Tissue-Soothing Mouthwash for Cancer Care Support

Our new Holistic Cancer Care Course provides numerous herbal strategies and recipes to add a layer of support and help ease your journey.

The mucosal tissue that lines the mouth and the entire gastrointestinal tract is particularly susceptible to damage and inflammation as a side effect of radiation and many forms of chemotherapy. Oral mucositis can lead to sores in the mouth and throat, pain and difficulty with swallowing and talking, and excess secretion of mucus and saliva; it can also create a predisposition for infection. More severe mucositis can make it very painful to eat, so weight loss and malnutrition are secondary concerns.

Intestinal mucositis is a common cause of treatment-induced diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

It’s true that poor oral health can worsen mucositis. You may need to avoid flossing, but gentle brushing and use of a non-irritating mouthwash should be part of a daily routine. Most commercial mouthwash contains alcohol and other irritating ingredients, so opt for a simple saltwater rinse or this mouthwash recipe shared above several times a day, including after meals.

This text and recipe are excerpted from our brand new Holistic Cancer Care Course! This course combines clinically backed research with thoughtful guidance from holistic cancer practitioners and doctors, integrative nutritionists, experienced clinical herbalists, and compassionate caregivers so you can replace research with rest.