Cold sores are painful, itchy sores caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus, usually type one. In the June 9, 2008 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine," dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D. explains that cold sores usually heal without treatment within 10 to 14 days. Natural herbs may offer modest benefits on the duration or severity of symptoms. However, they do not replace conventional medical treatments. Cernik says that people who have severe, frequent or long-lasting -- longer than 14 days -- cold sores should see a doctor.
Lemon Balm
In the March 2007 issue of the "Harvard Women's Health Watch," Harvard internist Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. says that creams that contain extract of lemon balm speed healing of cold sores, although they do not prevent them. Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a green, leafy plant whose leaves smell pleasantly lemony when they are crushed or bruised. Flavonoids and phenolic acid probably confer the herb's healing properties, however doctors do not know for sure. Patients should look for products that contain at least 1 percent lemon balm extract. In most studies, according to Robb-Nicholson, patients apply the cream two to four times per day for five to ten days.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a solution made from the leaves and bark of a tree with the botanical name of Hamamelis virginiana. The plant's tannins and volatile oils confer an astringent effect which reduces inflammation and secretions,offering some relief from discomfort. In addition, proanthocyanidins in witch hazel inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus, at least in test tubes. The University of Michigan Health System describes a small, double-blind study which seems to confirm this effect. In that study, people with cold sores who used a 2 percent witch hazel cream six times per day reported significant reductions in the size of both their cold sores and the surrounding inflammation after eight days compared to people who used cream without witch hazel.
Licorice Root
Licorice root, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a flavoring agent thought to fight swelling and redness caused by infections such as herpes simplex. In the 2007 edition of "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. claims that applying licorice root to the surface of skin affected by cold sores reduces the duration and severity of an outbreak. Rakel recommends applying tincture of licorice root to the affected area three times per day, using a cotton swab or a glass dropper until the cold sores heal. If tincture of licorice is not available, patients can make their own by crushing licorice root tablets and mixing them with water or sweet almond oil.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; "The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D., et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- "Harvard Women's Health Watch"; By the Way, Doctor; Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.; Mar. 2007
- University of Michigan Health System: Cold Sores
- University of Michigan Health System: Witch Hazel
