Reddened Corners In Mouth: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Reddened corners in the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation and redness at the corners of the mouth, often accompanied by cracked or crusted skin.

It can be caused by factors such as vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B12, or iron, as well as dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications. If left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty speaking or eating. To alleviate reddened corners in the mouth, herbal remedies such as aloe vera gel, calendula cream, and tea tree oil can be applied topically, while vitamin supplements and probiotics may be beneficial in addressing underlying deficiencies.

When using medicinal herbs, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper application guidelines to avoid allergic reactions or interactions with medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of reddened corners in mouth, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of reddened corners in mouth?

The main causes of reddened corners in mouth are angular cheilitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and redness at the corners of the mouth, often caused by dry mouth, vitamin deficiencies (particularly B2 and B12), and impaired immune function.

Oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida, can also lead to reddened corners in the mouth, especially in people with weakened immune systems or those taking corticosteroids. Irritation from the use of certain medications, such as isotretinoin and phenytoin, can cause this condition. Allergic reactions to food, dental appliances, or lip balms can also lead to reddened corners in the mouth.

Additionally, poor oral hygiene and habits, such as biting or chewing on the inside of the mouth, can cause friction and irritation, resulting in reddened corners.

• Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue.
• Mucositis: Mucositis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, often caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, that can lead to reddened corners in the mouth due to damage to the mucous membranes.
• Oral Lichen Planus: Oral lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes.
• Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to overgrowth of the fungus on the mucous membranes.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to inflammation and irritation of the gum tissue.
• Cheilitis: Cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips and mouth that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to irritation and dryness of the mucous membranes.
• Dental Erosion: Dental erosion is the wearing away of tooth enamel, often caused by acid, that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to exposure of the dentin underneath the enamel.
• Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can cause reddened corners in the mouth due to growth and spread of cancer cells in the mucous membranes.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for reddened corners in mouth?

The main medicinal herbs used for reddened corners in mouth are Echinacea purpurea, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Calendula officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Hydrastis canadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Symphytum officinale, Ginkgo biloba.

Echinacea purpurea contains alkylamides which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and inflammation. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties due to the presence of aloin and aloe-emodin, which help in calming the mucous membranes and reducing redness. Glycyrrhiza glabra and Calendula officinalis have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help in reducing inflammation and fighting off infections that may be causing the redness.

Zingiber officinale, Hydrastis canadensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Symphytum officinale and Ginkgo biloba also have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing redness and promoting healing in the affected area.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, as well as its immunomodulatory effects that enhance the body's natural defenses against infection.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which calm and protect the mucous membranes, reducing redness and promoting healing.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which calm and protect the mucous membranes, reducing redness and promoting healing.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, as well as its antimicrobial effects that help prevent infection.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent infection, promoting healing and tissue repair.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent infection, promoting healing and tissue repair.
• Hydrastis canadensis: Hydrastis canadensis helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent infection, promoting healing and tissue repair.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its antimicrobial properties, which help prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, as well as its anti-fungal effects that combat fungal infections.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with reddened corners in mouth due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain, as well as its mucolytic effects that help break down and clear mucus, promoting healing and tissue repair.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have any established properties that specifically help with reddened corners in mouth, and its use for this condition is not supported by scientific evidence.

What are the main herbal preparations used for reddened corners in mouth?

The main herbal preparations used for reddened corners in mouth are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Salve, Gel, Capsule, Tea, Ointment, Suppository, Poultice.

Decoction of Aloe vera can be used topically to reduce inflammation and soothe reddened corners due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. A topical Cream or Ointment containing Aloe vera or Tea tree oil can be applied to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause redness. Capsule or Suppository containing Aloe vera or Chamomile can be taken internally to reduce inflammation and soothe the mouth.

Poultice of Echinacea can be applied to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of alkylamides and caffeic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A topical cream containing the herb Calendula officinalis helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of triterpene saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Plantain (Plantago major) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of iridoid glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Aloe vera helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of mucilages, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Tea: A tea of the herb Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation due to its high levels of apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Arnica (Arnica montana) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of flavonoids and sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) helps with reddened corners in mouth by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high levels of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.