Canker sores that recur several times a year usually come from digestive or colon problems, showing up as inflammation or an immune issue, such as Behçet's disease. There is a mushroom that boosts the immune system: the truffle. Here in the Arabian Peninsula this mushroom is very rare; it can be found in the souks, but it is only sold when lightning strikes. According to clinical experience, there are two hundred medicinal mushrooms in the world. Among them, the one best known for treating canker sores is the Chinese mushroom "maitake," which boosts the immune system and helps the person fight off everything harmful in their body.
What the science says: mouth and teeth, medicinal mushrooms, boosting immunity
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Mouth and teeth
Siwak reduces plaque and gum inflammation (Saudi Med J, 2015) (J Ethnopharmacol, 2022); propolis is being studied for oral health (J Funct Biomater, 2024), and honey for mouth sores. Saltwater rinses, clove for tooth pain, less sugar: the basics. Precaution: a cavity, an abscess, or a gum that bleeds persistently should be treated by a dentist — natural remedies bring relief in the meantime, they do not repair the underlying problem.
Medicinal mushrooms
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and other medicinal mushrooms contain beta-glucans and triterpenes with immunomodulatory effects, critically reviewed (Phytother Res, 2021) (Biomolecules, 2022) (Molecules, 2023) — which is why they have a place in the immune-support courses the professor recommends. Precaution: check quality and origin; use caution if taking immunosuppressant drugs or anticoagulants or before surgery; take as 2- to 3-month courses rather than continuously.
Boosting immunity
Echinacea reduces the risk and duration of the common cold according to meta-analyses (Lancet Infect Dis, 2007) (Clin Ther, 2006); vitamin D in people who are deficient (BMJ, 2017), zinc taken at the first symptoms, and cough-soothing plants (Forsch Komplementmed, 2015) round out the natural arsenal — alongside the honey, black seed, and hive products the professor values. Precaution: echinacea is not advised for people with an autoimmune disease or on immunosuppressant treatment; a persistent high fever or breathing difficulty calls for a medical consultation.
