Cold sores are painful blisters and itchy, weeping sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. In the June 9, 2008 edition of "Archives of Internal Medicine," Northeastern Ohio University dermatologist Christina Cernik explains that there is no cure for herpes simplex and infected people often suffer recurrent bouts of cold sores. While prescription drugs are available to treat cold sores, Cernik says these are generally reserved for people with severe, recurrent or prolonged cases. Herbs such as neem have attracted attention as a natural, less expensive alternative to prescription drugs. Always consult a licensed health care professional before using herbs or other alternative treatments.
Definition
Neem, also known as Azadirachta indica or Melia azadirachta, is a member of the mahogany family that grows throughout Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Australia and South Pacific islands. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says that the neem tree has been called "the village pharmacy" because its bark, leaves, sap, fruit, seeds and twigs have so many applications in traditional Indian medicine, including viral infections such as cold sores. Because Neem is an evergreen, many of its products are available year-round.
Function
An August 2010 study published in "Phytotherapy Research" showed that extract prepared from neem bark inhibited the ability of the herpes simplex virus to infect new cells. When the herpes virus activates within infected cells, it diverts the normal activities of that cell toward the production of new viruses. The new viruses then escape the infected cell by killing it, so that they, in turn, can infect many more cells. A treatment that renders the newly formed viruses unable to infect new cells could potentially cure the disease, or at least markedly reduce the severity and duration of its symptoms.
Sources
Neem is sold in the form of juice, gel, powder, extract and cream. The University of Michigan Health System recommends 5 percent neem oil cream applied to cold sores twice a day. For patients who cannot obtain neem cream, the Neem Foundation suggests several other ways to use neem. Pure dried neem oil can be mixed with petroleum jelly in a 1-to-5 ratio and applied to sores. Pure neem leaf powder can be mixed with water to form a paste. Finally, neem mouthwash can be prepared by steeping two to three whole neem leaves in 1 cup of water, plus 1 tsp. of honey.
Safety
UPMC rates neem as "quite safe," based on its traditional use. The main side effect of topical neem for cold sores is irritation of the surrounding skin. People who experience redness, stinging or swelling upon application should rinse the product off immediately using mild soap and cool water. If symptoms are severe or do not resolve within three days, the affected individual should see a doctor. Neem does not replace conventional treatments for cold sores or any other condition. As with any herbal remedy, people who use it should share this information with their physicians.
Considerations
As of November 2010, the National Library of Medicine lists no studies on neem use by people with cold sores. Although neem inactivates the herpes simplex virus in test tubes, treatments that work well in test tubes do not necessarily work well in people. A number of factors can influence the frequency, severity and duration of cold sores, including getting enough sleep and exercise, managing stress and consuming a balanced diet. People who experience severe, frequent or prolonged cold sore outbreaks -- longer than two weeks -- should consult their physicians.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D. et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Phytotherapy Research"; In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Neem (Azardirachta Indica L.) Bark Extract Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection; Vaibhav Tiwari, Ph.D. et al.; August 2010
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Neem
- University of Michigan Health System: Neem
- Neem Foundation: Tips on Using Neem
