Cold Sores

Cold sores, sometimes also referred to as fever blisters, are small blisters filled with fluid that generally form on the lips as well as inside the mouth. In addition, cold sores, which are lesions similar to blisters, may also appear on the inner cheeks, gums, the region of the nostrils and the roof of the mouth.

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Cold sores are basically caused by viral infections which have the potential to spread by merely touching the mucous membranes of the noses, eyes and genitals or even to scratches. Normally, cold sores rupture and subsequently form a scab, which eventually fades away within a week or 10 days.

Generally, cold sores are attributable to the herpes simplex type 1 virus (also known as HSV-1), which is unlike the virus which causes genital herpes. In effect, a herpes simplex type 2 virus, which is responsible for genital herpes, is normally spread through sexual activities. Following the initial outbreak, the cold sore virus or HSV-1 remains dormant within the nerve cells and this results in the recurrence of new sores quite frequently, for instance every few weeks, or occasionally, such as once in some number of years.

In fact, the cold sores generally resurface if the immune system is slowed down by any type of fever or viral contagion, for instance cold. Reappearances of the cold sores may also be activated owing to exhaustion, stress, menstruation as well as coming in contact with wind or the sun.

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Supplements and herbs

Specific herbs and supplements have the potential to diminish the occurrence of cold sores as well as accelerate the healing process. All the supplements noted below possess the aptitude to help you in both ways - preventing or minimizing the occurrence of the condition as well as speed up the healing. It is important that you use these supplements as soon as you notice the first symptom of cold sores. When you do this, you will be able to witness the positive effects just within two to three days time.

Among the various supplements used to cure cold sores, amino acid lysine is known to be most effective. When this supplement is taken orally, it helps to restrain the development of HSV-1. Moreover, lysine is also available in cream form, which may be applied topically straight away to the cold sores.

This supplement causes no harm when it is used for a prolonged period and may possibly assist in putting off the occurrence of cold sores. Another supplement that is very useful in curing cold sores is lemon balm cream, which is prepared from the herb Melissa officinalis, a potent antiviral, and is used when you notice the initial symptom of itchiness associated with cold sores.

Other supplements that are effective in treating cold sores include vitamin C and flavonoids. They are both potent antioxidants that function to make the healing process easier by means of getting rid of the detrimental compounds called free radicals, which occur naturally and damage the healthy cells.

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In addition, vitamin C and flavonoids also perk the cells of the immune system in combating the virus. It may be noted that vitamin A and the essential trace mineral selenium also possess antioxidant attributes. When used in conjunction with flaxseed oil, selenium and vitamin A accelerate the healing process by encouraging the regeneration of the cells. In addition, you may also apply the topical form of vitamin A straight away to the cold sores, off and on in conjunction with vitamin E oil.

In case there is a break out of the cold sores, you may use herbs that help in promoting the immune system, such as goldenseal and Echinacea - both possessing antiviral as well as antibiotic properties.

In order to avoid the return of cold sores, you need to take a protection dosage of lysine in measures of 500 mg every day. Nevertheless, in case you are using lysine for a prolonged period of time, ensure that you include an amino acid complex with a view to give you a balanced blend of amino acids.

Besides, it is always useful if you alternate the herbs you are using to treat this condition. For instance, you may take Echinacea in measures of 200 mg daily; astragalus in dosage of 200 mg every day; shiitake in measures of 1,200 mg daily, a blend of reishi in dosage of 1,500 mg every day or maitake mushrooms in measures of 600 mg daily. The method of alternating herbs is to take one herb for a period of one week, change to a different one and then to the third one and so on.

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Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one approach to treat cold sores. In effect, people practicing aromatherapy suggest the use of various essential oils as a mode of treatment for cold sores. The essential oils that are often recommended for treating cold sores are as follows:

One of the herbs that is often used in aromatherapy to treat cold sores in bergamot (botanical name, Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia). This herb is believed to possess antibiotic attributes and also generally facilitates in healing skin complaints. Even eucalyptus (botanical name Eucalyptus globulus) is considered to possess antiviral attributes and is effective in treating infections caused by herpes simplex viruses. In addition, it also helps to alleviate inflammation.

Geranium (botanical name Pelargonium odorantissimum) is also employed in aromatherapy, as this herb has a tendency to generate a skin quality that is something between being extremely oily and too much dry. Those practising aromatherapy also suggest the use of lavender (botanical name Lavandula angustifolia, also referred to as Lavandula officinalis), as it possesses relaxing attributes and also owing to the herb's efficacy in maintaining the appropriate skin quality.

