According to the Mayo Clinic, a cold sore is a liquid-filled fever blister. A cold sore is different from a canker sore, in that a canker sore can be cured. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex I virus and spreads through contact with an infected person through kissing or eating from the same silverware. A cold sore usually appears on or near the lips and remains for upward of 14 days. While a cold sore cannot be cured, a reduction in frequency is possible.
Lemon Balm
The length of a cold-sore episode can be controlled by using food and herbal remedies like lemon balm. Lemon balm is a non-flowering plant in the mint family. Its use has been to aid in anxiety and insomnia, but when used topically, it reduces the length of a cold sore. Lemon balm's antimicrobial and anti-viral properties stop the spread of cold sores and fight further infections. Its sedative property provides soothing relief from the cold sore's pain. Leslie Skidmore-Roth, author of "Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements," says a concentrated lemon balm extract or a cream can be used topically for cold sores as needed daily.
Lysine
Studies show lysine improves herpes infections, including herpes simplex I virus that cause cold sores. David Walsh's survey of cold sore sufferers concluded that more than 80 percent responded with shorter durations of cold sores and lower recurrence. Lysine is an amino acid found naturally in the body. It is also found in foods such as dairy products and wheat germ. For cold sore sufferers, an adult daily dosage is one 1,000mg lysine capsule.
Creosote
Creosote inhibits several viruses, including the human papillomavirus and herpes simplex I virus. The creosote bush grows in the Mojave and Chihuahuan Desert and is popular in Southwest folk medicine. Charles Kane, author of "Herbal Medicine: Trends & Traditions," says creosote's sedative and anti-inflammatory properties alleviate the pain and swelling of cold sores. In addition, creosote's high antifungal and anti-microbial activity reduce the duration of cold sores.
Creosote leaves are prepared into a salve and applied topically.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil comes from the large bushy shrubs found in the coastal areas of Australia. Known as an anti-bacterial, tea tree oil is one of the herbal remedies to fight viral and bacterial infections. Tea tree oil strength affects people differently and is known as an irritant. Since tea tree application must be directly on the infected area, a carrier oil like olive or almond should be used if skin sensitivity is an issue. In a small bottle, place 30 drops of tea tree into 2 tbsp. of almond oil. Shake the mixture. Apply to the cold sore with a clean cotton ball or swab. Use the mixture for one week, and throw the remainder out as it will become rancid.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center Lemon Balm
- "Herbal Medicine: Trends & Traditions"; Charles W. Kane; 2009
- "Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements"; Linda Skidmore-Roth; 2010
