Two of the most painful and annoying skin problems that otherwise healthy people encounter in times of stress are canker sores and cold sores. They are frequently treated with harsh chemical antiseptics, rinses and creams by conventional doctors, but none of these treatments actually prevents or cures the condition for any significant period of time. Natural approaches are considerably more desirable, safe and effective.

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are tiny ulcerations that occur in the oral cavity on or near the tongue and on the inner mucous membrane of the lip. They can be very painful to the point of interfering with speech and eating. They also tend to heal slowly. The source of the problem is usually an acid condition in the body caused by food or chemical allergies. Holistic dentists have also implicated sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient of most toothpastes, as another cause.

Some people are more prone to cankers, especially if they have a history of heavy antibiotic drug use or follow diets very high in sugar and white flour products. Poor dental hygiene, stress and diseases such as Crohn’s disease may also lead to chronic canker sores.

Natural treatments for canker sores are usually quite effective. First, eliminate high acidity foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, red meats and fried and processed foods. It’s best to avoid all fruits with the possible exception of bananas. Highly allergenic foods such as wheat, rye, nuts, milk and dairy products should also be eliminated on a three-month trial basis. Ideally, get food allergy testing done through a natural health-care provider.

If one is taking vitamin C as a regular supplement, switch over to a buffered form such as sodium or calcium ascorbate. Supplementation with calcium will also help buffer the acid condition, as will Lactobacillus acidophilus powder or capsules. Acidophilus not only helps normalize the bacterial flora in the large bowel, but also helps make the body more alkaline.

Sodium bicarbonate powder mixed with water is a very effective first aid remedy. This can be used as a mouth rinse as well as swallowed to help make the body more alkaline. Bicarbonate is a natural buffering compound manufactured by the body. A variety of commercial toothpastes containing sodium bicarbonate can be used instead of standard toothpastes high in fluoride and other chemicals. Avoid any toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

Another very effective emergency remedy for canker sores is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) lozenges, which can be dissolved slowly in the mouth several times daily for both pain relief and speeding the healing process.

Many people have reported excellent relief with tea tree oil mouth rinses and mild silver protein. Others claim that topically applied colostrum or oregano oil is highly effective. These all have natural antimicrobial effects and boost immunity. Using any of these after brushing the teeth helps prevent most types of oral infections, including parasites and candida overgrowth. Clove oil applied topically can reduce the severe pain of canker sores.

Other nutrient supplements that are helpful are beta-carotene, vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, iron, zinc, evening primrose oil, L-lysine and vitamin E. Zinc is therapeutic for ulcers anywhere in the body. Long-term use (over two weeks) should be balanced by copper (about two mg per 15 mg of zinc) to prevent a relative copper deficiency. Aloe vera juice and herbal remedies such as echinacea, goldenseal, taheebo, burdock, red clover, red raspberry and calendula are also frequently effective.

Cold sores are a type of painful mouth lesion that usually appear on the lip and are caused by a herpes virus. Herpes is usually kept dormant by our immune systems but can become reactivated during times of stress, illness, food allergy, excessive alcohol, drug abuse, too much sunlight exposure, severe cold and contact with noxious chemicals.

Cold sores, unlike canker sores, can be passed from one person to another, but only if the immune system is somehow weakened (compromised) by candida overgrowth or other fungi. There are several causation theories about viruses and various bacteria, especially group A strep, but these organisms would not be an issue if one’s immune system were healthy.

Zoltan Rona is the author of several best-selling books, including Return to the Joy of Health.

Source: alive #230, December 2001