Canker Sores: Natural Causes And Remedies

Canker sores cause discomfort, are painful and very difficult to heal. Fortunately, these small ulcers that appear on the inside of the lips, cheeks and tongue can also be treated naturally.

Find out in the next article what natural remedies you can use to treat canker sores.

What you need to know about canker sores

Canker sores can be white or yellow and form a “crater” surrounded by a reddish circle. They are quite painful, but they are not contagious. It forms inside the mouth (in the mucous membrane). A single lesion may occur or several may develop in the same area.

Canker sores are more common among women than men and can occur at any age. The lesions are active for 7 to 20 days and are generally recurrent.

They are characterized by:

• Pain
• Itches
• Crater ulcers
• smartness

The main causes of canker sores are:

• A weakened immune system due to illness or nutritional deficiencies.
• Injuries to the mouth caused by dentures, too aggressive brushing of teeth, bites, flossing, etc.
• Hormonal changes (common in women during the menstrual cycle).
• Allergic reactions to certain acidic foods, citrus fruits or spices.
• Gluten intolerance.
• Stress.

Canker sores usually go away on their own, but you can also use certain natural remedies to speed up the healing process.

If you do not notice any improvement in 3 weeks, it is advisable to see a doctor to prescribe a treatment.

Natural remedies for canker sores

First of all, you need to make sure that the ulcer that appears is a canker sore and not a herpes lesion or a fungal infection. Then, you can confidently use the following natural remedies to relieve symptoms and treat foot and mouth disease:

Honey

Dry the affected area with a cloth or paper towel and then apply a little honey. Keep honey in contact with canker sores for as long as possible.

The effectiveness of this remedy is due to the antimicrobial properties of honey. Repeat the treatment as many times as needed. It is better for the honey to be sweetened and not liquid, so that it can be used as an ointment.

Sage

This plant is often used in natural medicine to treat various rashes or wounds, including foot and mouth disease. You must first prepare an infusion.

ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Boil the water with the sage for a few minutes. Strain the tea and rinse your mouth with it while it is hot, but do not swallow it. Repeat the treatment several times a day.

Hydrogen peroxide

Dilute one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts plain water (it can be half by half). Rinse your mouth with the resulting mixture three times a day. This remedy can be unpleasant, but it is very effective.

Some people prefer to apply the mixture directly on canker sores with a piece of cotton wool. It may sting you a little, but it will work.

Salt water

This remedy can cause a little irritation, but it works great.

ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 handful of rock salt

Instructions

Boil water with salt until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool and rinse your mouth with it at least 3 times a day. 

Aloe vera

Safe and effective, aloe vera is a plant that is good to always have on hand.

To treat canker sores you need to cut an aloe leaf in half lengthwise. Apply it directly on the ulcer and leave it to act for a few minutes. This remedy instantly relieves pain. In addition, aloe vera keeps infections at bay.

Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is an excellent remedy for canker sores, as it reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth.

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast
• A bit of water

Instructions

Mix both ingredients to form a paste. Dry the affected area and apply the mixture. Let it work as long as you can, then rinse with warm water.

Grape seeds

You can find grape seed extract in health food stores or you can even use the seeds. The seeds have antiseptic properties, being effective against canker sores.

ingredients

• A handful of grape seeds
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Prepare an infusion of both ingredients, let it cool, strain it and drink. Repeat the procedure several times a day.

If you choose the extract, the recommended dose is 6 drops per 1/2 cup of warm water.

Sodium bicarbonate

This remedy has been used for thousands of years due to its many beneficial properties, including the ability to kill viruses and bacteria.

ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions

Dissolve baking soda in water and rinse your mouth with this mixture, keeping it in contact with the lesions as long as you can. Repeat the procedure several times a day.

Apple vinegar

With baking soda-like properties, vinegar helps heal canker sores quickly. You will feel a slight sting.

ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions

Mix the ingredients and repeat the treatment 2-3 times a day until the ulcers disappear.

When you have canker sores, try to eat onions and garlic raw. These two foods have strong antibacterial properties.