6 Natural Remedies for Cold Sores

Easy Ways to Get Rid of Cold Sores

If you occasionally get a cold sore, take solace in the fact that you are by no means alone.

By adolescence, 62% of Americans are infected with HSV-1, or herpes simplex virus 1, which is the main cause of the painful and unsightly sores. Cold sores normally last anywhere from 7 days to two weeks. HSV-1 is a virus that lays dormant in the nervous system, with little reason to make an appearance unless something wakes the sleeping giant.

Therefore, you need to know the triggers so you can ward off cold sores at all costs:

Cold Sore Triggers

Stress
Fatigue
A compromised immune system
Fever
Infections, colds and flu
Food allergies
Exposure to bright sun
Trauma
Menstruation
Dental work

While there is no cure for cold sores, learning to control or minimize stress can be one of the most effective ways to prevent future outbreaks. But, if despite your best efforts, you end up feeling t

hat itchy tingle and you don’t want to resort to prescription antivirals, here are several natural ways to find relief.

Natural Cold Sore Remedies

Ice—At the first tingle, put ice on your lip for as long as you can stand it. Depending on how quickly you apply the ice, it may prevent the sore from progressing, as viruses can’t survive in extreme cold.

L-Lysine—Eat such foods as yogurt, beets, apples, pears, avocado, fish, chicken, and beef that are high in l-lysine – and relatively low in arginine. You can also take l-lysine as a supplement; 1,000 mg three times a day should help boost levels. There is also a l-lysine lip ointment on Amazon. Arginine is an amino acid that blocks absorption of l-lysine in the body. You’ll want to avoid eating too many foods high in arginine, including chocolate, tree nuts, and sesame and pumpkin seeds.

Lemon Balm—Due to its antiviral properties, lemon balm cream can shorten the duration of a cold sore.

Bee Propolis—Studies show that by applying bee propolis to a cold sore you can get better results than by using the prescription antiviral drug acyclovir.

Licorice— The active ingredient of the licorice root is glycyrrhiza extract (GX), which has anti-inflammatory properties. Some topical ointments containing GX reduce the pain and healing time of cold sores. Research also suggests that licorice strengthens the immune system and may fight off the virus that causes sores. Capsules containing licorice root extract taken on a daily basis could reduce the possibility of an outbreak.

Aloe Vera—By applying aloe vera ointment to the afflicted area, it can help heal scabs, redness, and tenderness that linger after an outbreak.

Essential Oils—Oils such as melaleuca, peppermint, lemon, and Protective Blend are all recommended. Remember to mix with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil (click here for the one I use from Amazon).

Click here for the roller bottles I use from Amazon.

By keeping the area clean, and by getting rid of or disinfecting areas that come into contact with the virus (i.e. ditching your toothbrush) you’re more likely to successfully fend off another occurrence. And remember: stressing over a cold sore only makes it worse, so after treating your blister the best thing you can do is forget it exists!

Need to order your essential oils before your next cold sore pops up? Click here: http://ow.ly/rS3c30hXlTw

Leann Forst, MBA, CHC — Family Health & Cancer Coach

Leann is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Coach, holding a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. Leann is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. And she is an award winning author of 2 books “How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies” and “100 Ways to Lose Weight”.

Born and raised as an Iowa farm girl, she moved to Texas in 1998 where she lives with her husband and 2 kids.

As a wife of a brain cancer survivor, Leann has a special interest in anti-cancer nutrition and detoxification. She works with individuals and groups, and speaks regularly at hospitals, schools and organizations to teach people how to attain optimal health by getting to the root cause of chronic and inflammatory conditions, while using healing modalities such as essential oils. Click here to get Leann’s free report, “37 Cancer Facts You Should Know…But Probably Don’t”. And take Leann’s Nutrient Deficiency Quiz here.

Resources

Super Lysine+ Natural Cold Sore Treatment

Organic Badger Balm Stick SPF 15

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.