Can you eat garlic if you have a mouth ulcer?

Jun 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I developed a mouth ulcer half a month ago, and it hasn't healed yet. Today, a friend invited me to go out for grilled skewers. I like eating them with raw garlic, so may I ask: can I eat garlic when I have a mouth ulcer?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
It is generally not recommended to consume garlic when suffering from oral ulcers. Oral ulcers are mucosal lesions in the mouth characterized by ulcerated areas on the oral mucosa, accompanied by pain. Although garlic has various health benefits such as detoxification, promoting intestinal health, aiding weight loss, and lowering blood glucose, it is considered warm in nature and pungent in taste, and contains irritants like allicin. Excessive consumption may irritate the oral mucosa and worsen ulcer symptoms. Specifically, individuals with oral ulcers should avoid spicy and irritating foods such as garlic to prevent aggravating the ulceration. It is advisable for patients to maintain a light diet during episodes of oral ulcers and increase intake of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and apples, to promote healing. Additionally, patients can choose appropriate treatments based on the underlying cause, such as applying medications like Bingbor Powder or Guilin Watermelon Frost to the affected area, or taking oral supplements like vitamin C tablets or cydiodine lozenges.