Aphtous stomatitis also known as canker sores, manifest strange mouth ulcers that are witnessed by almost every individual during the course of their lives. Despite the advance of medicine, doctors and scientists have not yet determined what exactly causes canker sores even though biting the inner side of the lip and cheek, rubbing caused by braces, genetics, stress and an inadequate immune response are definitely contributing to their occurrence.
This special type of sores begins as a recognizable red patch of rounded skin which gradually becomes more and more inflamed and forms a yellow or white spot in the center. There are many people wondering how they can eliminate canker sores.
The good news is that there are many different natural methods that can help people ease the pain caused by their presence. Once you try some of these remedies, you should be able to eat food in a normal way and talk without problems.
1. Do-It-Yourself Natural Numbing Spray
Both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils provide some powerful anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, they serve as natural antimicrobial agents astringents that can make the tissues surrounding the problematic area tighter which ultimately results in reduction of swelling and prevention of fluid accumulation. These oils also have cooling effects which make the nerve endings numb.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ten drops of peppermint essential oil
- Two tablespoons of grape seed and olive oil
- A glass bottle
- Eight drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
Instructions:
Take the grape seed and olive oil and pour them in the glass mister bottle. Mix them a little bit and after that, add the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Next, cap the bottle, shake it for a while and spray a small amount of the mixture on the canker sore in order to ease the pain. Remember to shake the content before you apply.
2. Chamomile Tea Bag Remedy
In case you didn’t know, chamomile includes a few different plants similar to daisies. These plants are usually used to support sleep, enhance relaxation and ease digestion. In addition, chamomile can ease cramping because it has the ability to ease spasms that cause pain.
Bisabolol, also known as levomenol, is a chemical compound that is part of German chamomile. This compound can lower inflammation and produces strong antiseptic effects. In this way, you will be able to ease the pain caused by canker sores and accelerate the healing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Some fresh water
- One bag of chamomile tea or one tablespoon of flowers (dried) covered with cheesecloth
Instructions:
Take the chamomile and soak it in the fresh water for 60 seconds in case you are using a standard teabag. If you use dried flowers soak it for four minutes. Next, put the bag on the sore for ten minutes, two times a day to eliminate discomfort and speed up healing.
3. Swirl Sage
Sage belongs to the mint family. This herb has been used as a spice and as part of many natural remedies for hundreds of years. For instance, Native Americans used this plant as a mouthwash for many centuries and some sources say that certain tribes have used this herb to heal canker sores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Between four and eight ounces of fresh water
- Two teaspoons of dried sage or a handful of fresh sage.
Instructions:
In case you opt for dried sage, boil the water and let the sage infuse for about ten minutes. Swirl both the herb and the water in the oral cavity for 60 seconds before removing spitting the content and using cold water to clean the mouth. In addition, feel free to create a tea rinse based on fresh sage leaves. However, most people use this method:
Put the sage leaves in a well-sealed glass jar and keep them in a dark and cool place. Wait for the leaves to infuse for one day. Swirl the solution in the mouth for 60 seconds. Gently pound the moist and soft leaves to the pulp and after that, put the pulp right on the sore. Leave it for about five minutes. After that, use cold water to rinse the area.
4. Coconut Oil for Canker Sores
If you have any doubts, stick to coconut oil. This special oil provides powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and on top of that it tastes great. Coconut oil has proven to be an efficient remedy when it comes to canker sores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Coconut oil
Instructions:
Use a cotton swab or your own thoroughly cleaned hands to dab a certain amount of this oil directly on the sore. It is the best idea to put a thick coconut oil layer because this oil melts quickly. In case you can’t make it stay there for more than a few seconds, you can melt one tablespoon of coconut oil with half a teaspoon of beeswax.
5. Cotton Ball Soaked in Clove Oil
A few studies have confirmed that clove oil is packed with eugenol, a powerful natural painkiller. Many dentists from different parts of the world have used clove oil as a pain reliever. The fact is that eugenol is used even today, even though this time people use it in a pure extract form. Clove oil is still helpful in cases of oral pain including canker sores and toothaches.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Five drops of clove essential oil
- Half a teaspoon of olive oil
- Warm water
- Cotton balls
Instructions:
Use warm water to swish the mouth in order to clean the affected area. After that use the clove oil and let it work. You can also use salt water. Just mix the olive oil and clove oil and soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Use the cotton ball on the sore for up to eight minutes to numb the area.
