Goodbye Canker Sores: 10 Essential Oils That Will End the Pain
If you're like me, then you know the pain and frustration of dealing with canker sores. These little mouth ulcers are not only painful, but they can also be quite embarrassing. I have tried many different remedies over the years, but nothing has worked as well as essential oils. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the best essential oils for canker sores. We'll talk about the benefits of each oil, and we'll also give you recipes for how to use them. So if you're ready to say goodbye to your canker sores once and for all, keep reading!
What are canker sores and what causes them?
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form on the inside of your mouth, tongue, or gums. They’re also called aphthous ulcers. Whereas cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, the exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, they’re believed to be linked to certain triggers, such as stress, injury to the mouth, acidic foods, and vitamin deficiencies. Canker sores are not contagious and can’t be passed from person to person. However, if you have a family member with canker sores, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
Using Essential Oils to Treat Canker Sores
Essential oils are truly unique both in terms of the benefits they have to offer and in the individualized way people are affected by them. As such, it can often require some experimentation to discover the ideal oil combinations for one's specific needs. To facilitate this process, we have compiled a list of 10 effective essential oils for canker sore. We suggest experimenting with different mixtures until you find an optimal blend that yields enriching results for you.
We hope you find your favorite essential oil to treat your canker sore from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our team. BiohackingBeat may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we fund our research). Happy shopping!
Gya Labs Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia and its essential oil has been used in traditional medicine there for centuries. In modern times, the capabilities of this oil have made it popular around the world for use in natural healthcare and beauty products.
Tea tree oil is especially renowned for its documented antimicrobial properties due to the active compound terpinen-4-ol, which has been observed to have antiviral effects, boost white blood cell activity, and fight infection-causing germs and bacteria. These impressive qualities make it effective as a topical remedy such as when used as spot treatment on irritated canker sores.
How To Use This Oil
- Applying tea tree oil to a cotton swab and directly applying it onto the affected mouth sore can provide pain relief from such conditions. While it may be a bit uncomfortable, gentle application should make it bearable. For those who find the pain too intense, diluting the product before use may help lessen its effects.
Gya Labs Clove Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Clove essential oil has long been used as an agent in oral care, due to its numerous powerful properties and natural origin. Studies have demonstrated that clove oil has the ability to reduce tooth erosion and decalcification from sugary drinks, which is comparable to the effects of fluoride. Furthermore, scientific evidence suggests that clove oil can fight cavities and alleviate dental pain just as effectively as some commercially-available gels.
Even more remarkable, clove can help speed up the healing process for canker sores while simultaneously soothing any associated discomfort. Clearly, clove essential oil has much to offer for individuals seeking solutions for their oral health conditions naturally.
How To Use This Oil
- Direct Application: Apply 1-2 drops on cotton swab directly to the canker sore.
- Mouth rinse: Combine this oil with water
Plant Therapy Organic Bergamot Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Bergamot is an essential oil with a wide range of impressive health benefits. From its powerful aromatherapy properties to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, bergamot oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Specifically, recent research has revealed that bergamot contains the compounds linalool and carvacrol which have pain-killing abilities. A 2017 review [1] suggests that this essential oil can yield significant pain relief in both humans and animals, making it a great option for those looking for natural alternative treatments.
How To Use This Oil
- Direct Application: Apply 1-2 drops on cotton swab directly to mouth sore.
- Mouth rinse: Combine this oil, either alone or with an antibacterial oil such as tea tree, with water
Cliganic Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
The unmistakeable scent of rosemary may not appeal to everyone, but its power to improve mental functioning and physical health is undeniable [2]. Recent studies show that ingesting rosemary can provide a strong analgesic effect, potentially superior to acetaminophen (Tylenol). It also has the added benefit of stimulating better blood flow, making it an excellent choice for topical treatment for canker sores. As research continues, more tangible evidence is emerging of the myriad benefits that this aromatic herb offers.
How To Use This Oil
- Apply 1-2 drops on cotton swab directly to canker sore
- Combine, either alone or with other essential oils, with water to create a mouthwash
Cliganic USDA Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Eucalyptus oil is an incredibly versatile essential oil with uses spanning far beyond its function as a cough suppressant and insect repellant. It has been used topically to provide relief to canker sores due to its anti-inflammatory properties since the early Australian aborigines first discovered the extract.
Eucalyptus globulus is currently the most popular type of eucalyptus oil for this purpose, as it has the highest medicinal load of any variant. However, given the strength of this essential oil, it should not be applied more than four times per day.
How To Use This Oil
- Direct Application: Apply 1-2 drops on cotton swab directly to the canker sore.
- Mouth rinse: Combine this oil with water
Plant Therapy Organic Oregano Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Oregano oil is an amazing herb that not only provides a distinct aroma but also offers great health benefits. Carvacrol, the compound that gives oregano oil its aroma, exhibits anticancer, antioxidant, and anti microbial properties which have been well-documented by researchers. Furthermore, this essential oil also contains thymol which is a powerful anti-fungal compound and can help block toxins from entering the body as well as support the immune system. All these qualities make oregano oil one of the healthiest and most beneficial natural remedies available.
