Treatments for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition in the Western world, and the condition is one that is not especially responsive to conventional treatments. Although poorly researched, there are many botanicals that have a long history of use in traditional medicine. These remedies, combined with dietary and other changes, are reportedly able to both soothe an acute outbreak as well as preventing recurrences. The remedies are benign, and practitioners should be comfortable using them while, we hope, these herbs are studied further to determine the extent of benefit they provide for patients with this condition. Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola) root, Glycyrrhiza spp. (licorice) root, Coptis spp. (goldthread) root, Coptis chinensis (huang lian) root, Phytolacca americana (poke root), Eupatorium laevigatum (eupatorium; now frequently called Chromolaena laevigatu) herb, Alchemilla vulgaris (lady’s mantle) leaf, Myrtus communis (myrtle) leaf, Spilanthes acmella (toothache plant) herb, and Echinacea spp. (purple coneflower) root or herb are all discussed as potential treatments in this article.