Canker sores are the popular inflammatory conditions of the mouth that affect about 20 percent the global population. Anyone can get a canker sore, but men are less likely than women to get it. In fact, canker sores cannot be contagious and you shouldn't be confused with fever blisters or cold sores.
People have not known the exact reason of canker sores yet. Some factors that lead to canker sores can be an oral injury, hormonal changes in your body, weak immune system, too much stress, hereditary factors, certain drugs, excessive smoking, anemia, viral infections and food allergies.
In this article, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you the best natural home remedies for canker sores in the mouth without any side effect. These home remedies are collected effectively and safely from reliable sources. However, it is not intended to give medical advice and it is solely for the informational purpose. Continue reading this writing to understand more!
Top 30 Natural Home Remedies For Canker Sores In The Mouth
1. Eucalyptus And Peppermint Essential Oil
Both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil contain anti-inflammatory properties and they work as anti-microbial agents that can reduce the chance of infection. Astringents in them can help in tightening the tissues around your wound, reducing potential fluid buildup, or further discomfort that is caused by swelling. Moreover, they also have the cooling properties that can help in numbing the nerve endings which are fired off.
You will need:
- A glass mister bottle
- Peppermint essential oil – 10 drops
- Eucalyptus essential oil – 8 drops
- Olive or grape seeds oil – 2 tablespoons
Directions:
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- You pour grape seeds or the olive oil into the bottle, and then you add the essential oils.
- You cap, and then you should shake it well.
- You can spray the mixture directly onto your canker sore when needed for getting pain relief.
- You should shake well before each use.
2. Ice Pack
Ice can numb the things that include the nerves. Although it cannot make canker sores disappear, it makes you feel comfortable from the pain.
Directions:
- Firstly, you put an ice cube directly into the affected area of your mouth.
- It can numb the pain.
- Alternatively, you can take ice or cooling water to wash your mouth frequently.
- You should practice it regularly to get rid of the canker sore as well as its pain.
3. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Onions
Onions have sulfur that can help in healing canker sores and reducing the pain and inflammation. There are three home remedies for canker sores using onions, which you can follow:
- You cut one onion into small pieces. You can press one piece lightly on the canker sores for about a few minutes. You should make sure that the onion juice will be absorbed into the affected areas. You should repeat the way three or four times per day.
- Alternatively, you can extract the juice from an organic onion or create a paste of one small organic onion and then you apply it directly to the affected areas. You should repeat this way for several times per day.
- Eating one raw onion daily can treat as well as prevent the canker sores.
4. Moist Tea Bag
In fact, a used tea bag has tannic acid, a type of astringent that can help in reducing pain as well as inflammation and speeding up the treating process.
- You can use a green or a black tea bag. After you make a cup of tea, you can place the wet tea bag into the refrigerator for several minutes.
- You press the chilled and wet tea bag lightly over the canker sores for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Apart from these tea bags, you can use the chamomile tea bag instead.
- You should repeat this way two or three times per day until the canker sores are gone.
5. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Chamomile
Chamomile includes several daisy plants, which are usually used to promote relaxation, induce sleep and help with digestion. German chamomile has a chemical compound that is called either bisabolol or levomenol. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that will help in reducing canker sores and speeding up the healing process.
You will need:
Directions:
- Firstly, you boil water.
- And then you put the dried chamomile flowers into it.
- You allow it to boil for a few minutes.
- You steep it for about 5 to 7 minutes.
- You allow it to cool down until it is lukewarm.
- Finally, you strain and drink it.
You should have this chamomile tea for 3 to 4 times per day to treat your canker sores fast.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice root contains the medicinal properties that are very effective in healing canker sores. Glycyrrhizin is one of the active ingredients in licorice root that contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and calm the affected area. The following home remedies for canker sores are effective for you.
Way 1:
- You extract the juice from the licorice root.
- And then, you apply it on your canker sores.
- You should do this process regularly to reduce the size of canker sores as well as speed up the healing process.
Way 2:
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of the crushed licorice root
- 2 cups of water
Directions:
- You take the crushed licorice root.
- And then, you soak it water for about 2 to 3 hours.
- Now, you can use this solution as a mouthwash or mouth rinse to treat your problem.
7. Swish Sage
Native American has used sage in traditional medicine to treat canker sores and as mouth cleanser. Sage contains the calming properties that can relieve pain related to canker sores. In addition, it contains a drying and astringent effect on canker sores. Therefore, sage is one of the most effective herbal home remedies for canker sores.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of the dried sage leaves
- 1 cup of water
Directions:
- Firstly, you add sage leaves to the water after boiling it.
- After 2 to 3 minutes, you can put off the flame.
