Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamaemelum nobile) has a long history of traditional use for various oral health conditions, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). The rationale for its use stems from its well-documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mild analgesic properties, which are attributed to compounds such as chamazulene, bisabolol, and flavonoids. In traditional medicine, chamomile is commonly prepared as a tea or topical rinse and applied to the affected mucosa to soothe irritation and promote healing.

Scientific evidence supporting chamomile’s effectiveness for canker sores is limited and generally of low quality. A handful of small clinical trials and case reports suggest that chamomile mouthwashes or topical gels may reduce pain and accelerate healing of aphthous ulcers compared to placebo, although these studies often suffer from methodological limitations such as small sample size, lack of blinding, or short follow-up duration. For instance, a 2010 randomized controlled trial found that a chamomile extract mouthwash led to significant improvement in pain and ulcer size; however, more robust research is needed to confirm these findings.

Overall, while chamomile’s use for canker sores is primarily justified by traditional practices, there is some preliminary scientific support. Chamomile preparations are generally safe, but allergic reactions can occur, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Chamomile may be considered as an adjunctive therapy, but should not replace evidence-based treatments for recurrent or severe cases.

More about chamomile
More about Canker Sores

Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

Other health conditions supported by chamomile

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