Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
 Cold sores appear on the lips, roof of the mouth or gums and are
fluid filled blisters that are quite painful. They are contagious and
are due to the virus herpes simplex. An indicator of the possibility of
such a viral infection is felt a day or two before the sores appear, and
the signs are pain and tingling in the area. These sores will normally
go away after seven or ten days, but while they are there they can be
quite painful and irritating. Canker sores exhibit similar symptoms but
are not contagious.
Cold sores can be treated using natural remedies and this is a method
that will have no side effects.
Using Lysine
This is available in the form of supplements or ointments.
Supplements containing 1000 mg of lysine shorten the duration of the
cold sores. Research has indicated that in 87 percent of patients
treated with Lysine ointment were completely cured of the cold sores
within six days. Lysine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for
the body and is normally ingested through food or supplements. It helps
to produce infection fighting antibodies so essential to inhibit the
spread of the Herpes Simplex virus that causes the cold sores. Food
containing lysine includes red meat, eggs, cheese, milk and fish besides
other items.
 Using Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has the necessary anti viral properties so essential for
fighting the virus that causes cold sores. Healing time is reduced to 5
days from the 10 days that such cold sores generally require to heal.
Regular application of the lemon balm is also known to reduce the
frequency of occurrence. The virus is known to lie dormant in hosts and
recur when conditions are favorable for it. Lemon balm has the Latin
name of Melissa Officinalis.
Using Reishi and Astralagus
Reishi is a type of mushroom that has traditionally been used in
Asian medicine and does not allow the spread of the herpes virus.
Extracts of this mushroom are available in tablet form and a dosage of
600 mg twice a day is known to be very effective for cold sores. An herb
called astralagus, used in traditional Chinese medicine and as an
accompaniment to reishi improves the immunity of the person who has
fallen prey to the herpes virus.
A word of caution is necessary regarding reishi. It delays blood
clotting and is therefore contra indicated for any persons who have such
related problems with blood clotting.
Using Resveratrol
This is a compound found in abundance in red grapes and has proved
during clinical trials to be effective against the Herpes Simplex virus
that causes cold sores. A cream containing resveratrol applied up to
five times a day on cold sores suppressed their development if care was
taken to start the treatment within 6 hours of being infected by the
herpes that causes the cold sores. The advantage of this cream is that
there are practically no side effects and clinical safety is guaranteed.
Using Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has the property that it penetrates the skin and has a
direct effect on the Herpes virus that is causing the cold sores. It is
easily absorbed into the skin and overdosing with this oil has to be
guarded against. Peppermint oil should never be taken orally.
These are just a few of the natural remedies that are effective in
the treatment of cold sores caused by the Herpes virus. There are others
which have proved just as effective. Natural remedies have never any
substantive side effects and can be safely used. Consulting a medical
practitioner is advised if the patient is already undergoing treatment
for other long term diseases as some of these natural ingredients may
cause diverse reactions.
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