How to Treat Canker Sores With Goldenseal Tea
Goldenseal is a plant touted for its medicinal properties. It contains hydrazine and berberine, mild astringents and antiseptics that may soothe canker sores. By simply swishing this strong tea in your mouth, you can dull the intense pain often associated with these mouth ulcers. Be careful not to swallow this tea, as it can be toxic in large quantities or over a long period of time. Pregnant women should not treat themselves with goldenseal.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Chop up a handful of goldenseal root. Place the goldenseal root in the square of cheesecloth and tie the corners together securely.
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2
Place the bundle of goldenseal in a mug and pour the boiling water over the bundle. Let the goldenseal seep for about five minutes.
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3
Fish the bundle out of the mug and set it aside. The bundle can be used again later that same day. Let the tea cool for about 15 minutes.
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4
Take a mouthful of tea and swish it around near the canker sore. Spit out the tea into the sink. Repeat several times until the pain lessens.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you do not have fresh or dried goldenseal root on hand, health food stores often sell it in a chopped or powdered form. If it is in powdered form, double up on the cheesecloth so more goldenseal root stays in the cloth.
If the tea doesn't dull the pain, apply the cheesecloth satchel containing the wet goldenseal root to the canker sore. Leave it on for about five minutes, then remove it from your mouth. Do not ingest the goldenseal root or suck on the satchel.
Pregnant women should not use goldenseal in any form. It can induce labor.
Do not swallow strong goldenseal tea or use it for longer than a few days. In large quantities or over an extended period of time, goldenseal can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other serious side effects. Check with a doctor if you have any preexisting health issues that could be irritated by goldenseal.
