Herbal remedies for canker sores

Licorice root

Several herbs may be helpful as home remedies for canker sores. Licorice root may be soothing and promote canker sore healing. People with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and those who retain water may want to obtain the licorice root that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed. Licorice root can be formed into a paste and placed directly on the aphthous ulcer.

Chamomile

Chamomile has a soothing effect and is one of the traditional herbal remedies for canker sores. Those that choose this home remedy may make a strong tea and allow it to remain in the mouth for a generous amount of time before swallowing. A moistened tea bag placed directly on the canker sore may help dry the ulcer and promote healing. In fact, virtually any tea that is used in this way may help.

Echinacea

Echinacea has wound healing properties and has been used as a home remedy for canker sores. While the capsule form may be effective, liquid Echinacea is likely to be of greater use since it can be held in the mouth and work directly on the canker sore.

Myrrh

Myrrh has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for gum and mouth sores. As a canker sore remedy, the herbal extract or tincture is combined with enough water to allow it to be swished around the mouth.

Sage

As a home remedy for canker sores, sage is usually used in one of two ways. The leaves can be used to make a tea, of sorts, by steeping in hot water. Instead of drinking the sage extract as a tea, though, it is used as a “swish and spit” canker sore remedy. Alternatively, dried sage leaves can be placed directly on the canker sore.

Alternative canker sore remedies

Some patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers notice that the lesions tend to occur during periods of stress. Reflexively, people that can adequately manage and release stress from their lives have fewer flare-ups. There are a number of proven ways to relieve stress; however, it is generally best to find a method that works for you and that you enjoy enough to keep doing. Some stress-relieving activities that traditionally fall into the alternative category include:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Music therapy
• Tai chi
• Yoga

Homeopathic canker sore remedies

Little scientific evidence supports the use of homeopathy as a canker sore remedy. Nevertheless, those inclined to use homeopathic treatments for canker sores may find the following agents helpful. All of those listed are in the 6c concentration and should be used under the guidance of a homeopathic practitioner.

• Arsenicum album – Useful if stress is a key component of canker sore eruption; 3-4 times daily until symptoms improve then discontinued
• Borax – May be helpful when the canker sore is affected by acids and citrus; 3-4 times daily until symptoms improve then discontinued
• Mercurius sol – Used in cases where pain is greatest at night or when bad breath is apparent; 3-4 times daily until symptoms improve then discontinued
• Natrum muriaticum – A homeopathic treatment primarily used for cold sores but may also be used as a canker sore remedy; 3-4 times daily until symptoms improve then reduce frequency
• Rhus toxicodendron – Used in widespread or multiple aphthous ulcers; 3-4 times daily until symptoms improve then reduce frequency

Additional treatments, such as quercetin, may be found in Recent research and clinical trials on canker sore treatment.

Reference

Schuyler W.Lininger, Jonathan Wright, Steve Austin, Donald J.Brown. The Natural Pharmacy. Prima Lifestyles, 1998.