There’s no way around it. Those random ulcers you get in your mouth or at the base of your gums are just plain painful.
And sadly, there’s just not much you’ve been able to do about them, other than wait them out.
Sure, there are over-the-counter topical anesthetics or even prescription mouthwashes to help reduce the pain. But their results are temporary and don’t actually help heal those canker sores.
Thankfully, a study from researchers at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University has found a way to truly treat oral ulcers in a surprising plant.
What causes mouth ulcers?
Before we jump into how you can defeat those sores that make chewing, swallowing and even talking painful, let’s take a look at what triggers their formation in the first place.
While the causes of ulcers can vary from person to person, some of the most common reasons for a sore to form are:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating foods that are acidic (like citrus fruits) or spicy
- Biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek
- Poorly-fitted dentures
- Stress
- Hormonal changes like menopause
- Medications such as beta-blockers for your heart and pain killers
And once you have an ulcer, it generally takes at least a week or two for it to heal and go away on its own.
There’s also one more thing you need to be aware of if you have a tendency to suffer from canker sores…
These ulcers can be a sign that you’re deficient in a nutrient you need to keep your immune system running strong to protect you during this pandemic, as well as cold and flu season.
Speeding up the process
So what did the Chinese researchers find could help treat the ulcer rather than just waiting it out?
Cannabidiol or CBD.
Yup, the compound sourced from hemp or the marijuana plant could be the key to help you get over those ulcers faster.
And no worries…
CBD may only contain trace amounts, or even no, THC (the compound in marijuana that gets you high).
And the researchers found that direct contact with CBD through the use of an oral spray worked to inhibit inflammation, relieve pain and accelerate closure of mouth ulcers.
Finally, something that can make canker sores disappear fast!
The researchers also say that the CBD worked in a dose-dependent manner. This means that the more they used, the better and faster it worked.
The healing powers of CBD
And this isn’t the first time that scientific studies have demonstrated the power of cannabidiol to help in healing.
In fact, one study found that CBD was capable of destroying antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
So if you have mouth ulcers, or simply want to fight germs and boost healing more effectively, CBD could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Oh, there’s also one more option to help with canker sores, or any infection of your mouth or throat — Manuka honey.
Editor’s note: Have you heard of the entourage effect? Dozens of studies show it is now the most effective way to get the most out of a CBD supplement. If full-spectrum, doctor-approved, highly bioavailable CBD oil is for you, click here!
Sources:
Cannabidiol promotes oral ulcer healing by inactivating CMPK2-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome — EurekAlert!
Everything you need to know about mouth ulcers — Medical News Today