MOUTH ULCER – NOT THAT SIMPLE

What is Mouth Ulcer?

Mouth Ulcer also called Herpangina, is a painful mouth infection caused by coxsackie viruses.  Mouth Ulcer are normally small, painful lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Most of the people think that it is a simple condition which is not a considerable concern at all. But, it is not true – there are people suffering from mouth ulcer regularly without knowing how to solve it. Mouth ulcer can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. It is very common and most of the people have come across with the condition at least once in their life time. It last for around 1 or 2 weeks but many get rid earlier also. If it persist for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Types: Minor & Major

Causes: viral infections, vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, stress and anxiety, hormonal changes, usage of certain foods and certain types of toothpaste. 

Symptoms: painful sores on part of the skin lining the mouth, swollen skin around the sores, sensitive to salt, sour and spicy food, difficulty in chewing the food and brushing the teeth etc.

The whole world is fighting against Covid-19 and most of the people are getting fascinated towards Herbal Decoction (Kashaya) to build their immunity. At times, these Decoctions tend to increase the body temperature which can be one of the reason for developing mouth ulcers. This is a temporary condition which can be resolved by following the remedies suggested below.

Home Remedies:

1.         Grate small quantity of fresh coconut, squeeze and take milk out of it.

Mix it with 3-4 drops of honey and apply on the sour area regularly.

2.         Intake of tender coconut helps to reduce body heat.

3.         Barley ganji (Gruel) helps in recovery of mouth ulcer.

4.         Salt water gargling helps in soothing mouth ulcer. Antiseptic property of salt helps in faster healing.

5.         Orange juice twice a day helps to heal mouth ulcer as it contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency is considered to be one of the reasons for mouth ulcer. Also, vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps your body fight all kinds of infections, including mouth ulcer.  (People with sore throat or throat irritation are suggested to avoid oranges). 

5 best Acupressure Points to manage mouth ulcer:

Give 5-7 minutes of medium pressure on the shown points twice a day.

Acupuncture Approach:

(Note: Non acupuncturist can skip this content but please use Acupressure points to avail health benefits)

 

As per Acupuncture, herpangina / mouth ulcer falls under Throat disorders. Treatment focuses on clearing heat and wind. In the TCM book of laryngology, it is said that “In throat inflammation, lung and stomach gets affected with wind evil. As a result, there might be deep-lying heat mixed with wind evil, leading to the blockage of qi and blood. Meanwhile, wind-phlegm may harass the upper body and produce toxic heat in the throat.” During acupuncture treatment we focus of clearing the meridians and activate Qi and blood circulation. Once the Qi and blood circulation are free, wind-phlegm and toxic heat can be removed.  

Other Suggestions:

1.      Avoid coffee & Tea.

2.      See to that, the digestive process is well in control

3.      Stop eating spicy and junk food.

4.      Have lot of cucumbers.

5.      Meditation helps in stress management and in turn helps to reduce mouth ulcer

 

Disclaimer:

This article is an awareness initiative taken in public interest. Readers are advised not to use any information included herein to treat any health problems without knowing the actual health condition. This article is the combination of theoretical knowledge, patient’s feedback, self-experience and opinion. We recommend consulting a Doctor when in doubt or otherwise. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the contents of this article.