Fever blisters are a common mouth disorder that affect millions of Americans. They are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex, or HSV. This virus can cause blisters and sores on and around the mouth area. These tiny fluid-filled eruptions can be itchy, burn, sting, and look unattractive. While there are several over-the-counter ointments that can help heal blisters, consider the following natural remedies that can also provide relief.
Lysine
Use lysine to help fever blisters heal and keep them from reoccurring, suggests the book "Natural Health, Natural Medicine." Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body needs to maintain optimum health. Most people get lysine in foods such as legumes, nuts, grains, dairy, fish and meat. Lysine supplements can be quite helpful and 1,000 mg daily is suggested for fever blisters.
Moisture
Keeping fever blisters from cracking and bleeding can help them heal faster, according to Lydia Wilen, author of "Healing Remedies." Applying petroleum jelly and over-the-counter antibiotic creams four times a day can prevent the blister from breaking open and bleeding. Aloe vera is another remedy that can stop the sore from cracking while inducing healing. A few drops of St. John's Wort essential oil not only helps the area from cracking and bleeding, it lessens the pain.
Herbal Remedies
Tinctures of herbs can help clear up and heal fever blisters. Tincture of chaparral can help inflammation of the blister and offer relief as can echinacea and goldenseal. Be sure to follow the directions on the label for these tinctures. Salves that have herbs like white oak extract, chamomile or red sage can help moisten and heal sores.
Other Home Remedies
Hot black teabag compresses can help alleviate and heal fever blisters. Try steeping a teabag and placing it on the affected area for a few minutes. The teabag not only soothes the fever blister, it heals because the tannins in the tea begin to act like an antiviral, which can help the healing. Essential oils can help relieve fever blisters. Mix together five drops of bergamot and eucalyptus and place it on fever blister several times daily. The properties in these oils can help soothe and heal. Another simple remedy is to make a paste using corn starch and applying to the area twice daily.
References
- Natural Health, Natural Medicine: The Complete Guide to Wellness and Self-Care for Optimum Health; Weil M.D.; 2004
- Fat Free Kitchen
- Health Guidance
