Conditions:
Canker Sores

Principal Proposed Treatments
  • Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Other Proposed Treatments
  • Acidophilus, Calendula, Vitamin B1

Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth caused by an assortment of viruses. A susceptibility to canker sores tends to run in families. No successful conventional treatment is available.

Principal Proposed Treatments for Canker Sores

A chemically altered form of the herb licorice known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be useful in canker sores.

DGL is best known as a useful treatment for ulcers. One preliminary study suggests that DGL might help relieve the discomfort of canker sores as well.¹ The main problem with DGL is that it must be sucked to coat the canker sores, and some people find its taste objectionable.

For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full licorice article.

Other Proposed Treatments for Canker Sores

Other herbs and supplements sometimes recommended for canker sores include acidophilus, calendula, and vitamin B₁, but there is little evidence as yet that they are effective.

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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