Abscesses and Sores

Mouth, Cheek and Gums

Mouth Sore Brush-off

Research shows that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the detergent commonly found in commercial toothpastes, may dry out the lining of the mouth and gums. Without this protective layer, foods and drinks that are highly acidic can attack sensitive gums and cheeks. To protect your teeth -and your mouth -switch to a toothpaste that doesn't contain SLS.

You can also use homemade toothpaste: Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, and dip your brush into the paste.

Natural Winter-Ready Therapies

The coldest season brings on the highest number of cold and canker sores. Aromatherapists suggest applying tea tree oil at first outbreak, then three or four times each day. Some cold sufferers also claim that zinc lozenges (commonly used to alleviate cold symptoms) have worked to calm down canker outbreaks.

Raspberry Relief

Herbalists all over swear by highly astringent raspberry leaf gargle for soothing mouth sores. To prepare this beneficial rinse:

1. Add a heaping teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves (available at health food stores and tea shops) to a cup of boiled water.
2. Let the tea steep for 30 minutes, then strain.

Gargle a mouthful for one minute, three times a day. By the next day, you will see­and feel- results. This soothing gargle will also relieve angry abscessed areas and the irritation caused by new braces.

Note: Keep the tea refrigerated between treatments, and make up a new cup for each day's use.

Lysine Cure for Viral Sores

For speedy healing of mouth sores associated with a viral infection, supplement your diet with lysine tablets. Lysine is an amino acid that blocks arginine, another amino acid that fuels the herpes virus. Lysine tablets are available in most health food stores and nutrition centers. Take a 500 mg dose three times a day until the sore disappears.

Tea for Two Treatments

The herbal balm for healing a herpes out-break? Lemon balm. It's rich in antiviral properties that battle the herpes virus. Look for tea bags in your health food store. You may drink up to three cups a day. For an effective spot treatment, place a lemon balm tea bag that's been soaked in warm water directly onto the blisters for 15 minutes.

A Goldenseal Heal

Rinse your mouth out with goldenseal tea. Goldenseal is a popular herb used to treat colds and boost the immune system. Why? It contains a natural antibiotic known as berberine, making it a great solution for sores and spots associated with infection and illness. Brew tea from a teaspoon of dried goldenseal and hot water, then strain and refrigerate the liquid. Use the chilled tea as a mouth rinse, three to four times a day until the area is healed.

Skin Sores

Go Bananas!

If a skin irritation is driving you crazy, go to the produce store and buy some extremely ripe bananas. The bananas' enzymes and high sugar content will kill bacteria, help draw out toxins and dry up any "weeping" or oozing associated with a sickly sore.

Mash up the fruit or scrape the inside of the peel, then apply it directly onto the sore. Cover the area with gauze and surgical tape. Leave the treatment on overnight-uncovering and cleaning the area in the morning-and you'll see much improvement.

Tea Tree Treatment

Tea tree oil, found in health food stores and in pharmacies, is an antidote to skin irritations: Its antimicrobial properties make it a powerful antidote to all sorts of abscessed areas. (It is also widely used in aromatherapy to lift moods.) For abscesses, apply a drop directly to the area with a cotton swab in the morning, and again in the evening.

Casting Call for Plaster of Paris

The material that makes up plaster casts for broken bones contains some valuable, often overlooked healing properties, according to homeopathic doctors. Plaster of paris, or calcium sulfate, is a tissue salt (in the medical sense) that acts as a blood cleanser and wound healer to treat abscesses and "weepy" sores.

Note: This remedy may promote discharge at first, but that's normal in the healing process. Suggested dilution is 6C, or as labeled on the homeopathic product packaging.