain many proteins with antibodies, that work against infection. A protein called lysozyme can actually break down bacteria, and neutralize it. I guess moms must know this instinctively also, because how many of us have been mortified as a child, when our moms spit-cleaned a smudge on our face, because there was no water available? (But then we turned around and did the same to our own children.) But seriously, some salivary proteins have even been found to even neutralize the HIV virus.

How exciting to learn that something as common as saliva could have so many redeeming qualities! It contains antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory agents. Saliva is also a natural acid neutralizer, providing protection to the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. And if that wasn't enough--it also is a very effective pain killer. Scientists have determined that another chemical in saliva, called opiorphin, is up to six times more effective than morphine! (Say what????)

As a result of all these findings, scientists have been working to isolate the parts of saliva that contribute to the healing of wounds, with the hope and intention of creating new drugs that will be effective for diabetic ulcers, or other wounds that will not heal. Saliva will also be valuable in the treatment of burns. However, I must add a word of caution here. Leave this to the researchers to develop the compounds that will work, because the numerous bacteria found in saliva can cause serious (and even deadly) infection, when applied to an open wound.

Probably none of us truly appreciate our saliva, until we run low on it. Our glands are responsible for producing 2 to 3 pints per day, when everything is working as it should. Unfortunately, many people suffer from a frustrating ailment called Sjogren's Syndrome, or simply put--dry mouth. This is often the result of medications that dry out the mucous membranes, or it can also be due to chemotherapy and radiation, among other causes. You may be surprised to learn that the lack of saliva can cause tooth decay and oral yeast infections. And as lowly as it may seem, nothing can truly replace saliva. Duplicating natural spit is no easy task! Those needing to find an alternative ro natural saliva are often disappointed to find that the artificial saliva fluids are too thick, with a glue-like texture.

If scientists are able to isolate the medicinal properties of saliva, such as histatin, then the created compound could become as plentiful as other antibacterial and antibiotic rinses, sprays and ointments. A company in Pittsburgh, called Demegen, is researching the creation of a mouth rinse containing histatin, that would be helpful in treating oral fungus and yeast infections in those with compromised immune systems.

The saliva scientists say it's an exciting field to be in. Just think--someday saliva (commonly called spit) may be worth a small fortune!

Sources: http://health.infoniac.com/saliva_helps_in_wound_healing.html

http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/132/3/282-a

http://blog.bos2008.com/2008/08/05/drool-for-dollars/

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/wonders_of_saliva.htm

http://www.newsmax.com/health/saliva_wound_healing/2008/10/03/136959.html