Mouth ulcers are those open sores that forms in the mouth. They are yellow or white in color and are accompanied by a sharp pain which affects a person especially when he/she is eating. When salt or spices pass over the mouth ulcer, the pain becomes intense. The mouth ulcers can occur anywhere in a person's mouth, on the inner chicks, palate, lips, on the base of the gums or on the tongue.

The main course of mouth ulcers is due to vitiation on the pitta dosha. In Sanskrit this condition is known as Mukha Paaka. There are several factors that can cause mouth ulcers, some of these are:

• Eating the wrong diet


• Digestive conditions like constipation


• Imbalances in the hormones especially during puberty for girls


• Anemia


• Constant stress


• Hereditary factors


• Chemicals, alcohol or tobacco irritations


• Herpes simplex virus infections

Treatment of mouth ulcers
There are several useful herbs that are used in the treatment of mouth ulcers. These include:
1. Banyan
The bark of the banyan tree is used to reduce the pain that is brought about by the mouth ulcers. This remedy has been in use for several years for the reduction of the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

2. Chebulic Myrobalan
This is a component of the Triphala choorna which also contains the amalaki as one of the important components. The bark of the Chebulic Myrobalan helps in reducing the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

3. Fenugreek
The leaves of the Fenugreek tree helps in the treatment of mouth ulcers. In addition, an infusion of the leaves from this tree is used for gargling. It is thus used as a cure for recurrent ulcers. This is another important medication for mouth ulcers.

4. Henna
This is used to keep a soothing effect to the ulcer since it is a cooling herb. Furthermore, this can be used with water for gargling as well.

5. Indian Gooseberry
Also known as the amalaki, the Indian Gooseberry has two effects on mouth ulcers. First, in the solution form it can be used for gargling and secondly, it is capable of dealing with constipation. Constipation being one of the contributing factors to mouth ulcers, the Indian Gooseberry will work on it accordingly.

6. Kattha
The Acacia catchu tree, commonly known as catechu plant in the west, has an extract called kattha which has a special place in the ayurvedic medicine for oral medication. This tree's extract can be used in different forms in the treatment of mouth ulcers.

7. Licorice
This is used in different dental and oral problems. The Licorice is a combination of several varieties of toothpaste brands. Furthermore, the stems and leaves of the Licorice plant are used in cleaning the mouth. Aside from getting rid of sores in the mouth, the Licorice plant can be used to refresh and cleanse the teeth and mouth.

8. Turmeric
This is another cooling agent that is vital in relieving the pain caused by mouth ulcers.