Cold Sores

Cold sores (or fever blisters) often occur when the body's immune system is weakened. Many people experience them during the onset of a cold or other sickness, but also emotional or physical stress can also trigger cold sores.

The best time to treat a cold sore is right at the beginning. You will usually feel a soreness or tightness at the spot where the cold sore will appear. If you can apply a remedy at this time, you're chances for avoiding a cold sore are much greater.

Try using ice cubes on the cold sore to reduce pain and itching. The ice will also inhibit the development of the sore by lowering the metabolic rate of the surrounding area.

A tea bag applied to the area is also known to work. The tannic acid found in tea has antiviral properties, and since cold sores are caused by a virus, this can be an effective treatment.

Herbs for Cold Sores

Witch Hazel has both the tannic acid of teas leaves and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply it with a q-tip as frequently as possible, as soon as you feel the cold sore coming on.

Melissa (or lemon balm) has anti-viral properties. It can be bought in the form of a cream, which when applied to the cold sore, soothes the itching and pain while acting against the virus.

Flaxseed oil is an antioxidant which will accelerate the healing process after an outbreak.

Goldenseal is a source of natural antibiotics with immune enhancing qualities. It helps by building immunity to the virus which causes cold sores.

All of these herbs can be applied directly to the cold sores at the first indication of an outbreak and throughout the period of infection.

Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid which has been found effective in the treatment of cold sores. It can be taken orally or applied as a cream when the cold sores appear. Taken over the long term it can suppress the virus that causes cold sores, thus preventing future occurrences. It should be taken as part of an amino acid complex to assure the correct balance of amino acids in the body.

Finally, cold sores may be avoided through proper care of the lips. Keep them moist with a moisturizing lip balm, preferably one with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.