Fever blisters are tiny---1 to 2mm---blisters filled with clear or cloudy yellow-tinged fluid. Dentists Paolo G. Arduino and Stephen R. Porter say in the February 2008 issue of the "Journal of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine that many small fever blisters coalesce to form a single, large fever blister. Compared to other kinds of blisters, fever blisters are floppy---not tense---and they usually rupture on their own within a few days. The weeping, open sores left behind take another seven to 10 days to heal. Ancient Greeks used oregano oil to treat conditions ranging from convulsions to heart failure. However, oregano oil has not been studied specifically in people with fever blisters and you should talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.
Brew Oregano Oil Tea
Step 1
Boil water.
Step 2
Measure 1 to 2 tsp. dried oregano into a tea infuser. Close the tea infuser and place it in a cup or mug.
Step 3
Fill cup or mug with boiling water. Steep the tea for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the tea infuser from the cup. Let the tea sit until you can drink it comfortably.
Step 5
Repeat up to three times per day.
Tips and Warnings
- A tea infuser is a covered spoon or basket made from perforated metal or metal mesh. Infusers feature a closure that prevents the infuser from opening and releasing loose tea leaves or herbs into your beverage. Find one at most cooking and home goods stores. Very hot beverages can cause burns that actually make existing fever blisters worse and they may sometimes trigger new outbreaks. Always allow very hot beverages or foods to cool before consuming them. As of November 2010, there are no clinical studies to support the use of oregano oil for people with fever blisters. Other herbs, including lemon balm, witch hazel, and licorice have been studied with generally favorable results, according to holistic medicine specialist Alan R. Gaby, M.D. in his 2006 book, "Natural Pharmacy." Consider asking your doctor about these.
- Never use pure oil of oregano. Gaby says that applying pure oil of oregano on the skin often produces irritation and the safety of ingesting it has never been studied. By contrast, dried oregano contains 3 percent oregano oil, a concentration that is safe and well-tolerated by most people. Herbs do not replace conventional medical treatments for fever blisters or any other condition. You should talk to your doctor before you use them. If you use them, include this information in your medical history, just as you would include any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you use. Fever blisters usually resolve with no treatment at all. If you experience severe, frequent or prolonged outbreaks, you should see a doctor because this may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Things You'll Need
- Dried oregano
- Tea infuser
References
- "Journal of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine"; Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection; Paolo G. Arduino, D.D.S., M.Sc. and Stephen R. Porter, D.D.S, Ph.D.; February 2008
- "Natural Pharmacy: Complete A to Z Reference to Alternative Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
