Learn about Natural Healing for Mouth Sores Caused by Chemotherapy

Learn about Natural Healing for Mouth Sores Caused by Chemotherapy
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Mouth Sores

Chemotherapy drugs are intended to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells but unfortunately they kill other cells that grow rapidly (constantly being replaced), including those that line the inside of the mouth. Because of this, the mouth has a difficult time fending off germs and sores develop.

Mouth sores (mucositis) usually appear a few days after chemotherapy begins and can develop on any soft tissue, including the roof and floor of the mouth, tongue, gums, and lips. They can be painful and can make it hard to talk, eat, and swallow. Normally they go away within 2-3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy treatment. Until then, there are natural measures that can be taken to help relieve pain and speed up healing time.

Natural Healing for Mouth Sores Caused by Chemotherapy

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is rich in nutrients and is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for many years to treat skin conditions like burns and can be an effective treatment for chemotherapy mouth sores. Swish aloe vera juice in your mouth and spit out. Do this 3 times a day. Do not swallow because this can cause diarrhea.

German Chamomile

German chamomile (not to be confused with Roman chamomile) may decrease the size and severity of mouth sores and help prevent them. Add 10-15 drops of liquid extract to 1/2 cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with this solution. Do this 3 times a day. Do not use if you have an allergy to ragweed.

Sage and Thyme

In Latin, sage means “to heal” and during medieval times, thyme was given to warriors to bring them courage. Both herbs act as an astringent by tightening tissues. This helps reduce inflammation and prevent infections. To make sage or thyme tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh herb or 1 teaspoon of dried herb, cover, steep for 20 minutes, and strain. Use as a mouth rinse 2-3 times a day.

Beta-carotene

In one trial, participants who took beta-carotene (about 400,000 IU per day for 3 weeks, then 125,000 IU per day for 4 weeks) suffered chemotherapy mouth sores but they developed later and they tended to be less severe than those who did not take beta-carotene.

Vitamin E

Not all studies have shown vitamin E to be an effective treatment, but some have had very good results. Puncture a 400 IU capsule, squeeze out the oil onto a swab, and gently apply to the sores. Do this twice a day. Use the d-alpha tocopherol form instead of tocopheryl forms (these may not work when applied to body surfaces).

Before trying natural healing for mouth sores caused by chemotherapy, talk with your health care provider first.

Sources Used

MayoClinic: Mouth sores: Cancer-related causes and how to cope - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mouth-sores/ca00054

The Cure Our Children Foundation: Mouth Sores: Causes, Treatments, and Potential New Treatments - https://www.cureourchildren.org/mouthsores.htm

University of Michigan Health System: Chemotherapy - https://health.med.umich.edu/healthcontent.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&AEProductID=hw_cam&AEArticleID=hn-1103000

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine (NLM).