Herbal Treatments for Canker Sores

Canker Sores

A canker is a painful round white spot with a red boarder that occurs
inside the mouth. They commonly appear inside the lip, inside the cheek,
on the tongue, on the palate, or in the throat.

Causes of Canker Sores

The causes are unknown; however, stress seems to cause canker sores
in some people.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

Canker sores are extremely painful; especially when they come in contact
with food, hot spices, or the tongue.
They commonly produce a soft loose tissue inside the lip, inside the
cheek, on the tongue, on the palate, or in the throat.
Small canker sores are less than half an inch in diameter and often occur
in clusters of two or three.
Large canker sores have an irregular shape.
Severe canker sores can cause a fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck,
and fatigue.

Herbal Treatments for Canker Sores

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)

Scientific Evidence from Clinical Trials

A double blind crossover trial of 24 individuals with canker sores showed
that a mouthwash containing glycyrrhetinic acid reduced the pain
associated with the ulcers and caused significant reductions in the
number of ulcers that formed (Murray 1992). Glycyrrhetinic acid is formed
when glycyrrhizinic acid, a major constituent of licorice root, reacts with
water.

References

Murray, M., 1992. "The Healing Power of Herbs." Rocklin, CA: Prima
Publishing. 246.