Canker Sores

Proposed Natural Treatments for Canker Sores

A highly preliminary study suggests that a chemically altered form of the herb licorice known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be useful for speeding the resolution of canker sores. 1 And, in a second, better designed trial employing a dissolving adhesive patch with glycyrrhiza root extract, researchers noted an improvement in ulcer size and pain compared to the use of a placebo patch. 8

A product containing vitamins and minerals as well as the herbs paprika, rosemary , peppermint , milfoil, hawthorn , and pumpkin seed has been used in Scandinavia for many years as a treatment for various mouth-related conditions. A small 6-month study reported that use of this product could reduce frequency of canker sores. 2 However, two subsequent studies failed to find any meaningful benefit. 3-4

One small double-blind study found benefits with an extract of the bark of the red mangrove tree, Rhizophora mangle . 5

A study performed in Iraq reported benefits through use of a mouthwash containing 5% lactic acid. 7

Other herbs and supplements sometimes recommended for canker sores but lacking supporting evidence include caraway , oak bark , witch hazel , acidophilus , calendula , slippery elm , and vitamin B 1 .

One study failed to find that alpha-linolenic acid from perilla oil reduced incidence of canker sores. 6

In a small randomized trial with 50 people wiht recurrent canker sores, omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram, 3 times per day for 6 months) was associated with improvement in the number of ulcers, pain level of ulcers, and healing time of ulcers by up to 3 months when compared to placebo. 9

Revision Information

• Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
• Review Date: 12/2015 -
• Update Date: 12/15/2015 -