Herbal Relief for Canker Sores

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Licorice that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed is called

deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Glycyrrhizic acid is the portion

of licorice root that can increase blood pressure and cause water

retention in some people. The wound-healing and soothing components

of the root remain in DGL.

 

A mixture of DGL and warm water applied to the inside of the mouth

may shorten the healing time for canker sores. This DGL mixture is

made by combining 200 mg of powdered DGL and 200 ml of warm water.

It can then be swished in the mouth for two to three minutes, then

spit out. This procedure may be repeated each morning and evening

for one week. Chewable DGL tablets may be an acceptable substitute.

 

A gel containing the aloe polysaccharide acemannon was found in one

double-blind trial to speed the healing of canker sores. The gel was

applied four times daily.

 

The antiviral, immune-enhancing, and wound-healing properties of

echinacea may make this herb a reasonable choice for canker sores.

Liquid echinacea in the amount of 4 ml can be swished in the mouth

for two to three minutes, then swallowed. This procedure may be

repeated three times per day.

 

Because of its soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the

lining of the mouth) and its healing properties, chamomile may be

tried for canker sores and other mouth irritations. A strong tea

made from chamomile tincture can be swished in the mouth before

swallowing, three to four times per day. Goldenseal has also been

used historically as a mouthwash to help heal canker sores.

 

Myrrh, another traditional remedy with wound-healing properties, has

a long history of use for mouth and gum irritations. Some herbalists

suggest mixing 200 to 300 mg of herbal extract or 4 ml of myrrh

tincture with warm water and swishing it in the mouth before

swallowing; this can be done two to three times per day.

 

Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe

the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that

can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used

as a mouth rinse and then are spit out.

 

Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill,

tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved

by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth,

presumably a condition that includes canker sores.