Cold sores are itchy, painful blisters and sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. The National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that most develop on the lips or surrounding skin, however about 10 to 15 percent of people also develop them inside the mouth, usually during the first outbreak. There is no cure for herpes simplex, so infected people periodically experience recurrences. Tea, consumed as a beverage or applied as a compress, may offer modest benefits on the severity or duration of cold sore outbreaks.
Definition
Tea is a general term that refers to preparations of the leaves, buds or stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas are preparations of plants and leaves other than Camellia sinensis. Tea tree refers to Melaleuca alternifolia, an unrelated tree whose flavorful leaves were sometimes used as a substitute for tea in Australia. Black, green, white and oolong tea are adjectives that describe different methods of preparing and curing Camilla sinensis. Black and oolong teas are prepared from mature leaves that are aged and bruised or rolled prior to drying. Green and white teas are made from young leaves and, in the case of white tea, buds that are steamed prior to drying.
Nutrients
Tea contains flavonoids that quench unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals that cause tissue damage. At least in test tubes, flavonoids also inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus. Tea also contains caffeine which also inhibits the growth of the herpes simplex virus in test tubes. Caffeine content varies by the type of tea, brewing temperature, brewing time and other factors. Black tea usually contains between 42 mg and 72 mg of caffeine per serving while oolong, green and white teas contain between 9 mg and 50 mg per serving. By comparison, coffee contains between 72 mg and 130 mg per serving.
Significance
Although tea contains nutrients that inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus in test tubes, it is not clear whether drinking tea confers the same benefits. MedlinePlus, a patient information service jointly maintained by the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, claims that hot beverages such as tea can actually trigger cold sore outbreaks by causing tissue damage. In his 2007 book "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor recommends treating cold sores by applying a steeped tea bag that has been allowed to cool for 20 minutes, one to three times per day. Rakel claims this may hasten healing and reduce recurrences, although he acknowledges that there are no studies that support this.
Safety
Caffeine in tea causes side effects including headache, nervousness, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, irregular heartbeat, tremor, acid reflux, dizziness, ringing in the ears, seizures and mental confusion. As a result, MedlinePlus recommends limiting intake to five cups per day in healthy adults and two cups per day in women who are pregnant or nursing. Tea may reduce the absorption of iron from food, so it's best to consume it between, rather than with meals. Rakel says that applying tea bags to cold sores can sometimes cause irritation of the surrounding skin. People who experience this should discontinue use and see a doctor if symptoms persist longer than three days.
Considerations
As of November 2010, the National Library of Medicine lists no studies on tea in people with cold sores. Tea may offer modest benefits on the severity or duration of cold sores, while choosing cool or room-temperature tea might help prevent them. However, no dietary strategy replaces conventional medical treatment for cold sores or any other condition. Most cold sores resolve with no treatment at all. People who experience severe, frequent or prolonged -- longer than two weeks -- cold sores should see a doctor.
References
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Fever Blisters and Canker Sores
- MedlinePlus: Mouth Sores
- MedlinePlus: Black Tea
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Tea
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
