Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A mouth ulcer, also known as an aphthous ulcer, is a painful and recurring lesion that appears as a small, white or yellowish patch on the mucous membrane of the mouth, often accompanied by inflammation and discomfort.

Typically caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, or bacterial or viral infections, mouth ulcers can also be triggered by factors such as hormonal changes, genetics, and certain medications. If left untreated, mouth ulcers can lead to difficulty eating and speaking, and may even cause anxiety and depression. Fortunately, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula can provide relief by soothing and calming the affected area.

To use these herbs effectively, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper preparation and dosing guidelines, as some herbs may interact with other medications or have adverse effects in certain individuals.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of mouth ulcers, 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 mouth ulcers?

The main causes of mouth ulcers are stress, hormonal changes, and immune system disorders, which can lead to increased inflammation and damage to the mucous membranes in the mouth.

Autoimmune conditions such as Behçet's disease and pemphigus vulgaris can also cause mouth ulcers. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, iron, and folate, have been linked to the development of mouth ulcers. Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can cause mouth ulcers as a side effect.

Additionally, infections such as herpes simplex virus and hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause mouth ulcers.

• Stress: Stress is a common cause of mouth ulcers because it can trigger the release of hormones that increase inflammation and weaken the immune system, making it more likely for ulcers to form.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, can cause mouth ulcers due to the essential role that vitamins play in maintaining the health and integrity of mucous membranes.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause mouth ulcers due to fluctuations in hormone levels that can affect the health of mucous membranes.
• Food sensitivities: Food sensitivities, especially to gluten, can cause mouth ulcers due to an immune reaction to certain proteins in the diet that can cause inflammation and damage to mucous membranes.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and some antibiotics, can cause mouth ulcers as a side effect due to their ability to alter the pH of the mouth and disrupt the normal balance of the oral microbiome.
• Oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues, can cause mouth ulcers due to the presence of bacteria and other pathogens that can irritate mucous membranes and cause inflammation.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can cause mouth ulcers due to the systemic nature of these conditions, which can lead to inflammation and other complications that affect the entire body, including the mouth.
• Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition can cause mouth ulcers due to the presence of genetic mutations that can affect the health and integrity of mucous membranes, making individuals more susceptible to developing ulcers.
• Infections: Infections, such as herpes simplex virus, can cause mouth ulcers due to the ability of these pathogens to infect mucous membranes and cause inflammation and tissue damage.
• Cancer: Cancer, particularly oral cancer, can cause mouth ulcers due to the presence of malignant cells that can infiltrate and damage mucous membranes, leading to ulcer formation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for mouth ulcers?

The main medicinal herbs used for mouth ulcers are Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe barbadensis, Symphytum officinale, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha x piperita, Chamomilla recutita.

Echinacea purpurea is used for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects which help alleviate symptoms of mouth ulcers. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines which contribute to pain and swelling in mouth ulcers. Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis gel possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help soothe and protect the affected area while preventing infection.

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Symphytum officinale, Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha x piperita, and Chamomilla recutita also help in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with mouth ulcers.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, contains compounds that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers and promote wound healing.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to promote wound healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent infection in mouth ulcers.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, similar to Aloe vera, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers and promote wound healing.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale, or comfrey, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers and promote wound healing.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent infection in mouth ulcers and promote wound healing.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers.
• Chamomilla recutita: Chamomilla recutita, or chamomile, has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers and promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can exacerbate mouth ulcers.

What are the main herbal preparations used for mouth ulcers?

The main herbal preparations used for mouth ulcers are Decoction, Tincture, Ointment, Gel, Cream, Salve, Capsules, Tea, Lozenges, Poultice.

Decoction of plants like Aloe vera and Myrrh is used to reduce inflammation and promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Tincture of calendula is applied topically to soothe and calm the affected area. Ointments and Gels containing ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil are applied to the affected area to provide a protective barrier and promote healing.

Other preparations like Cream, Salve, Capsules, Tea, Lozenges, and Poultice of plants like slippery elm, licorice root and chamomile are also used to alleviate mouth ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of the plant Calendula officinalis may help with mouth ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its high content of triterpenoids and flavonoids.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Plantago major may help with mouth ulcers by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects due to its content of iridoid glycosides and flavonoids.
• Ointment: An ointment of the resin of the plant Commiphora molmol may help with mouth ulcers by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects due to its content of terpenes and phenolic compounds.
• Gel: A gel of the plant Aloe barbadensis may help with mouth ulcers by providing anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects due to its content of aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Cream: A cream of the plant Echinacea purpurea may help with mouth ulcers by providing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects due to its content of alkylamides and caffeic acid.
• Salve: A salve of the leaves of the plant Arnica montana may help with mouth ulcers by providing anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects due to its content of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids.
• Capsules: Capsules of the root of the plant Triphala (a combination of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, and Emblica officinalis) may help with mouth ulcers by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to its content of polyphenols and flavonoids.
• Tea: A tea of the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis may help with mouth ulcers by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to its content of polyphenols and catechins.
• Lozenges: Lozenges of the root of the plant Calendula officinalis may help with mouth ulcers by providing anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects due to its high content of triterpenoids and flavonoids.
• Poultice: A poultice of the leaves of the plant Plantago major may help with mouth ulcers by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects due to its content of iridoid glycosides and flavonoids.