Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus. The virus causes painful blisters to develop around the lips and may also cause fever and sore throat. Once you are infected with the herpes virus, you may suffer from cold sores throughout your life. However, using topical medicines may lessen their severity and speed up the healing process. Some herbs may help heal cold sores, although clinical evidence showing that they are effective is limited. Consult your doctor before using herbal treatments.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that topical application of lemon balm may help to heal cold sores. Peppermint oil may also stop the herpes virus from replicating. Commonly used to flavor foods, peppermint is usually taken as a tea, but to treat a cold sore you will need to apply peppermint oil directly to the lesions. Ask your doctor what concentration of peppermint oil you should use. RxList.com suggests applying a lemon balm ointment that contains 1 percent of a 70:1 freeze-dried water-soluble extract, two to four times daily. However, you should first check with your doctor that this concentration is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a study by S. Nolkemper et al., published in the December 2006 issue of "Planta Medica," show that aqueous extracts of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which include lemon balm and peppermint, may help to prevent recurrent herpes infections. Research by A. Schuhmacher and colleagues published in 2003 in "Phytomedicine" found that peppermint oil may help to reduce the formation of cold sores and that it is also active against a treatment-resistant strain of the herpes simplex virus. More recent research by P. Schnitzler et al., published in the September 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," also found that lemon balm inhibits the development of herpes lesions, leading the authors to conclude that it may be a suitable treatment for herpetic infections.
Safety
Topical application of lemon balm is likely safe, according to RxList.com, but avoid using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that peppermint oil is also likely safe. Both herbs may cause a stinging sensation upon application.
Considerations
Since there is no cure for herpes, it is important to avoid becoming infected in the first place. UMMC notes that you can help to avoid contracting the cold sore virus by avoiding kissing people with cold sores and not sharing personal items. Using a sunscreen and reducing stress levels may also help to prevent future outbreaks.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes
- RxList: Lemon Balm
- "Planta Medica"; Antiviral Effect of Aqueous Extracts From Species of the Lamiaceae Family Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 In Vitro; S. Nolkemper et al.; December 2006
- "Phytomedicine"; Virucidal Effect of Peppermint Oil on the Enveloped Viruses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 In Vitro; A. Schuhmacher et al.; 2003
- "Phytomedicine"; Melissa Officinalis Oil Affects Infectivity of Enveloped Herpes Viruses; P. Schnitzler et al.; September 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Peppermint Oil
