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Natural treatments for canker sores
| Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, "apthous stomatitis" and "ulcerative stomatitis", are small painful ulcers which typically have a red border and yellow-gray centers. Usually 1 to 2mm wide, they occur inside the mouth: the inner side of the lips, the tongue, the wall of the cheeks and the back and floor of the mouth. | |
The cause of canker sores is uncertain, however associations with human herpesvirus 6, stress, food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies have been suggested. Canker sores generally take 1 to 2 weeks to heal and may recur monthly or several times per year.
| Canker sores usually begin with a burning or tingling sensation, followed by a bump or red spot which ulcerates. Occasionally, fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes may be present in severe attacks. Recurrence of canker sores is common and may continue for years. |
Over 50% of our population gets canker sores. 1/4 of our population has this virus but never gets any symptoms. This virus remains in the body even after an acute outbreak is over. Once the virus enters the body, it never leaves. This virus hides in nerve cells where the immune system's protective cells are unable to get to them. New canker sores outbreaks can be triggered by stress, other viral infections, exposure to excessive sun or wind, or anything else which depresses your immune system.
Canker sores are a symptom of a weakened immune system. Exhaustion and stress (see the transcendental meditation page) seem to play a major role in allowing the virus to manifeste itself.
Natural treatments for canker sores
Eat a mineral-rich diet. Focus on foods which will make your body more alkaline, which usually means green vegetables. Green vegetables are also the best source of minerals.
The following supplements should be taken:
| L-Lysine - The amino acid L-Lysine works very well for preventing the cold sore outbreaks and will heal the canker sores when an outbreak is present. This particular L-Lysine product, here, is especially beneficial because it not only contains L-Lysine but also Echinacea, Licorice Root, Garlic Bulb, Goldenseal root and vitamin C, all of which help treat canker sores. It comes in a liquid form which makes it easy for children to take. Vitamin C - 1000mg 3 times/day.Vitamin C works directly against viruses and has been found to inhibit the herpes virus in vitro. Vitamin
B-Complex Acidophilus - Studies (3) have shown that some people also respond well to to topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus, taken as a dissolved tablet twice daily. Chewable acidophilus tablets for children work well also. Garlic 2-3 times/day. Garlic is a natural antiseptic and has many anti-viral properties.
Take Deglycyrrhizinated
licorice (DGL).
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If you get canker sores, you can use some herbs to strengthen your immune system either just before and when an outbreak starts. Echinacea, Chaparral and Goldenseal are good immune system supporters. Cayenne pepper can relieve some of the discomfort and Aloe Vera appears to be effective in combating the herpes virus.
You may
also get relief by rinsing your mouth with milk of magnesia to coat the
canker sores.
Avoid toothpastes
containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an irritant
detergent often found in toothpaste. People with recurring canker sores
may benefit by switching to a brand of toothpaste that does not contain
SLS, which is believed to erode the protective mucus layer inside the
mouth and increase the risk of developing canker sores. (9) In one
trial, most recurrent canker sores were eliminated just by avoiding toothpaste
containing SLS for 3 months.(10)
My favorite
source for quality toothpaste products which do not contain harmful ingredients
such as Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found here.
Identify and eliminate food sensitivities to eliminate canker sores.
Studies (11-13) have found that food sensitivities, especially to foods which contain gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, oats) are associated with recurring canker sores. Other food sensitivities or allergies may also make canker sores worse.(14,15)
One preliminary trial found evidence of food allergy in half of a group of people with recurrent canker sores; avoidance of the offending foods resulted in improvement in almost all cases.(16)
There are also herbs which will help relieve canker sores. Flora Stay, in her book "Complete Book of Dental Remedies" suggests a combination of Red Clover, Goldenseal and Burdock Root. Take equal amounts of each and boil for 5 minutes, steep another 10. Then take cotton swabs, dip them into the mixture and apply directly to the effected area.
2012
- The year to Be like a little child.
Healing through Women Inheriting the Earth.
Oprah
Winfrey discusses her experience with Transcendental Meditation.
(1). Nolan A, McIntosh WB, Allam BF, Lamey PJ. Recurrent aphthous ulceration: vitamin B1, B2 and B6 status and response to replacement therapy. J Oral Pathol Med 1991;20:389?91.
(2). Haisraeli-Shalish M, Livneh A, Katz J, et al. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and thiamine deficiency. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1996;82:634?6.
(3). James APR. Common dermatologic disorders. CIBA Clin Symposia 1967;19:38?64.
(4). Das SK, Gulati AK, Singh VP. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice in aphthous ulcers. J Assoc Physicians India 1989; 37:647.
(5). Porter SR, Scully C, Flint S. Hematologic status in recurrent aphthous stomatitis compared to other oral disease. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1988;66:41?4.
(6). Palopoli J, Waxman J. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and vitamin B12 deficiency. South Med J 1990;83:475?7.
(7). Wray D, Ferguson MM, Hutcheon WA, Dagg JH. Nutritional deficiencies in recurrent aphthae. J Oral Pathol 1978;7:418?23.
(8). Barnadas MA, Remacha A, Condomines J, de Moragas JM. [Hematologic deficiencies in patients with recurrent oral aphthae]. Med Clin (Barc) 1997;109:85?7 [in Spanish].
(9). Chanine L, Sempson N, Wagoner C. The effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous ulcers: a clinical study. Compend Contin Educ Dent 1997;18:1238?40.
(10). Herlosfson BB, Barkvoll P. Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers. A preliminary trial. Acta Odontol Scand 1994;52:257?9.
(11). Wray D. Gluten-sensitive recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Dig Dis Sci 1981;26:737?40.
(12). Ferguson R, Basu MK, Asquith P, Cooke WT. Jejunal mucosal abnormalities in patients with recurrent aphthous ulceration. Br Med J 1976;1(6000):11?13.
(13). Ferguson MM, Wray D, Carmichael HA, et al. Coeliac disease associated with recurrent aphthae. Gut 1980;21:223?6.
(14). Hay KD, Reade PC. The use of an elimination diet in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration of the oral cavity. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;57:504?7.
(15). Wright A, Ryan FP, Willingham SE, et al. Food allergy or intolerance in severe recurrent aphthous ulceration of the mouth. BMJ 1986;292:1237.
(16). Nolan A, Lamey PJ, Milligan KA, Forsyth A. Recurrent aphthous ulceration and food sensitivity. J Oral Pathol?Med 1991;20:473?5.
Disclaimer: Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
© 2002 Healing Daily