Etiology:
Canker sores are ulcerlike sores, especially in the mouth, thought to be an immune reaction.
SYMPTOMS:
These sores may appear on the tongue, lips, gums or inside the cheeks. They have white centers surrounded by red borders, ranging from pinhead size to as large as a quarter, appearing quickly and leave quickly (usually 4-20 days). These sores are contagious, occurring most often in females.
CAUSES:
Canker sores are triggered by poor dental hygiene, allergies to chocolate and other foods, stress and/or fatigue. Also may be a result of abnormal immune response to normal bacteria in the mouth. Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid may make the sores harder to heal but stress and allergies are usually the cause. Preventative steps: body chemistry should be balanced in minerals, acidity, and alkalinity.
NUTRIENTS:
Acidophilus, taken as directed on the label, helps maintain healthy balance of intestinal flora.
Iron, taken as directed on the label, as a tonic.
L-Lysine (amino acid), 500 mg 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg. per day, helps immune function and healing.
Ascorbic acid, 3,000-8,000 mg. per day.
Pantothenic acid (B5), 50-100 mg. 3 times a day, is necessary for adrenal function (the antistress endocrine gland).
Garlic capsules, 3 capsules 3 times a day, an immunostimulant and natural antibiotic.
Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label.
Vitamin A emulsion, 50,000 IU for 2 weeks, then 25,000 IU, speeds healing, esp. mucous membranes. Emulsion is easily assimilated.
Zinc gluconate lozenges, dissolved in mouth every 3 hrs. for 2 days, enhances immune function.
HERBS:
Bayberry
bark
Bistort
>Cedar, eastern red
Clover, red
Echinacea
Germanium, wild or
spotted
Golden seal
>Gold thread
Myrrh
Onion
Pau d’arco
Pilewort
Raspberry, red
Rock rose
Self-heal
Sumac berries
Lily, white pond
Alum root, wild
Birch
Burdock
Pennyroyal
Rosemary
Ash, prickly
Sanicle, wood
Shinleaf
Red root
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Avoid chewing gum, mouthwashes (unless prescribed by a doctor), smoking, coffee, and foods that trigger these sores.
Avoid sugar, citrus fruits, and processed or refined foods. Do not eat fish or meat of any kind for 2 weeks while a canker sore is present, because animal protein produces excess acid in the body.
Diet should include plenty of salads with onions (onions contain sulfur and have healing properties).
Also your diet should include yogurt, kefir milk, cottage cheese and buttermilk.
Go to Nutramedical's Herb Finder Index
