Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is spread by kissing and by sharing utensils or personal items such as toothbrushes. Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, form around the lips and are usually painful and unsightly. Once you have become infected with the herpes simplex virus, it is likely that you will experience cod sore outbreaks throughout your life. Applying antiviral creams to the sores will aid healing and ease discomfort. The herb known as lemon balm may also help cold sores heal, although scientific evidence is limited. Talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedies.
Properties
Also known as Melissa officinalis, lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is sometimes included in medicines and cosmetics. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it has been used as a medicinal remedy since the Middle Ages for a variety of ailments including insomnia and anxiety. The leaves of the lemon balm plant contain terpenes, which have antiviral effects. As such, lemon balm is sometimes used as a remedy for cold sores.
Administration
Lemon balm may be taken orally in capsules or as an herbal tincture. However, to treat cold sores, you will need to apply it directly to the lesions. The UMMC suggests steeping 2 to 4 tsp. of crushed lemon balm leaves in a cup of boiling water, allowing the infusion to cool and then applying it directly to the sores. Alternatively, RxList suggests applying a cream that contains a 70:1 water-soluble lemon balm extract up to four times daily.
Efficacy
The results of a laboratory study published in the December 2008 issue of the German medical journal "Forschende Komplementarmedzin" show that lemon balm extract inhibits the ability of the herpes simplex virus to infect cells. As such, the authors suggest that lemon balm may be a promising antviral treatment for cold sore outbreaks. However, clinical studies evaluating its efficacy in people suffering from cold sores are lacking.
Considerations
Applying lemon balm directly to cold sores is unlikely to cause ill effects other than a slight stinging sensation, but ingesting it may cause nausea or vomiting. Avoid using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can help prevent the spread of cold sores by not sharing personal items when you have an outbreak. Reducing your stress level may also help prevent outbreaks, according to the UMMC.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes Simplex Virus
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lemon Balm
- RxList: Lemon Balm
- "Forschende Komplementarmedzin;" Impact of Ethanolic Lamiaceae Extracts on Herpes Virus Infectivity in Cell Culture; J. Reichling et al.; December 2008
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