Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are blisters that have a defined red border and a white or yellow center. They usually appear on the inside of the lips or on the cheeks or tongue, and can be painful and annoying when we try to speak or chew.
In this article, we will give you a few natural remedies that will help them heal faster.
Why do canker sores form?
Before you read about homemade treatments for mouth sores, it is important to know why they form. This way, you can prevent them or cure them much more quickly.
The main reasons why sores form in the mouth are the following:
- Chafing or biting
- Infections and decreased immune system
- Hormonal changes
- Stress and anxiety
- Nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or heartburn
If you develop canker sores frequently, it may be due to an unbalanced or poor diet.
For example, we recommend you stop consuming spicy or heavily seasoned foods, because they irritate the mucous membranes and increase the chances that a sore will form.
Also, do not forget to drink 2 liters of water per day in order to keep your mouth hydrated. You should also add more vitamin B to your meals to avoid this problem.
The following foods contain high amounts of vitamin B:
- Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame)
- Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts)
- Whole-grain cereals (rice, wheat germ, millet, oats)
- Legumes (lentils, chick peas, beans)
- Fruit (apples, raspberry, orange)
- Vegetables (potatoes, onions, spinach, garlic)
Home remedies for canker sores
You can find relief and help heal your mouth sores with the following natural recipes:
1. Medicinal plants
You can find them at an herbalist’s shop, and they have many benefits. Buy plants that have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or digestive properties. Here are a few examples:
- Chamomile
- Calendula (marigold)
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
Preparation is the same for all of the herbs above.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. of leaves of the chosen herb (10 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
Directions:
- Place the leaves and water in a saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on the stove and heat until the water boils.
- Cook for 15 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Let steep for 10 minutes, then filter out the leaves.
- Drink it before it reaches room temperature.
- If you wish, you may sweeten it with a spoonful of honey (25 g).
2. Coconut Milk
Although you can buy this vegetable milk in whole foods stores. we recommend harvesting the milk from a coconut.
They are not so easy to find, but the benefits are much greater.
Gargle the liquid found inside coconuts three or four times per day.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with great antiseptic properties. It can eliminate fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms that are found in the mouth.
Since it tends to have a strong taste, we recommend that you dilute it with equal parts water or an herbal infusion.
- Use it as a mouthwash, making sure to reach the areas that contain the sores.
- Wait 20 minutes before consuming any food or drinks, since it will keep working even though the liquid is no longer in your mouth.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times per day.
4. Aloe vera
This is a powerful antiseptic that also offers anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and moisturizing properties.
It is one of the home remedies that you must have in your house, whether for treating mouth ulcers, or for other skin infections such as burns, cuts, and rashes.
The best part is, it’s easy to use!
- Cut a stalk from an aloe plant in half and remove the inner gel.
- Apply it generously to the blister, and let it dry (do not rinse).
- You can also mix it with water for an excellent mouthwash.
5. Yogurt
For yogurt to have an effect on the canker sores, it must be sugar-free and flavorless (for example, Greek yogurt).
The beneficial bacteria and acid from the milk in the yogurt will work together to control the mouth’s pH, and cure the canker sores.
- If you tend to get canker sores frequently, we suggest that you eat one serving of yogurt per day.
- If you want to heal a blister, you can apply the yogurt directly to it using a cotton swab, and let is absorb.
6. Baking soda
This remedy is very efficient, but painful at the same time. However, a few seconds of pain translate to faster healing.
There are two ways to take advantage of baking soda’s healing power:
- Create a paste by mixing it with equal parts water and baking soda.
- Dilute it in a glass to use as a mouthwash.
If you do not have baking soda, salt is a great alternative.
7. Ice
When canker sores first appear, they are normally very inflamed and red. Placing an ice cube over the wound is a great way to soothe mouth sore pain.
We recommend wrapping the ice in a cloth or plastic bag first, to avoid damaging the skin.
Keep the cold ice on the sore for as long as you can.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another useful home remedy for canker sores. It has antiseptic qualities and helps the sores to heal.
You can apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the blister with a cotton swab, or you can dilute it in water to make a mouthwash.
Via: EveryDayRoots | NaturalLivingIdeas
