Slippery elm is known for its soothing and coating effects. Research is lacking, but it has traditional uses such as relieving sore throats and treating certain gastrointestinal problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Slippery elm applied topically may be helpful for treating a type of mouth ulcer known as a canker sore.
Canker Sores
Canker sores develop for various reasons, although you may not always be able to figure out the triggering factor. Canker sores are associated with viral infections, not getting enough vitamins and minerals, stress, hormonal changes, menstruation, food allergies and mouth injuries, such as those caused by dental work, biting the cheek or irritating your mouth with aggressive tooth brushing, notes MedlinePlus. The pain usually resolves within 10 days, but in the meantime, a soothing remedy can help.
Slippery Elm
The inner bark of slippery elm contains mucilage. Mixing liquid with powdered inner bark turns this substance into a gel with coating and soothing properties. Native Americans traditionally used slippery elm topically to help heal skin ulcers, burns and inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taken orally in teas and extracts, slippery elm may be beneficial for sore throats, coughing, acid reflux and diarrhea. Slippery elm lozenges also are available.
Slippery Elm Paste
MayoClinic.com lists slippery elm paste as an alternative treatment for canker sores. To make a paste, simply combine powdered slippery elm bark with a small amount of water, plant-based oil or honey, and smooth it over the sore. Slippery elm is generally considered safe, even for children, and it has no serious side effects, but you shouldn't apply it directly to open wounds, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Additional Remedies
MayoClinic.com and MedlinePlus list additional ways to treat and prevent canker sores. Be sure you get adequate nutrition; zinc, folate and vitamin B are especially important for fighting canker sores. Applying an herbal paste of deglycyrrhizinated licorice, known as DGL, or a baking soda paste might help. You might also try applying a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water with a cotton swab to the sore, and then dab a small amount of Milk of Magnesia over it. Repeat three to four times per day. Also, some over-the-counter medicines are available that you can apply directly to the sore to numb the pain.
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