Cold sores can be truly miserable. Fortunately, natural remedies can help you treat it and Build your health, support your immune system, just apply the remedies to your skin, and you will reap the results. You too can defeat cold sores forever.
I have seen many people completely heal from this mouth problem. Cold sores usually appear on the upper body, mainly around the lips and mouth, but they can appear anywhere on the skin, including the tongue.
First, before I list all the remedies and natural treatment let us understand what causes this blister virus and the symptoms that may emerge.
Cold sore causes
Cold sores are also known as fever blisters given their appearance. Most cold sores are caused by HSV-1, also known as Herpes Simplex Virus often last little over a week and then clear up on their own.
Also, The virus that causes cold sore is usually passed by a kiss, shared cutlery like a spoon or other close contact.
Also, Over the counter, ointment or medication and natural remedies may help ease pain and any discomfort that may arise by day or night and promote healing.
Cold sore symptoms
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that the first outbreak of the virus typically occurs within 2 to 20 days after exposure.
The initial outbreak of HSV-1 is normally the most severe one.
Symptoms include:
- fever
- muscle pain
- sore throat
- headache
- tiredness
- swollen glands
How long do cold sores last
The above symptoms normally occur along with the onset of cold sores. They can last 3 to 4 days.
Cold sores home remedies
Compounds that are antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting are often good for treating cold sores.
Some remedies help limit the spread of the blisters virus. Others reduce the chance of further infections or decrease pain and discomfort.
Natural remedies for cold sores
Not every treatment works for every individual, but I have listed a wide range of natural remedy/products that may help you reduce symptoms and prevent future occurrence.
These include:
1. lip balms with at least 1 percent lemon balm
Lemon balm is used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products. Also, Lemon balm is used to relieve pain including toothache. The balm is known for is calmy effects and is used for sores.
Just apply it to your skin to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) Use it with a cotton swab three or four times a day for best results.
2. lemon tea and lemon tea compresses
As we all know, lemon is nature’s antiseptic. Lemon tea possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, and so, regular consumption helps in treating and healing infections and diseases.
Squeeze out the dregs, and apply the dregs directly to the sore, allowing the mass to remain for an hour or two. Alternatively, you may soak a cotton ball in the tea itself, and apply that right to the blister.
3. peppermint, mint, and witch hazel oil
Get a few drops of peppermint oil and dilute it with almond oil, can be applied to the sore. One study finds out that peppermint oil might be useful in treating recurrent herpes infections.
Also, Another test-tube study showed that witch hazel oil extract stops the activity of herpes simplex virus 1, which is often the main cause behind cold sores.
For this reason, witch hazel oil is often applied topically as a natural remedy to help fight cold sores and relieve symptoms.
witch hazel oil
3. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is one of the cheapest beauty ingredients that you can get at home. It benefits your skin and hair. Aloe vera leave contains a lot of antioxidants and has an antibacterial effect.
Just apply the aloe vera gel to soothe the inflamed sores, inflamed sores while providing crucial moisture.
4. licorice root and licorice powder
4. licorice root and licorice powder
Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, or licorice root extract, is also effective against bacteria that can infect the skin, according to a study in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
licorice root, which contains glycyrrhizic acid, considered to be an antimicrobial activity. The acid has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain and healing time. Just apply the cream directly to the blister as necessary.
Also, you may mix licorice powder with water or petroleum jelly and applied directly to the sores
5. Echinacea
Echinacea has a complex mix of active substances, and also has to be antimicrobial properties, it is also proven to boost our immune system.
As an immune booster, it will be good for you to consumed in tea or supplement form.
6. lysine cream or l-lysine supplements
Alternatively, lysine cream or l-lysine supplements, as l-lysine may boost the immune system and aid cell repair too. lysine cream or l-lysine supplements are available to buy online.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps the body repair damaged skin cells and grow new ones. Just squeeze a vitamin E capsule onto a cotton ball, and place it on the lesion, leaving it in contact as long as possible.
Also, Studies have shown that this method often brings relief from pain within eight hours, and lesions appear to heal more rapidly. This should not be surprising, considering the antioxidant and skin healing values of this vitamin.
Food and vitamin that might help you treat cold sores and repair damaged skin cells
You have to eat a lot of Vitamin-rich food if you want to reduce the occurrence of the virus. Some of the rich food you can eat are nuts, whole wheat, and leafy greens. You can get them online.
Also, Vitamin C can boost levels of white cells, the body's main infection-fighting cells. Vitamin C-rich foods are often red, orange, or deep green in color. These include most berries, tomatoes, peppers, kiwis, broccoli, and spinach.
Cold sores medicine
There are also over the counter (OTC) medications available to treat cold sores symptoms. You can use it for your child too.
- Abreva and Zilactin may help reduce recovery time
- Anbesol and Orajel numb sores, lessening pain
- Zinc oxide creams applied to scabs may kill virus cells released from the sore
- Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol keep cold sores clean
- Pain- and inflammation-reducing medications like ibuprofen can also help you stop the pain and discomfort.
Cold sores treatment
The most commonly prescribed treatments for cold sores are anti-viral tablets and creams. According to the British National Health Service (NHS), creams are usually only effective if applied when the sores first appear.
Prescribed cold sore medications include:
- Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
- Penciclovir (Denavir)
Best essential oils for treating cold sores
Additional home remedies for cold sores is essential oil. If you want to use it to treat cold sores you must dilute it with sweet almond oil or coconut oil. before applying it to the sores.
The best essential oil for sores includes:
- Lavender oil
- Chrysanthemum oil
- Clove oil
- Tea tree oil
- Chamomile oil
- Thyme oil
- Hyssop oil.
Summary
Cold sores are not a friendly thing and can be painful and annoying. The natural remedies and the oils listed here may help decrease symptoms and treat the sores.
Also, Have it in mind that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who regulate medications, do not control the use of essential oils.
So, make sure you discuss this with your certified aromatherapist to find the best brands and uses of various essential oils for cold sores. and seek your doctor to work out additional treatment or remedy that might treat cold sores if it occurs frequently.
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REFERENCES
Harrison, D. A. (2016, March 1). What is herpes keratitis? Retrieved from http://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/herpes-keratitis.
Herpes simplex virus. (2016, January). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/.