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CANKERROOT Coptis
groenlandica - This plant got its name because of its
traditional use as a treatment for canker sores. American
Indians and early settlers alike used cankerroot as a tea
to treat both sore throat and canker sores.
Penobscot Indians chew raw root for canker sores and fever
blisters.
The plant, which is
also known as goldthread, shares many of the active
ingredients and healing properties of the more familiar
goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. |
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GOLDENSEAL Hydrastis
canadensis - This is an American Indian favorite for
treating all sorts of wounds. Goldenseal
contains astringent, antiseptic chemicals that help treat
wounds and infections. |
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CANKER
SORE MOUTHWASH
- Use two teaspoons
of dried goldenseal per cup of boiling water and steep
until cool. Strain. Use it as a mouth
rinse three or four times a day. Barberry,
Calendula and Oregon Grape have similar constituents
and healing effects.
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WILD GERANIUM Geranium maculatum - The root of this
common high-tannin plant is well-used medicinally by
American Indians. The Cherokee, for example, use it
as an astringent to stop the bleeding of open wounds and
as a wash to treat canker sores. |
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LICORICE Glycyrrhiza glabra - In one study that
looked at the power of licorice to heal canker sores, a
mouthwash containing this herb provided relief for 75
percent of the people who used it. Those who got relief
noted substantial improvement within one day and complete
healing by the third day. In addition to tannin,
licorice has two other things going for it: the compounds
glycyrrhetinic-acid and glycyrrhizin, both of which help
speed the healing of sores. Try sweetening the teas
recommended here with licorice. |
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SAGE Salvia officinalis - Although it is not among
the richest sources of tannin, many herbalists suggest
making a strong sage tea to treat inflammations of the
mouth and throat. However, you should not drink too
much of this tea. Sage contains a fair amount of thujone,
a compound that in very high doses may cause
convulsions. Sage is an excellent healing herb,
however, it is just one of those things--like
aspirin--that is good in small amounts and not so good in
large amounts. |
- SAGE TEA
- To make this tea,
use two teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling
water. Let it steep until cool and then gargle with
it.
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MYRRH Commiphora -
Myrrh has been endorsed for the treatment of mild
inflammations of the mouth and throat because it contains
high amounts of tannins. Tannin, the common name for
tannic acid, is a constituent of many plants and gives
foods an astringent taste. An antiseptic with
broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral action, it's
especially helpful for treating mouth sores, which could
be caused by a bacterium, a fungus, a virus or an allergy. |
- To use powdered
myrrh, just open a capsule and dab a little directly
on the sore.
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TEAS - Regular beverage
teas have a rich supply of tannin. Try placing a spent tea
bag on your canker sores. Or make tea from some of the
other herbs that are high in tannin, such as Bearberry,
Eucalyptus, St. John's Wort, Raspberry, and Peppermint. |
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