Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, can be painful and uncomfortable. However, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing. Here are 21 effective treatments you can try at home.
Turmeric + Honey
Mix one teaspoon of honey with a quarter teaspoon of turmeric. Apply this mixture directly to the sore twice a day. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and the soothing effects of honey can help reduce pain and speed up healing.
Licorice Root
Soak one teaspoon of crushed licorice root in two cups of water for three hours. Strain the liquid and use it as a mouthwash daily. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the size and pain of canker sores.
Aloe Vera
Apply fresh aloe vera gel three times a day directly to the sore. Alternatively, you can use aloe vera juice as a mouthwash. Aloe vera has natural healing properties that can help soothe the sore and promote faster healing.
Coriander
Boil one cup of water with one teaspoon of coriander seeds or leaves. Steep for ten minutes and use the resulting liquid as a mouthwash three times a day. Coriander has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores.
Tea Bags
Apply a chilled tea bag to the sore for twenty minutes, three times a day. Black tea contains tannins, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Green tea bags can also be used for their antioxidant properties.
Tea Tree Oil
Mix five to ten drops of tea tree oil with water. Use this mixture as a mouthwash three times a day. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Sage
Boil two glasses of water with three teaspoons of sage leaves. Steep for ten minutes and use the resulting liquid as a mouthwash three times a day. Sage has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the pain and swelling of canker sores.
Baking Soda
Make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the sore for five minutes, two times a day. Baking soda can help neutralize the acidity in the mouth and reduce pain.
Onions
Apply a raw onion slice to the sore for three minutes, three times a day. Onions have antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Cayenne Pepper
Apply a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the sore. While it may cause initial irritation, cayenne pepper can help reduce pain and promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ice Pack
Apply an ice cube to the sore for thirty seconds, repeating as needed. The cold can help reduce pain and swelling.
Salt Water
Rinse with two teaspoons of salt dissolved in warm water three times a day. Salt water can help reduce pain and promote healing by creating a less favorable environment for bacteria.
Milk of Magnesia + Benadryl
Mix equal parts milk of magnesia and Benadryl. Apply the mixture to the sore for two minutes, then rinse. This combination can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Slippery Elm
Make a paste by mixing one tablespoon of slippery elm powder with water. Apply the paste to the sore for five minutes, two times a day. Slippery elm has soothing properties that can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Alum Powder
Apply a pinch of alum powder directly to the sore. While it may cause initial burning, alum powder can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Clove Oil
Apply two to three drops of clove oil directly to the sore. Clove oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Plum Juice
Rinse with one to two tablespoons of plum juice for two minutes a day. Plum juice can help reduce pain and promote healing due to its antioxidant properties.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use a one-to-one mix of hydrogen peroxide and water as a mouthwash two times a day. Hydrogen peroxide can help reduce pain and promote healing by killing bacteria.
Listerine
Rinse with Listerine twice daily. Listerine can help reduce pain and promote healing by killing bacteria.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Mix one teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract with water. Use this mixture as a mouthwash three times a day. Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing.
Goldenseal
Apply goldenseal tincture on a cotton ball to the sore for twenty-five minutes, two times a day. Goldenseal has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Prevention Tips
Avoid using toothpaste containing SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), eat foods rich in vitamins B, C, and zinc, avoid acidic and spicy foods, stay hydrated, manage stress, use probiotics, and avoid smoking and alcohol. These tips can help prevent the occurrence of canker sores.
Summary
Canker sores can be treated with a variety of natural remedies, including turmeric and honey, licorice root, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. These remedies can help reduce pain and promote healing. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and making lifestyle changes can help prevent the occurrence of canker sores.
TLDR: Try natural remedies like turmeric and honey, licorice root, or aloe vera to treat canker sores. Use them as directed and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future outbreaks.