Causes and Cures for Canker Sores

Canker sore is defined by The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines as “single or clustered shallow, painful ulcers found anywhere in the oral cavity.” Although they usually subside in 7 to 21 days, for some of the unlucky recipients they are recurrent.

Cause

 The Pill Book related canker sores to stress, trauma, food sensitivities, and/or nutritional deficiency. If you are chewing on Feverfew leaves, you also may experience canker sores as a side effect. The book goes on to advice that considerable evidence has been found that removing gluten from the diet has been of benefit to many patients.

If you have ever had a mouth ulcer or canker sore as they are commonly called, you know how painful they can be. There is much debate about the actual cause of them with causes ranging from allergies, weakened immune system, viral infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Prevention’s Healing with Vitamins adds a few more causes that we have not already listed, and they are heredity, dentures and abrasions.

Consult an Expert

 Some of the vitamin deficiencies you may want to examine, according to The Herbal Drugstore published by Rodale Inc.are iron, Vitamin B 12, or folic acid. Checking with your health care provider, a qualified herbalist or nutritionist to determine whether you are running low on one or more of these nutrients is recommended

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Deficiency Shows in the Mouth First

One of the first places to demonstrate a nutritional deficiency is the lining of the mouth and throat because of the high turnover rate of cells lining this surface. The Pill Book lists the deficiencies as thiamin, folic acid, B12, B6 and iron, advising that once they nutrients have been replaced patients generally experience a complete remission.

Natural remedies include:

• Acemannan gel – derived from aloe vera was found to be more effective than conventional medicine in 4 out of 5 children tested. Results were shown on the second day of treatment. Mark Stengler, N.D.’s The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies.
• Cankerroot – Latin name Coptis groenlandica, also known as goldthread, has been used since the American Indians settled in the states for the treatment of sore throats, fever blisters, and canker sores.  With the same healing properties as goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape, it has a history of healing. Raw roots were chewed for their health benefits.
• Chamomile – This herb will assist in three ways. One it is a mild sedative so if the sore is stress related this will be of benefit. Chamomile also works to heal and reduce inflammation. Use a tincture or up to 4 cups of tea daily.
• Echinacea – Do not use this if you have ragweed allergies or an autoimmune disorder. Echinacea will provide a numbing relief of the pain. A side effect of Echinacea is that taken in its liquid form, it should cause tingling of the lips and tongue. If you decide to use the pill form look for one that contains at least 3.5% echinacosides. (The Healing Power of Vitamins Mineral and Herbs – Reader’s Digest).

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• Gingko Biloba – When applied topically this herb promotes healing. The leaf is rich in anti-oxidants and fights inflammation. Steep ½ teaspoon of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Use a cotton ball to apply to sore.
• Goldenseal – This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. It contains properties to inhibit bacterial growth, ease swelling and the throbbing pain. Use 20 – 50 drops of tincture in water and swish in your mouth. or brew 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of water. Steep until cool. Use as a mouthwash.
• Gotu Kola – because “canker sores stem from a breakdown in tissue structure” this herb is beneficial for treatment. It not only heals but it promotes new growth of tissue. Steep 1 teaspoon of herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes or swish the mouth with cooled tea.
• Lysine – This is an amino acid which is effective in the treatment of canker sores. (Another amino acid, Arginine, however can trigger cold sores and genital herpes outbreaks.)
• Multivitamin/mineral supplement – Take one daily containing the minimum daily requirement of folic acid, iron and Vitamin B 12
• Myrrh – With its high content of tannins, myrrh has been used for centuries for treatment of mild inflammations of the mouth. Open a capsule of myrrh, sold in the health food store and dab some directly unto the sore.
• Sage – Known as a natural healer with astringent properties, sage has long been used for oral hygiene. Herbalists warn that excessive use may reduce milk output for nursing mothers, or cause convulsions in high doses.
• Tea – Myrrh is not the only tea high in tannins. Regular black tea that is commonly drunk, or bearberry, eucalyptus, St.John’s wort, sage, raspberry, peppermint, wild geranium can be brewed and drunk as tea. Use the tea bag as a topical on the sore.
• Vitamin C – Take 500 mg. of Vitamin C daily with bioflavonoids, and 1000 mgs. Daily at the first sign of a sore, then 3 doses daily of 500 mg. until the sore heals. While the body requires Vitamin C daily, some individuals will experience canker sores from high citric acid, so the consumption of certain foods will cause a reaction. For those individuals a supplement is recommended.
• Vitamin E – Open a capsule and apply directly to the sore.
• Yogurt – Eating yogurt daily can help keep canker sores away, say Julian Whitaker, M. D. . Be sure you check the label and select a yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures.
• Zinc – If you read:  http://www.healthmad.com/Nutrition/Zinc-The-Overlooked-Mineral.265555, you are aware of the many health properties of zinc, one being its ability to improve the immune system and fight colds, flu and other viruses. 

Please see your doctor:

If you have recurring canker sores, please consult your family physician and do not self treat. These tips are just that, tips. There may be an underlying cause that your family doctor needs to test you for. Please discuss them with your doctor or health care provider before deciding upon a plan of action. Be safe and well.