Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Pepper—whether black pepper (Piper nigrum) or cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum or Capsicum frutescens)—has traditional uses in folk remedies for a variety of ailments, including canker sores (aphthous ulcers). In some cultures, pepper or pepper-based pastes are applied directly to the sore with the belief that the spice’s irritant effect will stimulate circulation and promote healing, or that its antimicrobial properties might help prevent secondary infection. However, scientific validation for this practice is extremely limited. The available evidence is largely anecdotal, and there are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews supporting the efficacy or safety of pepper for treating canker sores. In fact, the irritant properties of pepper (especially capsaicin in chili peppers) can cause burning and discomfort, which may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals. Some small studies have explored the use of capsaicin-containing preparations for oral pain, but these are not specific to canker sores, and results are inconclusive. Overall, the use of pepper for canker sores is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific backing, and is generally not recommended by medical professionals due to the risk of irritation.

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Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

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