In addition the herb lemon balm (botanical name Melissa officinalis) is also used to treat cold sores as it seems to be useful in curing the condition, particularly when the treatment has been started quite early - in the initial stage of the infection by a herpes simplex viruses.

Rose belonging to genus Rosa is also prescribed for treating cold sores as this herb has a tendency to hydrate, dampen as well as stimulate the skin. At the same time rose also works in the form of an antiseptic. Generally, oils extracted from the herb tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) are also considered to possess the aptitude to fortify the immune system and, at the same time, restrict the spread of HSV infections.

Use a cotton ball to apply a couple of drops of the tea tree oil directly to the skin infected by the virus. While a number of herbalists recommend that you apply the oil twice - in the morning and then again in the evening, there are others who suggest that you apply the oil to the affected areas at intervals of one or two hours.

Although the use of essential oils as well as aromatherapy as a cure for cold sores has not been supported by any scientific research, still several herbal practitioners as well as those practising aromatherapy continue to suggest the use of essential oils for more than several centuries citing proof of the benefits provided by them.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are helpful in preventing the development of cold sores as well as treating the condition. For instance, administering constitutional homeopathic medication under the supervision of a competent and qualified physician may possibly facilitate in augmenting the defence of an individual against cold sores.

It is advisable that you opt for the medication that suits you best and also correspond with the symptoms of the disease. Provided you have not been asked otherwise, you ought to use low potency homeopathic medication (such as 6C, 6X, 12C, 12X, 30C or 30X) if you are doing self-medication. Also follow the instructions on the label of the product carefully while doing self-medication.

Several practitioners of homeopathic remedy advocate the use of the medications to treat herpes simplex in the following manner. Before using the medications on a regular basis, just take a solitary dose and see the reaction. Provided you notice any improvement in the condition, keep waiting and allow the medication to work.

You may take a second dose in case the improvement is considerably sluggish or the condition has obviously stopped improving. It is worth mentioning here that the regularity of the dose differs depending on the patient as well as the condition. There may be times when a patient needs to take a dose of a medication many times in one hour.

On the other hand, there may be occasions when a dose is recommended many times throughout the day. Then again, at times just taking one dose of a homeopathic remedy daily or even less may be enough for curing the condition.

Arsenicum album

This homeopathic remedy should be used when the symptoms of cold sores include flare-ups accompanied by a burning pain which are eased following application of heat. When the patient is enduring symptoms like anxiousness, restiveness, cold and fatigue, it is an indication that Arsenicum album is most effective for him/ her.

Apis mellifica

This homeopathic remedy is effective in healing conditions wherein the eruption of herpes occurs together with throbbing pain and the affected area has a red as well as distended look. In addition, Apis mellifica is useful when the cold sores are painful to touch and applying a cold compress, especially using ice, is comforting.

Borax

Borax may prove to be effective for treating herpes flare-ups in any part of the body, especially when they are accompanied by an inflammation that causes a tense sensation. In addition, the patient's responsiveness to noise as well as the phobia of falling down is ample sign that he/ she needs this remedy.

Dulcamara

Dulcamara remedy that has over and over again proved to be very useful in case the herpes sores have come out by way of an alteration when the weather is raining or erupt when the patient gets wet and cold. In addition, Dulcamara is effective when the patient is about to get a cold due to getting wet.

Graphites

Graphites is effective when the herpes flare-ups are seeping with discharges resembling honey accompanied by the splitting of the skin in the vicinity of the affected area. In addition, patients requiring this medication may also be possibly having a propensity to a lot of complaints related to the skin, be chubby and find it difficult to concentrate on anything.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

In case the cold sores are extremely responsive to touch and deteriorate owing to exposure to any type of cold, it is a sign that the patient requires the homeopathic remedy Hepar sulphuris calcareum. It is worth mentioning here that individuals who are too responsive to cold and habitually have poor defence against contagions are in need of Hepar sulph.

Mercurius solubilis

This is one homeopathic remedy that may be prescribed for a number of patients enduring cold sores, particularly when the patient has engorged lymph nodes and a foul breath, and is very responsive to temperatures. In addition, when patients having herpes sores have a propensity to have night sweat, it is an indication that he/ she requires Mercurius solubilis.

