Canker/Mouth Sores

Also known as mouth ulcers that are formed because of inflammation - not infection. They can appear anywhere in the mouth: tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, etc. Canker sores are small, white swellings that are painful and can also burn or tingle. They last anywhere from four to twenty days and can be triggered by a number of reasons including, dental work, accidental biting or injury, stress, fatigue, hormone imbalance, allergies, viral infection or abnormal immune response.  The most common causes are stress and allergies. The best prevention would be to have a clean diet and a healthy gut. 

• Avoid: sugar, refined and processed foods, chewing gum, mouthwash, citrus fruits, or any other trigger foods.

• Canker Sore Gel: 1 tsp each of the following tinctures - echinacea, oregon grape root (or goldenseal), calendula, grapefruit seed extract. Mix with 1 Tbsp of aloe vera in a small jar with a sealing lid. Place a small amount of the gel on a cotton swab or gauze and apply to sore. This can be used several times a day up to hourly. (Recipe comes from The Herbal Drugstore)

• Aloe vera - swish liquid around mouth or apply gel directly to sore.

• Swish with witch hazel

• Gum and tooth powder - add a little liquid to make a paste and pack over the sore

• Raw honey - applied directly to the sore

• Sick Syrup - applied to sore and taken internally

• Onions and garlic

• Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir and rejuvalec.

If using an alcohol tincture just be aware that it will sting when applied to the sore, you can also mix the tincture with water and swish around like a mouthwash. Many of these herbs are great to use the tea as a mouthwash. You could also make a poultice and apply.

• Aloe vera

• Calendula

• Chamomile

• Cloves

• Ginkgo - strong herbal infusion applied to sore

• Gotu Kola - tea or rinse

• Echinacea

• Horsetail

• Licorice - apply powder right to canker

• Mullein

• Myrrh

• Acacia (Mimosa) gum juice

• Plantain

• Red raspberry leaf

• Rose

• Sage

• Garlic

Blood cleansing and purifying herbs can help to cleanse the bloodstream and decrease infection.

• Goldenseal - tincture mixed with water and swished, apply directly (do not use if pregnant or nursing)

• Burdock

• Red Clover

• Blood Purifying Blend

Any of these essential oils can be used as a mouthwash by placing a couple of drops into a glass of water, swish and spit. They can also be applied directly to the mouth sore, Four Thieves is my favorite for this purpose.

• melaleuca

• clove

• melissa

• thyme

• sandalwood

• cypress

• lavender

• German and Roman chamomile

• hyssop

• laurel

• tea tree (Melaleuca)

• myrrh

• oregano

• lavender

• sage

• wintergreen