- You allow it to steep for about 5 minutes.
- After that, you strain this tea and allow it to cool down.
- You use this tea to rinse your mouth several times per day. It can dry out the sores in your mouth.
Another way, you can use the powder of sage leaves to apply directly onto the canker sores. You should repeat this several times per day. You will get complete relief in several days.
8. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Tea Tree Oil
Australian tea tree oil can relieve pain as well as heal your canker sores. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that act as effective disinfectants for the skin to help treat canker sores.
Way 1:
You will need:
Directions:
- You add tea tree oil to water and then you shake it well.
- You can use the as a mouthwash to wash your mouth.
- You should do this three to four times per day.
Way 2:
You will need:
- 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil
- ¼ cup of warm water
- Cotton ball
Directions:
- Firstly, you mix tea tree oil with warm water.
- And then, you soak the cotton ball in it.
- You should apply this cotton ball on your canker sores.
- You should do this 3 to 4 times per day.
9. Coconut Oil
When you are in doubt to have a canker sore, you should use coconut oil immediately. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties along with incredibly tasty. Therefore, it is one of the safe home remedies for canker sores.
You will prepare:
Directions:
- You can use a cotton swab or clean hands to dab a little of coconut oil on the canker sore.
- You should try to get a thick layer or clump coconut oil on the canker sores because coconut oil tends to melt rapidly and a thin layer will make it slide right off.
10. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol that is a potent painkiller. Dentists have used it throughout decades to give patients relief from the pain. Nowadays, eugenol is still used. Although it is a pure extracted form, clove oil remains helpful for the oral pain that ranges from canker sores to toothaches.
You will need:
- Olive oil – ½ teaspoon
- Clove essential oil – 4 to 5 drops
- Cotton balls
- Warm water or salt water
Directions:
- Firstly, you swish your mouth with salt water or warm water to get your mouth clean.
- You let the clove oil really sink in the canker sores and do its job.
- Apart from that, you can mix the clove oil and the olive oil.
- Then, you dip a cotton ball in this mixture.
- Finally, you place the cotton ball directly onto the sores for about 5 to 10 minutes for numbing relief.
Keep reading the article to learn more natural home remedies for canker sores in detail!
11. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Honey Rub
Raw or organic honey contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can give you relief from a painful canker sore by making a wonderfully soothing coating.
Way 1:
You will need:
- Warm water
- A wee dab of raw or organic honey
Directions:
- Firstly, you swish your mouth with warm water.
- Then, you dab a thick layer of raw or organic honey directly to the canker sore.
- You should repeat 2 to 3 times per day. You should practice at least one time before going to bed because it will have a better effect when it isn’t bothered by talking or eating.
Way 2:
You will need:
Directions:
- Firstly, you mix honey with turmeric powder to create a fine paste.
- Then, you apply this paste on the canker sores and keep it on there for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Finally, you wash your mouth well with tepid water.
You should repeat the process two times per day.
Way 3:
You will need:
- Beeswax – 1 tablespoon
- Coconut oil – 2 teaspoons
Directions:
- You melt down the coconut oil and beeswax.
- You let the mixture cool slightly.
- When this mixture has cooled, you press a dollop on the edge of your braces, dentures or tooth to give you relief from the canker sore.
- You should shake well before each using
12. Cayenne “Cream”
Cayenne has a substance that is called capsaicin. It is a chemical constituent that can make it “hot.” Capsaicin inhibits something called Substance P that is in charge of mediating pain responses in your body. Therefore, cayenne can be one of the great home remedies for canker sores.
You will need:
- Warm water
- Cotton swabs
- Cayenne pepper
Directions:
- You mix enough warm water and ground cayenne pepper to make a thick paste.
- You apply it directly to the canker sores by using a cotton swab.
- You should repeat 2 to 3 times per day to get rid of canker sores.
13. Slippery Elm
Its inner bark has mucilage, which makes a thick gel as substances when combined with water. Lozenges that are made with slippery elm can help in alleviating the pain and inflammation coming from the canker sores.
You will need:
- Slippery elm powder
- Water
Directions:
- Firstly, you take 1 tablespoon of slippery elm.
- And then you mix it with few drops of water to make a fine paste.
- You apply this paste on your canker sores.
- You should leave it on for few minutes.
- Then, you rinse it off.
- You should repeat it at least 2 – 3 times per day to get rid of your canker sores.
Alternatively, you can simply make a tea by adding this powdered elm to water. You can use this tea to wash your mouth frequently.
14. Alum
You will need:
- ½ to 1 teaspoon of Alum powder
Directions:
- You put some alum powder onto the canker sores inside the mouth to get rid of the pain.
