Synopsis

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

Myrrh has been traditionally used as a remedy for oral health issues, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers), for centuries. Historical records indicate that myrrh resin was employed in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese medicine for its purported antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a common ingredient in mouthwashes and pastes intended to soothe oral lesions. The rationale behind its use is that myrrh’s bitter compounds may help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in the oral mucosa.

Modern scientific evidence supporting myrrh’s efficacy for canker sores is limited but suggestive. Some small studies and in vitro research demonstrate that myrrh extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which could theoretically benefit oral ulcers. For example, a few clinical trials have compared myrrh-based gels or rinses to placebo or standard treatments and found modest improvements in pain relief and healing time. However, these studies often suffer from small sample sizes, lack of rigorous controls, and variability in preparation and dosing. As a result, while traditional use is well-documented and some preliminary scientific data exist, robust clinical evidence is lacking.

In summary, myrrh’s use for canker sores is primarily supported by tradition, with a modest (2/5) level of evidence from modern research. It remains a popular natural remedy, but further, larger-scale clinical trials are needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety for this specific condition.

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