If you’re reading this post, chances are you may have looked in the mirror and discovered a small bothersome sore inside your mouth. This little squatter that’s taken up residence is actually a shallow ulcer that’s recognized by its round, white or gray center and red border. While the exact cause of canker sores is unclear, one thing for certain is that the discomfort it’s causing makes you want it gone pronto. Let’s have a look a 7 canker sore remedies that you can readily find in your kitchen, for soothing relief.
Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil is a fantastic way to help you get rid of a canker sore. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe discomfort and reduce canker sore swelling. Couple that with a flavor that’s welcoming along with antimicrobial properties, and you’ve got a workable remedy.
To use this remedy, you will need organic coconut oil and a pair of freshly washed hands. If the thought of touching your canker sore makes you squeamish, a cotton bud will do.
Dab a small amount of coconut oil onto your finger or cotton bud. Then, gently apply the coconut oil to your canker sore. When it comes to amount, think Goldilocks -not too little and not too much. You want your application to be thick enough so that it coats the canker sore. Reapply a couple times throughout the day as needed.
Sage
Sage is a fragrant herb that’s no stranger to the medicinal world. To give you a quick background, sage (also known as Salvia officinalis) hails from the mint family. Thanks to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, sage has been effective in cleansing the mouth and eliminating canker sores. Either fresh or dried sage leaves can be used, so let’s jump in to how you can prepare this remedy.
The ingredients for this remedy are pretty straight forward. You’ll want either a small bunch of sage leaves or 1–2 teaspoons of dried sage. Lastly you’ll need a cup of water.
Place your sage into a mug. Then, pour the hot, boiled water over the sage. Steep for 8–10 minutes. When the tea has cooled down enough for you to manage, take a sip and swirl the tea around your mouth for about one minute. Spit out the tea, then rinse your mouth with cool, fresh water.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a pretty, white petal flower that has medicinal uses which range from aiding in relaxation to boosting immunity. So, really it’s no surprise that it appears on this list of home remedies to get rid of canker sores. German chamomile naturally contains a chemical compound known as bisabolol. This property helps to give chamomile the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial elements this herb is known for. Best of all? If you can’t find it in your cabinet, you can readily find a tea bag at almost every grocery store without spending a ton of money.
Once you have your chamomile tea bag or 2–3 teaspoons of dried chamomile in your hand, here’s what you need to do.
Steep the chamomile in hot water for 3–4 minutes. When cool enough to handle, take the tea bag or the herbs and place it directly on your canker sore. You will want to hold it there for 5–7 minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties will aid in relieving the discomfort as well as help the sore to heal. Repeat a few times during the day, or at least one more time before retiring to bed.
Raw Honey
Honey is sweet way to soothe and heal a canker sore. But the trick is to use raw, organic honey. Processed honey just doesn’t pack the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and nutritional punch that is found in raw, organic honey. It’s this natural goodness from those powerful little bees that’s going to aid in the healing process. This remedy only requires a small amount of honey, but don’t worry. There are countless other ways for you to use up the rest of the jar.
To use this remedy, begin by rinsing your mouth out with warm water. Then, using a clean finger or cotton swab dab enough raw honey to coat the surface of your canker sore. This remedy works best when applied a few times throughout the day.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is synonymous with soothing. The properties in aloe that help to soothe a burn are the same properties that can soothe the discomfort of your canker sore. Aloe vera works to strengthen cell walls as well as mucous membranes. Additionally, this plant houses antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it a great home remedy to help heal canker sores.
To use this remedy, you will need either aloe vera gel or juice and about half a cup of water. Mix a teaspoon of aloe vera gel or juice into the water. Gently swirl the mixture around your mouth for one minute and then spit it out. Then, rinse your mouth with fresh water. Repeat this a few times a day to maximize effectiveness.
Coriander
Coriander is a flavor-packing, aromatic herb that’s a delight to cook with. But what you may not know is that it’s also a great home remedy for canker sores. Like its other herbal brethren on this list, coriander has healing anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. You can use either fresh coriander or coriander seeds to prepare this remedy. So, head over to your fridge or pantry and let’s get started.
If using fresh coriander leaves, grab a handful and place into a cup. Pour one cup of boiling water over the fresh leaves and steep for 10 minutes. If using coriander seeds, use one teaspoon per one cup of water. Strain and allow the liquid to cool to warm. Swish the liquid in your mouth for one minute and spit out. Rinse your mouth with fresh water. Repeat a few times a day for maximum benefit.
Salt Water
Warm salt water is one of the most basic and affordable home remedies for common ailments and canker sores are no exception. The swelling of a canker sore is the cause of much discomfort because it constantly rubs against the teeth and if you’re not careful you can accidentally bite down on this inflammation when chewing. It’s either that or you can starve on a diet of soup until fully healed. Either way, the swelling is annoying at best. By way of osmosis, the salt water draws the excess liquid out of the swollen area, which helps to reduce inflammation.
To prepare this remedy, you will need ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ cup of warm water. Stir the salt into the warm water until it is completely dissolved. Next, swirl the salt water around your mouth for about one minute. Repeat this a few times daily until the swelling and canker sore subsides.
Originally published at Oloxir.