- In the first sight, you will have a burning sensation which will also disappear within few seconds.
- You should do this 2 to 3 times per day.
15. Grapefruit Seed Extract
In fact, it comes from the grapefruit that has powerful bioflavonoids and contains antibacterial properties. It will support your immune system in treating the sores and prevent infection.
You will need:
- Grapefruit extract – 1 teaspoon
- Water – 1 glass
Directions:
- You take grapefruit extract and you mix it well in water.
- You make it as a mouthwash.
- Now, you can use this to wash your mouth.
- You should do it for a few times a day to prevent your canker sores.
16. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Plum Juice
One of the natural home remedies for canker sores is using plum juice. You can follow:
You will need:
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of plum juice
Directions:
Way 1:
- You can use this plum juice to rinse your mouth.
- You should do this 2 to 3 times per day.
Way 2:
- You can dip a cotton ball into plum juice.
- And then, you keep this cotton ball on your canker sores for 1 or 2 minutes.
17. Myrrh Goldenseal
You can make this herbal tea get rid of canker sores.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of Myrrh powder
- ¼ teaspoon of Goldenseal powder
- 2 sprigs of Parsley (coarsely chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 cups of water
Directions:
- Firstly, you have to boil water.
- And then, you add myrrh, goldenseal, and parsley and garlic cloves to it.
- You steep this for about 10 minutes.
- You allow it to cool down.
- And then you strain it and you can use this tea to rinse your mouth. This is one of the best home remedies for canker sores in the mouth as well as for bad breath.
You can also add 1 teaspoon each of myrrh powder, cayenne pepper, and goldenseal powder into 1 cup of water and then you use this water to rinse your mouth.
18. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Goldenseal
It is an herb which is used to boost the immune function as well as speed up the treatment process for canker sores.
You will need:
- Golden tincture
- Cotton ball
Directions:
- You take a cotton ball and dab it with a few drops of goldenseal tincture.
- And then, you put it directly on your canker sores.
- You should keep it on for about 25 minutes.
- You can continue this process for 2 to 3 times per day.
19. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is another ingredient that used commonly in the healing of canker sores. Cayenne pepper has capsaicin that will temporarily numb the nerves and give instant relief from the inflammation and pain.
You will need:
Directions:
- You take a small bit of cayenne pepper and mix it with a little water well.
- And then, you can apply this paste directly on the canker sores.
- Initially, you can feel some irritation, but the inflammation and pain will be reduced within few seconds.
- You should follow this way two times per day for a few days till the canker sores are completely gone.
Another option, you can try some candies that contain cayenne pepper as the main ingredient to get relief from the canker sore pain.
20. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Coriander
One of the best natural home remedies for canker sores is coriander. It contains antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that will effectively help you get rid of the pain and discomfort related to canker sores. You can follow three home remedies for canker sores below:
Way 1:
You will need:
- Coriander leaves – a handful of them
- Water – 1 glass
Directions:
- Firstly, you boil coriander leaves in water.
- You strain this solution and let the water cool.
- You use this tepid water to rinse your mouth at least 3 or 4 times each day.
Way 2:
You will need:
- Water – 1 cup
- Coriander seeds – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- You boil water and then you add coriander seeds to it.
- You let it sit for a while and then strain it.
- You use this water to rinse your mouth for 3 or 4 times each day.
Way 3:
You will need:
Directions:
- You extract the juice from a handful of fresh coriander leaves.
- You can drink this juice a few times each day.
- You should keep this in your mouth for a while in order that this juice can give you relief from your canker sores.
21. Spicy Sweet Natural Drink
Sometimes when you have indigestion or constipation, you can get a canker sore. If you get canker sores when you are suffering from indigestion or constipation, you can make this tasty drink as your home cure for a canker sore.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of coarsely ground coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 glass of milk
- A little of jaggery or 1 teaspoon of cane sugar
Directions:
- You mix cumin, coriander seeds, and jaggery or cane sugar with milk.
- You boil the milk until it remains half its quantity.
- You should drink the spiced sweet milk two times a day.
22. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most effective natural home remedies for canker sores. It contains anti-inflammatory, curative and antibacterial properties that help in relieving the inflammation and pain as well as speeding up the healing process.
Way 1:
- You add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel into 1 tablespoon of water.
- And then, you swish it over the sores 3 times each day to relieve the pain as well as facilitate healing.
Way 2:
- You can extract the gel from one fresh aloe vera leaf.
- You apply it directly on your canker sores.
- You should do this a few times each day.
Way 3:
- In addition, you can use the juice of fresh aloe vera to rinse your mouth about 3 or 4 times each day.
