The open sores which appear in the mouth are called as mouth ulcers. They are white or yellow in color, and are generally accompanied with a sharp pain, which is felt most when the person is eating. The pain is quite acute when salty or spicy food passes over the ulcer. Mouth ulcers can occur anywhere in the mouth on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate and at the base of the gums.

Mouth ulcers are caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. The condition is called as Mukha Paaka in Sanskrit. There are several factors that can cause it. Some of them are as follows:-

1 Wrong diet
2 Digestive problems such as constipation
3 Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty in girls
4 Anemia
5 Constant stress
6 Hereditary factors
7 Infection of the herpes simplex virus
8 Irritation by some chemicals, tobacco and alcohol

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)
A decoction of the bark of the banyan tree reduces the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

2. Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)
The chebulic myrobalan is a component of the Triphala choorna, of which the amalaki is also an essential component. Its bark helps in reducing the pain of the ulcers. It also helps in correcting the constipation problems which causes ulcers.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek leaves help in the treatment of mouth ulcers. An infusion of these leaves is used for gargling. Fenugreek is a strong agent on the ulcers. Hence it is used as a remedy for recurrent ulcers.

4. Henna (Lawsonium alba)
Henna is a cooling herb. It can provide a soothing effect on the ulcers. It is used with water for gargling.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
The Indian gooseberry or amalaki has a dual effect on ulcers. Used as a gargling solution, it can relax the pain of the ulcers. Secondly it can deal with constipation, which is generally one of the important factors causing ulcers in the mouth.

6. Kattha (Acacia catechu)
Kattha is an extract of the Acacia catechu plant, known commonly in the west as the catechu plant. This has astringent properties. It has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine in oral treatment. It is used in many forms for the treatment of ulcers.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is used for several oral and dental problems. It is a component of several toothpaste brands. Its stem and leaves cleanse the mouth effectively. Apart from controlling the sores, it can refresh the mouth and cleanse the teeth.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is also a cooling agent. It helps in relieving mouth ulcers. It is mixed in water and the suspension is used for gargling.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Digestive problems are the leading causes for mouth ulcers. If an oral ulcer occurs suddenly, then it could be due to excessive heat generated in the body due to consuming hot food.