They always appear at the wrong time, cause discomfort with every bite, and even make talking unpleasant… Canker sores! These small, whitish lesions inside the mouth aren’t serious, but they can be very embarrassing. Good news: there are natural, easy-to-prepare-at-home remedies to relieve them without having to run to the pharmacy. Here are five home remedies to try as soon as the first signs of pain appear.
Salty mouthwash: a classic that’s still effective
This is the ultimate home remedy, and it still works just as well. Salt, thanks to its antiseptic properties, helps disinfect the mouth and promote healing . Yes, it may cause a slight sting , but it’s for a good cause!
How to do it?
Dilute about 3g of salt (half a teaspoon) in a glass of warm water (250ml), then use this mixture to rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds. Repeat this process three times a day, and avoid eating or drinking immediately afterward.
Bonus tip : You can replace the salt with a pinch of baking soda , which is just as effective… but be careful not to ingest it .
Calendula infusion: gentle and soothing
Calendula, or marigold , is a small orange flower full of virtues, including anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Perfect for sensitive gums or irritated mucous membranes.
How to do it?
Boil 200 ml of water, add a teaspoon of dried calendula flowers (from a herbalist or organic store) , let it infuse for a few minutes, then filter. Once lukewarm, use this infusion as a mouthwash, three times a day.
The little extra : Its taste is mild and pleasant, much more bearable than that of salt !
Homemade coconut milk: surprising but effective
We don’t always think about it, but coconut milk is an excellent ally against canker sores. It contains fatty acids with antimicrobial and soothing properties that can calm irritation and speed healing .
How to do it?
Mix 100g of grated coconut with 125ml of warm water , then filter through a clean cloth or fine sieve to obtain a thin milk. Use it as a gargle two to three times a day.
Quick tip : Keep it refrigerated and use it within 24 hours maximum .
Aloe vera gel: an all-in-one natural treatment
Aloe vera, a true ally of natural care , acts on canker sores like a restorative, soothing and slightly antiseptic balm.
How to do it?
Mix one tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel (ideally extracted directly from the plant) with half a glass of water. Blend briefly to obtain a smooth solution, then use it as a mouthwash morning and night.
Note : If you have a small tube of aloe gel handy, you can also apply a small amount directly to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
An ice cube to quickly soothe the pain
Simple as pie, this remedy requires nothing more than a little ice . The cold has an immediate anesthetic effect and can help reduce inflammation in just a few moments .
How to do it?
Wrap a small ice cube in a clean cloth and gently apply it to the canker sore for a few seconds. Repeat several times throughout the day if necessary.
Ideal for : very painful canker sores or those located in sensitive areas, such as the tongue or the inside of the lips .
In summary
These home remedies are great for relieving mild, temporary mouth ulcers , but if symptoms persist beyond 10 days , become frequent, or are accompanied by other unusual signs, a visit to a doctor or dentist is recommended.
Because even minor ailments deserve to be treated with gentleness and discernment.