- You should also take aloe vera gel (two or three tablespoons) for 3 times each day for quick results.
You can buy the juice or gel from the market if you don’t have any aloe vera plant.
23. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Eat Yogurt
Yogurt can restore a healthy balance and eat yogurt daily can be a good home cure for a canker sore. It is a simply healthy way that can help your canker sores because it will balance out bacteria in the mouth which can cause or contribute to the canker sore.
You will prepare:
Directions:
- You have to make sure that the label on the yogurt shows that it has live cultures. Moreover, you make sure that you get a plain yogurt – not vanilla one.
- You should eat at least 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt 3 times each day.
- You can add a little of raw honey to tasting as well as an extra healing boost.
24. Milk Of Magnesia
Way 1:
- You can sip a small amount of this milk.
- Or you can use it to rinse your mouth and you should make sure to rinse your canker sore.
This is one of the home remedies for canker sores. It acts as an antacid that neutralizes the acids in your mouth that cause the canker sore to sting.
Way 2:
You can use a cotton swab to dab milk of magnesia on the canker sores for 3 to 4 times each day.
25. Salt
Salt can help in drawing the fluid from the canker sore and also speeding up the healing process.
You will need:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Directions:
You stir the salt to warm water and then you swish this around your mouth for 3 times each day until the canker sores are gone.
- You mix salt in warm water and stir well.
- You can use the solution to wash your mouth. You should swish the solution around your mouth for at least about 30 seconds and then you spit it out. This will help in disinfecting your mouth.
- After you complete your rinse, you place a pinch of salt on the canker sores. Initially, although it causes some pain, it will help in the healing process.
- You should repeat the process for 4 or 5 times each day.
26. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the effective home remedies for canker sores in the mouth. Baking soda contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it can also help in restoring the pH balance in your mouth.
Way 1:
You will need:
- Water
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- You add baking soda to a little water to make a fine paste.
- You can use a cotton ball or your fingers to apply the paste to your canker sores.
- You allow it to sit for about a few minutes.
- Then, you can wash your mouth with tepid water.
- You should do this 3 or 4 times each day.
Way 2:
You will need:
- Baking soda – 2 teaspoons
- Warm water – 1 glass
Directions:
- You mix baking soda in warm water.
- And then, you can use it to wash your mouth.
- You should follow this simple way for 4 or 5 times each day.
Way 3:
You will need:
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Water – 1 glass
- Baking soda – 2 teaspoons
- Hydrogen peroxide – 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- You can make another mouth rinse by mixing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and salt in water.
- You rinse your mouth with this solution for 4 or 5 times each day.
- Within 1 to 2 days, you will get relief from the pain as well as other symptoms related to canker sores.
27. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Sorrel
This is one of the quick home remedies for canker sores. This herb is bitter and you will have to suffer from the bitterness.
You will need:
- A fresh piece of sorrel herb
Directions:
- You take the sorrel herb and then you hold it on the canker sores till they become soggy.
- You can remove it after 1 minute and then you repeat this process.
28. Nettle
You will need:
- Sage
- Nettle
- Chicory
- ¼ cup of cold water
Directions:
- You mix chicory, sage, and nettle at the ratio of 1:3:3.
- And then, you add cold water to the herbal mixture and keep it overnight.
- Next day, you boil this mixture and steep it for about 5 minutes and you strain it.
- You should drink 1 cup of this solution for 3 times each day.
29. Home Remedies For Canker Sores – Indian Lilac
Indian lilac (or called neem) has been used for many centuries to treat many diseases of the mouth especially associating with infection. In fact, the leaves of neem are really effective in curing canker sores as well as cleaning the teeth.
Way 1:
Directions:
- You boil a handful of Indian lilac leaves in water for about 30 minutes.
- After that, you strain the liquid and get rid of the boiled leaves.
- You can use this water to rinse your mouth before as well as after every meal.
Way 2:
- You can take the fresh neem leaves and you chew them to treat canker sores.
- However, the neem leaves are extremely bitter. Therefore, a good option is the mouthwash.
- You should catch up with this way even after your canker sores disappear.
Indian lilac leaves can keep your mouth fresh as well as clean it at all times, thereby reducing chances of infection.
30. Basil
In fact, basil leaves are excellent for curing canker sores due to their many medicinal properties.
Directions:
- You can take some basil leaves and then chew them to treat the pain and soreness felt because of the infection.
Another option, you can also make a mouthwash at home by using fresh basil leaves, which similar to the above way. This mouthwash can keep your mouth infection and germ-free at all times.
If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions, go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 30 natural home remedies for canker sores in the mouth, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of canker sores quickly and easily. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any at home remedy.