Ayurvedic Treatment for Canker sores-mouth ulcers

CANKER SORES-MOUTH ULCERS Ayurvedic Treatment

The diagnosis of canker sores can be done just by its physical examination. However, the physician may order for biopsy or other tests in case of a severe breakout.

Diet Recommendations (Aahar)

• Follow a pitta soothing diet; avoid hot spicy and fermented food
• Avoid strong alcoholic drinks which may aggravate the sores
• Drink half a cup of cranberry juice between meals which will help soothe the sores by relieving the burning sensation and irritation
• Include gourd vegetables like bitter and the ridged gourds, Drumstick (Sargava), Spinach leaves (Paalakh), Prickly Amaranth (Tandalaja), Coriander leaves (Dhaniya), pomegranate, grapes and amla in your diet
• Include cereals like rice flakes, puffed rice, puffed wheat, etc
• Hydrate adequately - coconut water may be good
• Sometimes canker sores are associated with diarrhoea or constipation. Taking half a spoon of arrowroot with a cup of warm milk relieves constipation while taking a quarter spoon of arrowroot with one tea-spoon ghee corrects diarrhoea.
• Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain

Lifestyle changes (Vihar)

• Practice good oral and personal hygiene
• Oral cleansing techniques like kanwal and gandusha or holding swirling of medicated oils or decoctions in mouth for specific periods are beneficial
• Nasya karma or insufflation of medicines through nasal route / snuffing may be beneficial
• Rinse your mouth by using a solution of salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water)
• Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore a few times a day to help relieve the pain
• Apply ice to your canker sores and by allowing ice to slowly dissolve over the sores may also provide pain relief
• Brush your teeth gently, using a soft brush and foaming-agent-free toothpaste
• Local application of turmeric and honey will help heal the sores
• Local application of a mixture of aloe vera gel and neem also help in healing process
• Rinse your mouth several times a day using aloe vera juice
• Mixture of tea tree oil and water acts as an antiseptic which helps in preventing secondary infection