Evidence supporting the use of: Guazuma ulmifolia
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Guazuma ulmifolia, commonly known as "Guazuma" or "West Indian Elm," is traditionally used in various cultures, especially in Central and South America, for its medicinal properties. Its use for canker sores (aphthous ulcers) is primarily based on folk medicine practices rather than robust scientific studies. Traditional applications typically involve using infusions or decoctions of the bark or leaves as mouth rinses to alleviate pain and promote healing of oral lesions, including canker sores.
The rationale for this use comes from the plant's known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as documented in ethnobotanical surveys and a limited number of laboratory studies. The bark and leaves of Guazuma ulmifolia contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which are compounds associated with reducing inflammation and inhibiting microbial growth—properties that could theoretically help in managing canker sores. However, direct clinical evidence specifically evaluating its effectiveness for treating canker sores in humans is lacking. Most available references in the scientific literature discuss its general anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects, without targeted clinical trials for oral aphthous ulcers.
In summary, the use of Guazuma ulmifolia for canker sores is justified by traditional practices and plausible biological activities, but scientific validation for this particular indication is limited. The evidence supporting its effectiveness for canker sores is therefore rated as low to moderate (2/5).
Other ingredients used for Canker Sores
aloe verabamboo
basil
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
blackberry
bасора
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
dog rose
folate
ginger
horseradish
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
milk
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
pineapple
plantain
rhizome
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
triphala
vitamin B12
vitamin C
zinc
yellow root
squawvine
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
myrrh
siler root
hyacinth bean
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Collinsonia
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
Glycolic acid
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Oak
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Guazuma ulmifolia
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Kidney Infection
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores