Canker Sores

Though out of site, painful canker sores are certainly never out of mind. These small, painful ulcers (called aphthous ulcers) inside the mouth can last for several weeks.

No one knows what causes canker sores, but many researchers feel that they are related to a vitamin deficiency, food allergy, or a suppressed immune system.

If those researchers are correct in their thinking, then herbal products that boost the immune system are more likely to be successful in getting rid of canker sores.

To get rid of canker sores, one of the first things is preventive measures such as correcting any health-related issues that are causing the sores to form.

An abundance of natural topical products are available at pharmacies and other retail outlets for the treatment of outbreaks as they occur, but home remedies that combine cure and prevention are the best.

Home Remedies for Canker Sores:

Check Your Toothpaste:

If your canker sores are recurring, you might first look into the ingredients in your toothpaste. It is thought by some that an allergic reaction to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a major cause of canker sore formation.

SLS is made from coconut or palm kernel oil. In toothpaste and shampoo it is used as a detergent. It's possible that using a toothpaste that does not contain SLS may stop canker sores from developing.

Good Nutrition:

Since nutrition is thought to have a direct link to the formation of canker sores, the most natural remedy involves a change in nutritional habits.

If you have any food allergies, eliminate those items from your diet, correct any vitamin deficiencies with a good, natural multi-vitamin supplement.

You can also add immune system boosters to your diet, preferably in the form of natural herbs.

Botanical Support:

For those who have canker sores that return on a regular basis, this product has a special formula that includes herbal ingredients that have the ability to boost the immune system, and thus promote the soothing and healing of canker sores.

Some of the herbal extracts included in this product come from the aloe vera leaf, burdock root, chamomile, echinacea angustifolia, ginkgo biloba, goldenseal root, gotu kola, grapefruit see, licorice root, myrrh gum, and oak bark.

It also includes Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. When you feel the onset of a canker sore, take two capsules with a large glass of cold water then one capsule every two hours as needed, but do not take more than twelve in a twenty-four hour period.

You can also take one capsule each day as a dietary supplement.

Listerine Mouthwash:

Listerine is a home remedy that our grandparents have passed down for generations. With its germ-fighting and antiseptic qualities, a gargle with listerine will help sooth and cure canker sores.

As a natural cure, it is inexpensive and a product that many families have in their homes on a regular basis.

Oral Antiseptics:

A great number of topical products are available in the pharmacy and other retailers. Many of these products treat both canker sores and fever blisters.

Apply directly to the canker sore as directed in the product’s instructions to cure a canker sore.