Herbal Remedies for Mouth Ulcers and Infections

Understanding Mouth Ulcers and Infections

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions inside the mouth. Infections may be bacterial, fungal (e.g., oral thrush), or cold sores. Contributing factors include stress, nutritional deficiencies (e.g. zinc, iron), immune imbalances, hormonal changes, or local trauma (e.g., biting the cheek).

Effective Herbs for Healing and Relief

Below is a list of herbs with their actions, uses, and precautions for treating mouth ulcers and infections. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.

1. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
   • Actions: Antiseptic, astringent, wound-healing.
   • Uses: Diluted myrrh tincture as a mouth rinse reduces inflammation and promotes healing of ulcers and gum infections.
   • Traditional Use: Common in Ayurvedic and African traditions for oral health.
2. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
   • Actions: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent.
   • Uses: Use a strong sage infusion as a mouth rinse to tighten tissues and cleanse sores. Also effective for sore throats and gum issues.
3. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
   • Actions: Anti-inflammatory, mild antimicrobial, calming.
   • Uses: Use chamomile tea as a mouth rinse or compress to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
4. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – Tulsi
   • Actions: Antimicrobial, adaptogenic, healing.
   • Uses: Chew fresh tulsi leaves or rinse with tulsi tea to clear infections and soothe ulcers.
   • Traditional Use: Revered in Ayurvedic and African healing traditions.
5. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
   • Actions: Analgesic, antimicrobial.
   • Uses: Dab diluted clove oil on ulcers or infected gums for pain relief, or use clove tea as a rinse.
   • Precaution: Use clove oil sparingly and always diluted to avoid irritation.
6. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
   • Actions: Demulcent, soothing, anti-inflammatory.
   • Uses: Slippery elm lozenges or powder mixed with water coat ulcers to relieve pain.
7. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
   • Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, vulnerary (wound-healing).
   • Uses: Rinse with calendula tea or diluted tincture to reduce inflammation and speed healing.
8. Plantain (Plantago major / P. lanceolata)
   • Actions: Mucilaginous, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, wound-healing.
   • Uses: Chew fresh leaves and apply juice to ulcers, or use plantain tea as a rinse to soothe irritation and promote tissue regeneration. Plantain is particularly effective for soothing and rebuilding irritated or damaged tissues.
   • Bonus: Effective for wounds, bites, and digestive ulcers.
9. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
   • Actions: Antiseptic, astringent, styptic (stops bleeding), anti-inflammatory.
   • Uses: Rinse with yarrow tea or diluted tincture for bleeding gums, ulcers, or minor oral injuries.
   • Traditional Use: Used by Native American and European herbalists for wound and oral care.
10. Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)
    • Actions: Astringent, antiseptic, tonic.
    • Uses: Rinse with bayberry bark decoction to tighten gums and clear infections. Often found in herbal tooth powders.
11. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
    • Actions: Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, soothing.
    • Uses: Sip or rinse with marshmallow root tea to coat and soothe painful ulcers or inflamed tissues.
    • Note: May not appear on Dr. Sebi’s nutritional guide but is widely used by herbalists.
12. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
    • Actions: Astringent, silica-rich (strengthens connective tissue), antimicrobial.
    • Uses: Rinse with horsetail decoction to rebuild tissue and support healing of slow-healing ulcers.
13. Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
    • Actions: Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
    • Uses: Sip pau d’arco tea for fungal infections like oral thrush, or use cooled tea as a rinse.
    • Precaution: Use in moderation from a high-quality source.
14. Guava Leaves (Psidium guajava)
    • Actions: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.
    • Uses: Rinse with guava leaf tea for ulcers, gum infections, or toothaches.
    • Traditional Use: Common in Caribbean and African herbalism.
15. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
    • Actions: Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial.
    • Uses: Rinse with neem leaf decoction or use neem powder in tooth powders to treat infections, gum disease, and ulcers.
    • Traditional Use: Revered in Ayurvedic and African traditions.
16. Basil (Ocimum gratissimum or Ocimum basilicum)
    • Actions: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing.
    • Uses: Chew fresh basil leaves or rinse with basil tea for infected ulcers or inflamed gums.
    • Note: African basil (O. gratissimum) is particularly potent.

Herbal Alkaline Mouth Rinse Recipes

Basic Alkaline Mouth Rinse 

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried chamomile
  • 1 tsp dried calendula
  • 1 cup boiling spring water
• Instructions: Steep herbs in water for 10–15 minutes, strain, and cool. Rinse mouth 2–3 times daily.
• Optional: Add a pinch of sea salt or 1 drop of diluted clove oil for enhanced action.

Healing Mouth Rinse (Plantain-Based)

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tsp dried plantain leaf
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried calendula
  • 1 cup boiling spring water
• Instructions: Steep herbs covered for 15 minutes, strain, and cool. Rinse mouth 2–4 times daily.
• Optional: Add a pinch of sea salt or 1 drop of diluted clove oil.

Benefits of These Herbs

These herbs work synergistically to:

• Cleanse and disinfect oral tissues
• Speed tissue repair and ulcer healing
• Reduce inflammation and pain
• Prevent or manage fungal or bacterial infections

Plantain is particularly effective for soothing and rebuilding irritated or damaged tissues.

Lifestyle Tips for Healing

• Diet: Avoid acidic, spicy, or salty foods during healing.
• Hydration: Drink alkaline water to stay hydrated.
• Oral Care: Avoid fluoride-containing toothpaste.
• Nutrition: Address deficiencies in nutrients such zinc, iron or other identified.
• Stress Management: Reduce stress, as it can trigger ulcers.

Precautions

• Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe ulcers.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms last beyond 2 weeks or worsen, as this may indicate a serious condition.
• Always dilute tinctures and essential oils to avoid irritation.
• Ensure herbs are sourced from reputable suppliers.

References

Books

1. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press.

   • Explains how herbs like goldenseal, myrrh, and calendula help with infections and healing sores.

2. Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing.

   • Simple guide for using sage, chamomile, and slippery elm in mouth rinses and for oral health.

3. Pole, S. (2013). Ayurvedic Medicine. Singing Dragon.

   • Covers traditional uses of neem, holy basil, and myrrh for mouth ulcers in Ayurvedic practice.

Articles

1. Pankaj, G., & Preeti, K. (2015). “Neem’s Healing Properties.” Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.

   • Shows neem fights germs for oral infections.

2. Cowan, M. M. (1999). “Plant-Based Antimicrobials.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews.

   • Discusses how goldenseal, clove, and pau d’arco kill bacteria and fungi in the mouth.

Websites

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). “Herbs at a Glance.”

   • Link: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance
   • Info on chamomile, peppermint, and aloe vera for reducing swelling and pain.

2. Dr. Sebi’s Nutritional Guide. Official Website.

   • Link: https://drsebiscellfood.com/
   • Lists alkaline herbs like plantain and guava leaves for healing (check for marshmallow root).

3. HerbMed. “Herb Monographs.”

   • Link: http://www.herbmed.org/
   • Details on calendula, yarrow, and horsetail for wound healing and oral care.

This article is copyrighted by Ital is Vital, 2025. Want to re-post this article? Visit our guidelines.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.