Natrum muriaticum

Occasionally, the use of Natrum muriaticum prevents the flare-up of herpes sores provided it is administered during the initial or itching phase of the condition. In addition, Natrum muriaticum is also effective in treating inflamed, reddish cold sores which appear on the lips as well as the mouth ends, in addition to the face, chin and the area around the nostrils.

In addition, patients requiring this homeopathic remedy may possibly have flare-ups in the region of their genitals. In effect, occasionally excessive consumption of salt, which the patient may crave for, as well as exposure to sunlight worsens the symptoms of patients requiring this medication.

Petroleum

Petroleum may prove to be useful for people affected by genital herpes that extend to the region of the anus as well as the thighs. Patients requiring Petroleum usually have a propensity to several skin complaints, which split causing bleeding.

Rhus toxicodendron

This homeopathic remedy is effective for treating flare-up of both types of herpes simplex (herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2) in any part of the body, particularly in the region of the lips, on as well as in the vicinity of the genitals, the inside of the thighs or the mouth corners.

When the outbreaks are reddish and inflamed accompanied by a smouldering pain as well as tingling that are eased following any warm application, including hot water, it is an indication that the patient requires Rhus toxicodendron. In addition, patients requiring this homeopathic remedy are likely to be extremely restive, walk up and down frequently and constantly feel the need to fidget.

Additional things you may do

In addition to using conventional medications, herbs and supplements, homeopathy and aromatherapy, you may also do a few additional things to lessen the occurrence of cold sores or even facilitate their cure. For instance, you may apply sunscreen having SPF 15 or more to your lips with a view to put off the condition from reappearing.

Findings of a study, wherein the subjects were patients with recurrent cold sores, revealed that the patients who did not apply sunscreen had cold sores just after 80 minutes of exposure to the sun. In addition, it is advisable that when you have cold sore blisters, never ever touch them, as touching them may help the virus (herpes simplex type 1 virus also known as HSV-1) to spread. This especially happens when you are sharing items of personal use like towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses or razors.

Besides, if you are suffering from cold sores, it is advisable that you practice yoga, meditation or any other type of relaxation to lessen the tension, which is believed to be one of the factors for developing cold sores. You should also keep away from eating chocolates, nuts, whole grain cereals as well as gelatine, as they enclose great amounts of the amino acid called arginine. According to a section of the physicians, arginine is responsible for generating cold sores. Use of the supplement lysine may possibly neutralize this effect of arginine.

Usual dosage

The standard dosage of the different supplements and herbs that are useful in lessening the occurrence of cold sores as well as facilitating their treatment is discussed in brief below.

Lysine: This is considered to be the most effective supplement in diminishing the occurrence of cold sore blisters as well as speeding up the treatment process. The standard dosage of this supplement is 1,000 mg taken thrice daily for dealing with flare-ups and subsequently reducing the dose to 500 mg every day. It is important to note that this supplement should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. Here is a word of caution: never ever take lysine with milk.

Melissa cream: This cream prepared from the potent antioxidant herb Melissa officinalis is applied topically directly to the areas affected by cold sores twice to four times every day.The herb used to prepare this cream is often referred to as lemon balm.

Vitamin C/ Flavonoids: The standard dosage of the supplement to cure cold sores is taking vitamin C in measures of 1,000 mg and flavonoids in dosage of 500 mg thrice every day. This supplement may be employed to control flare-ups of the condition. However, provided using this supplement results in diarrhea, it is advisable to lessen the dosage.

Vitamin A: This is another useful supplement for curing cold sores and its usual dosage is taking 25,000 IU two times daily for five days consecutively. However, in the case of pregnant women as well as those who are expecting to become pregnant, the dosage of this supplement should not be taken in excess of 5,000 IU in one day.

Echinacea/ Goldenseal: The standard dosage of the herb Echinacea is 200 mg daily, while goldenseal ought to be taken in measures of 125 mg four times daily. These herbs are available in the market as single products or in the form of a blended supplement.

Selenium: The vital trace mineral selenium is also effective in curing cold sores, especially flare-ups. It should be taken in dosages of 600 mcg a day. Here is a word of caution: never take this supplement in excess of 600 mcg a day, as taking this trace mineral in excessive measures may prove to be toxic.

Flaxseed Oil: The standard dose of this herbal product to cure cold sores is one tablespoon or about 1.4 grams every day. Preferably, this product may be taken along with food and in the morning.

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