Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful white sores inside the mouth and around the gums. They are not contagious and doctor's aren't sure what causes them, but they may be associated with immune disorders, viral infections, mouth injuries, certain foods or inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease. Conventional treatment may involve steroids and antibiotics, which can have serious side effects. Herbs can be a way to treat canker sores naturally and at home. It is important to speak to an herbalist or other health care professional before starting herbal treatment.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a biennial plant with large leaves and small, bristly purple flower heads. Herbalists call burdock an alterative, which is an herb that restores balance to the body. Burdock treats a wide range of disorders, including inflammatory skin diseases, like eczema and psoriasis, rheumatism, indigestion, poor appetite, anorexia nervosa, bladder infections and wounds. The roots and leaves contain essential oil, inulin, triterpenes, mucilage and lignans, and the plant has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., and James F. Balch, M.D., recommend burdock for canker sores, because it helps cleanse the blood and decrease infection. Scientific studies are needed to test the efficacy of burdock in treating canker sores.
Red Sage and Chamomile
Red sage, or Salvia officinalis var. rubia, and chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, are aromatic herbs native to the Mediterranean. Red sage is a variety of common sage, or Salvia officinalis, but the leaves have a reddish tint and the medicinal properties are stronger. Traditional healers use these herbs to treat digestive and inflammatory problems, especially involving mucus membranes of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The active ingredients in sage leaves and chamomile flowers are the volatile oils. Sage oil contains alpha and beta-thujones, camphor, 1,8-cineole and rosmarinic acid, and chamomile oil is rich in alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. The oils have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions and also aid digestive disorders, which may be one cause of canker sores. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann recommends treating canker sores with a mouthwash made from red sage and chamomile. Studies are needed to confirm the use of these herbs for canker sores.
Red Raspberry
Red raspberry, or Rubus idaeus, is a perennial bush that produces edible red fruit native to Europe and Asia. Herbalists use the leaves and fruits to strengthen the uterus and prevent hemorrhage during childbirth. The plant contains the tannins ellagic and gallic acids, which are potent astringents, and salicylic acid, an analgesic similar to the chemical in aspirin. Herbalist David Hoffmann says that red raspberry's astringent properties help relieve inflammatory mouth problems like aphthous ulcers and bleeding gums. Phyllis and Dr. James Balch also recommend red raspberry for canker sores because it is rich in flavonoids, which help fight infection and boost the immune system. Research is needed to confirm the value of treating canker sores with red raspberry.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine": David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
