How To Use Honey To Heal Canker Sores

While the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, a straightforward remedy for these unsightly and often painful sores is honey! Yes, the sweet, sticky liquid can help you heal canker sores. Honey has many therapeutic properties and has been used widely in homeopathic and traditional medicine to remedy various ailments. So it is not surprising that this nutritious kitchen staple can also work its magic on canker sores.

Stress, a weakened immune system, or even repeated lip-biting may be a reason for the development of canker sores. Regardless, you can use honey as an alternative treatment to heal it. Read on to know in detail about the right way to use honey for healing these sores. Also, find more insight into what a canker sore is and why it develops.

What Is A Canker Sore?

The scientific name of canker sore is Apthous stomatitis.

In plain English, canker sore is a painful spot inside your mouth. A canker sore is a mouth ulcer. They start small but grow into large and extremely painful patches. A study revealed that 1 out of 10 people suffer from canker sores. Out of that, nearly 85% of the population suffers from a minor form of canker sore. This is followed by 10% who have major canker sores and the remaining 5% who have herpetiform canker sore, which is an uncommon pinhead-sized mouth ulcer that appears in clusters.

Understanding the symptoms and causes of canker sores can help you identify and manage these painful mouth ulcers more effectively. Let us learn more about them in the next section.

Symptoms And Causes Of Canker Sores

Canker sores form inside the mouth and may cause the following symptoms (1):

• Pain
• Burning or tingling sensation
• White or yellow sore with a red border
• Discomfort while eating or speaking

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, the following factors may trigger them (1):

• An injury inside the mouth
• Spicy foods that can irritate the mouth
• Stress
• Smoking
• Folic acid deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Luckily, simple home remedies like honey may help manage canker sores. Let us learn how it works in the following section.

Why Honey In Canker Sores?

Honey is known to have beneficial healing qualities (2). If your skin suffers from mild burns, applying honey on the affected area reduces the pain in no less than 10 minutes. When it comes to relieving you of mouth ulcers, honey works well because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

It is said that honey also has antibacterial qualities that help in the suppression of canker sores in your mouth. Honey also helps in the growth of tissues which play a vital role in the healing process of the wounds.

Quick Tip

Always use unprocessed or Manuka honey. It is superior to regular honey in all aspects and has more therapeutic benefits.

Study On Honey As A Canker Sore Healer

A couple of years ago, researchers conducted a study on the efficacy of honey as a canker sore treatment. They divided a batch of 94 people who had canker sores into three groups. To the first group of people, researchers gave commercial honey as a medicine to relieve mouth ulcers. To the second group, they gave an oral cream. The last and the third group got a medicinal paste to cure mouth ulcer.

Each one had to use their medicine three times a day.

Interestingly, those who used honey were pleasantly surprised to note the ulcer being healed. The healing signs were visible in just four days. The other two groups didn’t report any progress. Their wounds didn’t seem to heal even a bit (3).

It was then that the healing properties of honey in the case of canker sores were made clear.

Raine Pal, a blogger, shared that she developed a canker sore that prevented her from eating properly and how she treated it. She writes, “One of the easiest ways to get rid of canker sores is to put a teaspoon of honey and run it all around each and every corner and crevice of your mouth. Honey is an extremely soothing substance; especially for skin that has become sore. It also has healing properties that can actually help you out (i).” Pal decided to try the remedy and later shared a picture of the sore to show that it was getting better.

How To Use Honey To Heal Canker Sores

Apply organic and raw honey to the sore and leave it on. Repeat the process two to three times a day. Ensure that you also apply raw honey to the sore before bed. Applying honey at night works more effectively because you don’t disturb the medicine by eating or drinking something.

Quick Tip

Alternatively, you can apply a blend of organic honey and coconut oil or aloe vera. Place a cotton ball on the sore to prevent the remedy from mixing with saliva.

Foods You Should Avoid Eating When You Have Canker Sores

It is suggested that you avoid consuming acidic food. It may slow down the healing process of the sores.

If you are frequently plagued with canker sores, the best way to deal with it will be to follow some preventive steps. Scroll down to learn more.

Prevention Tips For Canker Sores

Here are some effective prevention tips for canker sores:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent any injuries.
• Avoid biting the insides of your cheeks to avoid irritation or trauma.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise.
• Consume foods rich in vitamins B12, folic acid, and iron to prevent any deficiencies.
• If you have braces or dental appliances, check them regularly for any sharp edges that could cause injuries or trauma.

Infographic: All You Need To Know About Using Honey On Canker Sores

Canker sores can be painful and uncomfortable, and this is where honey can help. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can support tissue growth and accelerate the recovery process. However, using it properly and taking relevant precautions for optimal results are important. Check out the infographic below for more information!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the white stuff in a canker sore?

The white substance you see in a canker sore is made up of bacteria, white blood cells, and debris from dead tissue.

How long does it take for a canker sore to heal?

The majority of canker sores fade away on their own within a few days to a week. Consult a doctor if the canker sore is painful and especially large or if it persists for more than two weeks.

Can a doctor do anything for a canker sore?

Yes. A doctor may recommend a topical medicine, such as a gel or a cream, or a specific mouthwash to help heal the canker sore.

Is canker sore contagious?

No, canker sores are not contagious.

Can you put Manuka honey on mouth ulcers?

Yes, you can apply Manuka honey on mouth ulcers.

Illustration: How To Use Honey To Heal Canker Sores?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Say goodbye to the discomfort of canker sores with this invaluable video. Learn practical tips and effective remedies to swiftly heal those pesky mouth ulcers. Check it out!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. SabaBHMS, MD

   

Dr. Saba is a gold medalist with 6+ years of clinical experience. She specializes in treating both chronic and acute illnesses of all kinds. She also has three years of experience as a homeopathic editor, instructional designer, and subject matter expert.

Read full bio of Dr. Saba

Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

Read full bio of Kushneet Kukreja

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma