Canker sores, or Apthous stomatitis to give their medical name, are mouth ulcers that irritate and aggravate the mouths of the masses in a mysterious way. The mystery is due to the fact that many people are not entirely sure what causes them, although biting your lip, accidental cheek biting and the stress of braces rubbing have all been suggest as contributors to canker sores. As with most illness, though, a malfunctioning immune system lies in the key to changing the onset of these painful mouth sores.
Usually starting as a red patch of sensitive skin within the mouth, they often become increasingly inflamed; developing a white or yellowish spot in the middle. With a few grocery store ingredients it’s possible to create home remedies to alleviate and even reverse canker sores.
Contents
Know your oils
Both peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils contain anti-inflammatory properties, whilst they have anti-microbial agents to help reduce infection. Each of these also possesses astringent properties, which means they can help tighten the tissues around the wound, relieving further discomfort by reducing inflammation. Clove oil is popular for use in matters of the mouth and contains a mild anaesthetic.
Homemade solution
- 2 tablespoons of olive/ grapeseed oil
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Mix the ingredients together and gargle with it to allow the oils to cleanse.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile plants look like daisies and have a delicate floral smell. Commonly associated with relaxing and sleep disorders, chamomile can help with digestion problems too. Rich in the chemical compound bisabolol, or levomenol, chamomile can reduce inflammation. It’s also revered for its antiseptic properties. Combined, these properties will help reduce the pain of canker sores, whilst potentially expediating the healing process.
Swish Sage
Salvia officinalis is related to the mint family. Popular as a culinary ingredient, sage has also been prevalent in homeopathic medicine and home remedies for years. Native Americans used sage as a cleanser for the mouth; probably for the exact same type of problem we recognize today as canker sores.
Making a tisane of sage leaves steeped in water and gargling with it twice daily is an effective remedy for the sores.
Coconut Oil
We cannot extol the virtues of coconut oil enough. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and full of brain boosting benefits coconut oil is a safe bet for helping to eliminate canker sores. Swish your mouth with a tablespoon at least once daily to feel the many health benefits.
Clove Oil Cotton Ball
As we touched upon above, clove oil has been used frequently as a mild anaesthetic throughout the years. Containing eugenol, a potent painkiller, this oil is effective in alleviating the pain that goes with canker sores.
Salt water
One of the most ancient and easy remedies for canker sores comes from using a salt water solution. If the salt content around cells is greater outside than the in; osmosis takes place. Essentially water is drawn from in the cells to help restore balance. As the water is drawn out, the painful inflammation caused by excess fluid begins to diminish. If you have a canker sore that particularly inflamed, resulting in rubbing or biting, then this remedy of simply gargling with salt water can be a real relief. This explains also why salt water gargles help alleviate sore throats. Warm water also produces a general sense of soothing and salt is a popular cleanser.
To make a home solution, you will need:
- 1/4 cup of warm salt water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Directions
Dissolve the salt in the water and gargle three times daily until the canker sore has gone.
These home remedies can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores, but the best way to try to prevent them from recurring is to eat a diet high in antioxidants.