How To Use This Oil
- Apply 1-2 drops on cotton swab directly to canker sore
- Combine, either alone or with other essential oils, with water to create a mouthwash
Gya Labs Myrtle Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Myrtle essential oil is an herbal remedy with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used as an oral astringent and antioxidant to help treat various abnormalities affecting the mouth, such as ulcers and sores. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of myrtle oil also make it beneficial for reducing the size and pain associated with ulcerative or canker sores.
Diffusing myrtle oil is another option, which evokes a woodsy, calming aroma that is a good anti stress essential oil, especially when paired with other complementary oils like bergamot or lavender. Over time, sustained reductions in stress levels can help lessen the occurrence of mouth sores stemming from tension or anxiety.
How To Use This Oil
- Apply 1-2 drops on a cotton swab directly to canker sore
- To prevent recurrence of canker sores caused by stress, try diffusing 10 drops in water
Gya Labs Lemon Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Lemon oil is a highly versatile essential oil that can be diffused, used in roll-ons, and even as an ingredient in soaps and shampoos. Its benefits are vast and far-reaching - from reducing stress to improving cognition, aiding wound healing, providing pain relief and promoting healthier skin due to its natural antioxidants. Lemon oil aromatherapy has also been proven to prevent outbreaks of canker sores which are usually caused by high levels of stress. All of these health benefits make lemon oil an essential addition to any home's medicine cabinet!
How To Use This Oil
- Apply 1-2 drops on a cotton swab directly to canker sore
- Combine, either alone or with other essential oils, with water to create a mouthwash
- To prevent recurrence of canker sores caused by stress, try diffusing 10 drops in water
Cliganic USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Peppermint is a natural choice for oral health issues due to its refreshing aroma. It's even been used for years as an ingredient in many mouthwashes, breath fresheners, and other products designed to make your breath smell great. Peppermint oil can be diluted into a few drops for use in such products; however, please note that essential oils should never be ingested as it may lead to nausea, heartburn, and other negative side effects of gastrointestinal discomfort. Yet when used topically (in small quantities on the skin), peppermint oil has the potential to provide relief from chronic itching or even demonstrate antibacterial properties against certain bacteria. All-in-all, Peppermint is an excellent choice if you're looking for a natural remedy for oral health problems.
How To Use This Oil
- Combine, either alone or with other essential oils that have more robust antimicrobial properties (e.g., tea tree and peppermint essential oils), with water to create a mouthwash
Healing Solutions Organic 10ml Oils - Sage Essential Oil
Essential Oil Highlights
Sage oil has long been used in oral care for its cooling properties that help alleviate canker sore pain. Containing a myriad of helpful properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent and being a member of the mint family, it is no surprise that sage oil is ideal for reducing the ache associated with canker sores. Use it topically to provide relief directly to affected areas or add it to your toothpaste routine for continued support from this essential oil on your path to comfort.
How To Use This Oil
- Apply 1-2 drops on a cotton swab directly to canker sore
- Combine, either alone or with other essential oils, with water to create a mouth rinse
FAQs
What aggravates a canker sore?
There are a few factors that can aggravate a canker sore. Things like acidic or spicy foods, drinking carbonated beverages, and smoking can all make them worse. Additionally, biting the inside of your cheek or tongue can also irritate them.
What are the benefits of using essential oils for canker sores?
There are many benefits to using essential oils for canker sores. One of the most important benefits is that they can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Canker sores can be very painful, and the inflammation can make them even worse. Essential oils can help to reduce both the pain and the inflammation.
Another benefit of using essential oils for canker sores is that they can help to speed up the healing process. Canker sores can take a long time to heal, and during that time they can be very painful. Essential oils can help to speed up the healing process so that you don’t have to suffer for as long.
Finally, essential oils can also help to prevent future canker sores. If you are prone to getting canker sores, then using essential oils can help to prevent them from happening in the first place. This is because they can help to boost your immune system and fight off infection.
How to use essential oils for canker sores?
To use essential oils for canker sores, simply add a few drops of the chosen oil to a cotton swab or cotton ball and apply it directly to the sore. For best results, do this several times per day until the sore has healed. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a glass of water and gargle with it several times per day. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.
What are some considerations related to essential oil use to treat canker sores?
If you’re interested in trying essential oils for your canker sores, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose high-quality, pure essential oils. This will help to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the oil and avoid any harmful side effects. Second, always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin using a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. Undiluted essential oils can cause irritation or even burns. Finally, test the oil on a small area of skin before using it on your canker sore to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If you’re looking for a natural way to ease the pain of canker sores, give essential oils a try. Just remember to exercise caution and consult with your healthcare provider before using any new natural remedy.
What are some other natural remedies for canker sores?
There are a few natural remedies that can help speed up the healing process of canker sores. One is to rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. Alternatively, you can mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the sore for relief. Aloe vera is also known to be effective in treating canker sores, as is hydrogen peroxide mouthwash.
Best Essential Oils for Canker Sores for You
We hope our review has armed you with the information you need to decide what essential oil is best for healing your canker sore. Tap the product links above to check prices and find the best essential oil for you. We hope you feel better, and thanks for reading!
Citations
[1] de Cássia da Silveira e Sá, Rita, et al. "Analgesic-like activity of essential oil constituents: an update." International journal of molecular sciences 18.12 (2017): 2392.
[2] Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2020 Sep;23(9):1100-1112. doi: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541. PMID: 32963731; PMCID: PMC7491497.
