Canker sores are ulcers that develop on the oral mucosa: under the tongue, on the gums or cheeks, and sometimes even in the throat. They are easy to spot, thanks to their whitish spot, often surrounded by a red, inflamed area.
If you get them frequently while your family members rarely do, know that some people have a genetic predisposition to them. But that’s not the only reason for their appearance.
Oral injuries or trauma, such as accidental bites, food or drug allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or even significant stress can trigger them.
Typically, they self-resolve after a few days, or even weeks for larger ones. How can you cope with their presence? And which remedy should you use? While there is no “miracle cure,” these 8 natural solutions have shown their benefits.
1. Noble bay laurel essential oil
It’s hard to escape essential oils when talking about natural remedies. Against canker sores, some of them are formidable.
While clove oil is often mentioned for its potential pain-relieving and antiseptic effects, its high concentration of eugenol (its active compound) makes it tricky to use and can be aggressive to the oral mucosa.
It is better to opt for noble bay laurel essential oil, which contains the same active ingredient in a lower concentration, making it easier to use.
This scientific article reviews the claimed properties of this essential oil, including antibacterial, antiviral, pain-relieving, antioxidant, and anesthetic effects.
My advice: mix one to two drops of noble bay laurel essential oil with vegetable oil. Dip a cotton swab in it and apply it to the inflamed area. You can generally repeat the application up to 3 times a day.
2. The anesthetic effect of ice
A good solution for temporarily relieving pain
By applying it directly to the canker sore for a few minutes, it has an anesthetic effect that numbs the area.
A good temporary solution to relieve the pain. You can repeat the procedure several times a day because its effect doesn’t last long.
3. Baking soda
A well-known grandmother’s trick to relieve these lesions: baking soda. It has alkalizing properties, as shown by this study.
It balances the pH of your mouth and also has antimicrobial and soothing properties.
I recommend preparing a mouthwash by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Then rinse your mouth with the solution to soothe the pain and facilitate healing.
4. Honey
Another delicious remedy: honey, well known for its antibacterial and healing properties.
I’ve also found this meta-analysis compiling over 70 scientific studies, which confirms the effectiveness of honey in treating canker sores.
It could reduce the size of minor canker sores. To use it best, apply directly a small amount of honey to the canker sore to calm the inflammation. By forming a protective barrier, it also relieves pain.
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5. Coconut oil
Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil is not only a friend to hair and kitchen cupboards. Its composition would give it antibacterial and soothing properties.
However, as stated in this review, scientific evidence on the beneficial effects of coconut oil is lacking to confirm the real value of this oil. I think new scientific studies deserve to be conducted.
Gently apply a small amount of coconut oil to the canker sore to relieve the pain and repeat several times throughout the day.
6. Echinacea
This plant from the Asteraceae family is known for boosting natural defenses. Anti-inflammatory, it could help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing of canker sores.
If new studies are worth conducting, I found this research highlighting the positive effects of the plant against canker sores on about fifty people.
It would reduce the number of lesions, the intensity of the pain, and decrease the recurrence of appearance in people frequently affected.
The best way to consume it? In tea, of course. But don’t swallow it all at once. Take the time to hold your sips for a few seconds so that your canker sore comes into contact with the tea (not too hot).
7. Sage
An important plant in herbal medicine, sage contains active compounds such as tannins and flavonoids.
As shown by this study, these molecules would confer it antiseptic, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties, all three interesting for relieving canker sores and assisting in their healing.
To use it, you can consume it as an infusion by boiling water containing a few sage leaves. Then use this mixture to make a mouthwash.
8. Myrrh (or balm tree)
Used in Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is a resin said to be formidable against oral lesions, such as canker sores.
Also known as balm tree, this plant can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. Its properties generally contribute to maintaining good oral hygiene.
An excellent point in my opinion, its properties are recognized by ESCOP, the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy.
In terms of usage, you can apply a few drops of myrrh tincture directly on the canker sore, using a cotton swab.
My tips for speeding up canker sore healing
In addition to remedies for local application, I advise you to limit certain harmful actions or foods that could slow down your healing. To avoid wasting your efforts, I recommend avoiding:
- Too acidic substances: lemon is often considered an infallible home remedy against canker sores due to its disinfectant properties. However, its use is controversial. Its too low pH can cause a burning sensation and irritation, increasing pain, inflammation, and slowing healing.
- Irritating foods: too hot or too spicy, they may irritate your sore even more.
- Alcohol (and alcohol-based mouthwashes): irritants that prolong the burning sensation and slow healing.
- Foods that are too hard and crunchy like chips, which can injure your mucous membrane even more.
- Too aggressive actions: brushing your canker sore with your toothbrush has never been a solution to get rid of it.
