Need Advice on Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Recurrent Mouth Ulcers - #1336
I’ve been struggling with painful mouth ulcers for as long as I can remember. They appear on the inside of my cheeks and lips, making it hard to eat or even talk sometimes. The ulcers usually last for about a week, but they keep coming back every month. I’ve tried using over-the-counter gels, but they only numb the pain for a while without actually helping them heal faster. I’m curious if there’s an Ayurvedic approach that works better for treating and preventing mouth ulcers. I’ve read about using Gandusha (oil pulling) and herbs like Yashtimadhu (licorice root) and Triphala. Does anyone have experience with these or know of the best Ayurvedic medicine specifically for mouth ulcers? Any tips on dietary changes or home remedies that helped would also be appreciated.
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Doctors’ responses
As an Ayurveda doctor, I understand that recurring mouth ulcers can be painful and disruptive. In Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are often seen as a manifestation of Pitta imbalance, particularly when there is excess heat or acidity in the body. To address this, we focus on cooling and soothing treatments. Gandusha (oil pulling) with sesame or coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and bacteria, while also balancing Pitta dosha. Herbs like Yashtimadhu (licorice root) are known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and can help speed up the healing process. Triphala, a well-known Ayurvedic blend, supports digestion and detoxification, which can be helpful in preventing recurring ulcers. Additionally, dietary changes can be key—avoiding spicy, acidic, or fried foods, and incorporating cooling foods like cucumbers, coconut, and leafy greens can help manage the underlying causes. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding stress are also important, as stress and dehydration can trigger or worsen ulcers. In some cases, a combination of these remedies, along with local applications like a paste of turmeric or honey, can provide relief and prevent future outbreaks. However, for personalized treatment, it’s always good to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a plan for you.
Mouth ulcers can be a real pain—literally! In Ayurveda, they’re often linked to pitta dosha imbalance and poor agni (digestive fire). First off, Gandusha or oil pulling is indeed helpful. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for about 10-15 minutes, then spit it out. This can help keep the mouth clean and reduce inflammation.
Yashtimadhu (licorice root) is fantastic for ulcers. You can make a decoction by boiling a teaspoon of licorice powder in a cup of water, reduce it by half, let cool, and use that as a mouth rinse a few times a day. Alternatively, chewing a small piece of the root might also soothe the ulcer.
Triphala is great, not just for it’s detoxifying properties but also for balancing the doshas. If you’re okay with it, take a teaspoon of Triphala churna with warm water before bed, which helps regulate digestion and thereby tackle the root cause.
Diet matters hugely here! Avoid overly spicy, sour, and fried foods—they aggravate pitta. Instead, go for cooling and soothing foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and cilantro. Oh, and stay hydrated; drinking cool coconut water can be soothing too!
Stress has a way of inviting these ulcers, so try some relaxing practices like yoga or meditation—whatever floats your boat.
For any herbs or remedies, it’s wise to check in with an Ayurvedic practitioner close by, you might also benefit from personalized advice based on your unique body type and current health status.
Kepp in mind, if the ulcers persistently painful or large, it’s best to seek conventional medical advice to rule out underlying issues. Ayurveda complements, but doesn’t replace medical advice.

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