Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sores, fever blisters, mouth herpes, oral herpes or herpes labialis are the same thing. Cold sores are viral infections caused by herpes simplex 1 virus. Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex 2. Fever blisters normally breakout on the face around the mouth and especially on the lower or upper lips.

There is no cure for herpes labialis but there are ways to prevent and control the infection. The herpes simplex virus type 1 is contagious. Once herpes simplex virus 1 has entered the body through the mucosal tissue, it will travel through the system and remain at the base of the spine.

The virus is transmitted from skin to skin contact with someone who is infected either through oral sex or intercourse. Sometimes, a baby can get infected with the virus when an infected person whose virus is active smooches him. Women who are infected may transmit the virus to their newborns during delivery.

The common first few early symptoms of cold sores are feeling itchy, tingling or having a burning sensation at the lips area. If a person is aware of the signs and symptoms, she can take immediate remedies for cold sores to prevent major outbreak or shorten the duration. This is by using medications to apply topically and taken orally.

The sores may appear as little bumps and then erupt into sores and scabs. When an outbreak happens, it can last from a week to two weeks. The sores cause lots of irritation, pain, discomfort and embarrassment and those are some of the reasons for looking for remedies for cold sores. Some sufferers get about 8 to 12 times of fever blisters a year.

By taking immediate action once the signs and symptoms of oral herpes show up, you can try to prevent an outbreak. If the sore has appeared, you can try some home remedies to speed up healing and avoid the sores from infecting unaffected areas.

Try these home remedies in getting rid of cold sores.

The numbing method.

Place an ice cube on the affected area. Place it directly on the tingling area for about 15 minutes. Repeat this home remedy for fever blisters several times a day and it may prevent an outbreak. You can also try this method once the sore shows up as it could help shorten the duration.

Placing a wet and chilled tea bag on the affected area is one of the remedies for cold sores that may work. The tannin in black tea has antiviral properties and may help treat the viral infection.

Dab the sores.

You must keep the sores dry as much as possible when they start to break. Then try to use the following natural herbal creams to dab on the sores.

1. Lemon balm - apply it topically. It may help reduce and soothe the pain and discomfort of oral herpes. Apply the cream, ointment or lemon balm liquid extract several times a day and repeat it for several days.
   
   
   
2. Witch hazel salve - witch hazel ointment may help reduce the size of the sores and also prevent the spread of the virus.
   
   
   
3. Cream or liquid licorice root extract - dab the extract several times a day to help reduce the pain and speed the healing process.
   
   
   
4. Lysine ointment - lysine is a type of protein and is found in foods such as yogurt, papaya, goat's milk, cheese, apples, beets and apricot. Studies have shown that lysine is one of the effective remedies for cold sores. It may help in treating fever blisters and speed up recovery of herpes simplex.
   
   
   
5. Zinc sulfate cream or ointment - it may prevent a major outbreak or shorten it.
   
   
   
6. Chaparral extract - chaparral has antioxidant, cleansing and antiseptic properties. You can use this extract to wash your cold sores.
   
   
   
7. Hydrogen peroxide - though it will cause a little tingling, dabbing hydrogen peroxide may help prevent breakouts.

Other herbal extracts that you can use topically and as home remedies for cold sores are st johns wort, soapwort root, elderberry leaves, goldenseal, myrrh and echinacea.

The triggers that may cause the outbreak of mouth herpes differ for each person and so is the duration of the flare ups. Here are some of the common triggers for fever blisters.

1. Weak immune system
   
   
2. Stress
   
   
3. Exposure to excessive sunlight
   
   
4. High fever
   
   
5. The common cold or flu
   
   
6. Cold weather
   
   
7. Chapped lips
   
   
8. Certain foods such as salty foods such as potato chips, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and grains may trigger mouth herpes.

Prevention is better than trying to find the right remedies for cold sores. The best thing to do is to build your body defense and immune system by eating the right foods and taking dietary and herbal supplements. Learning to relax and avoiding stress is also very helpful in preventing outbreaks. If you are already infected with the virus, avoiding direct and long exposure to sunlight may keep the virus inactive.

The following supplements may boost and strengthen your immune system and help fight the virus from spreading. Find out which one suits you and add it to your diet.

Gigartina

Gigartina is a red marine alga. It contains polysaccharide compounds that contain natural antiviral properties and suppressant effect. Taking gigartina when the early symptoms begin may control breakouts.

Garlic

Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that scordinin which is one of the active ingredients in garlic may boost your immune system.

Echinacea

Echinacea has the ability to stimulate the immune system and ward of infections.

Propolis

In you aren't allergic to propolis you may find it a great supplement for your immune health other than helping prevent cold sores. It has antimicrobial, antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is an effective emollient and anti plaque agent and has immunomodulatory and anti tumor effects.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein which is an effective immune system stimulant.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn berry herb has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic and antioxidant properties. It is a good choice because it also help support your circulation system and benefits your heart.

Turmeric

Curcumin which is found in turmeric is uses as one of the home remedies for cold sores. The Michigan State University and University of Cincinnati performed studies on the effects of curcumin on herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 and found that it may help prevent the infection and reduce the replication of the virus.

Black Walnut Oil

Black walnut has antifungal, antiparasitic and antiseptic properties. Studies have shown that the black walnut extract may treat mouth sores other than other problems such and candida, warts, acne and eczema.

There are many other herbs that can help build your immune system such as licorice root, goldenseal root, African potato extract, buchu, tea tree oil and gotu kola. You can also find tonic sold with a combination of the herbs mentioned above.

Back to Remedies for Viral Infections

Back from Home Remedies for Cold Sores to Various Home Remedies