Frequent mouth ulcers are a warning sign, ignoring them can be costly and may lead to serious illness

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Mouth ulcers are often ignored as a minor issue and commonly linked to body heat, but this belief is not entirely correct. Mouth ulcers can occur due to several underlying reasons, and if they keep recurring, they can become painful and troublesome. Burning sensation and pain make eating and drinking difficult, and in some cases, even speaking becomes uncomfortable. Here, we explain the causes of mouth ulcers along with simple remedies.

Recurring mouth ulcers are not normal and may indicate poor digestion. Weak digestion affects not only the stomach but also the mouth, intestines, liver, and other organs. According to Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are associated with an imbalance of pitta. When pitta increases in the body, ulcers develop. If the condition worsens, ulcers may spread towards the throat and can even lead to stomach ulcers. Other causes include excessive body heat, vitamin B12 deficiency, constipation, spicy food, and oral infections.

Ayurveda suggests several remedies to manage mouth ulcers. First, consuming licorice (mulethi) powder mixed with honey twice a day helps keep the stomach cool. Second, Triphala powder taken with lukewarm water at night reduces body heat and relieves constipation. A clean digestive system helps prevent frequent mouth ulcers.

Third, coconut water is naturally cooling and helps improve digestion. Drinking coconut water twice a day is beneficial. If ulcers are severe, applying a mixture of sugar candy (mishri) and ghee on the tongue at night can reduce burning. Gargling with alum mixed in water also helps reduce oral infection.

Along with remedies, dietary precautions are essential. Avoid hot and spicy foods, and prefer cooling and liquid foods. Include curd, buttermilk, and seasonal fruits in the diet. If mouth ulcers do not heal within seven days, recur frequently, or cause severe pain, medical advice should be taken immediately.