Cold sores typically appear on gums, lips or the roof of the mouth. They are contagious fluid-filled blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The blisters are small and can be painful.
Prior to the cold sore's appearance, there may be signs that a cold sore is about to surface. You may experience pain or tingling in the area that the eruption will occur. It generally will take about a week to ten days for the cold sore to resolve. Cold sores are often confused with canker sores, which are also small, painful eruptions around the mouth. However, the difference is that the canker sore is not contagious.
There are many home remedies for cold sores that will provide you with relief. Here are some that I have found to be particularly effective.
Peppermint Oil - the essential oil of peppermint has been found to be
effective against herpes simplex viruses. It is available in ointments
and tinctures that can be found in health food stores. For the pain and
discomfort caused by the cold sore, hold a used cooled peppermint tea
bag on it for soothing relief.
Lemon Balm - studies has shown that the antiviral properties found in lemon balm can hasten the healing of blisters making it an effective cold sore home remedy. If used on a regular basis, it can lessen the chance for recurrences.
Lysine - the body cannot make this amino acid on its own. This is why
lysine is called an essential amino acid. We must obtain it through
food or taken as a supplement. The herpes simplex virus has been shown
to stop spreading when lysine is introduced. Lysine can be obtained
from the following foods: milk, eggs, cheese, wheat germ, red meat,
brewers yeast and fish. Lysine should not be taken with arginine
(another amino acid) as they compete in the intestines for absorption.
When there is less arginine, more lysine will be absorbed. Stay away
from arginine-containing foods like peanuts, almonds and chocolate when
fighting a cold sore with lysine.
Reishi - known to strengthen the immune system, this mushroom has roots in Asian medicine. It is available in powder or as a supplement. It should be taken up to twice per day in 600 milligram dosages. It has been shown to keep the spread of the herbes virus at bay.
Resveratrol - naturally occurring in red grapes, this important compound is an effective remedy for cold sores. A cream derived from resveratrol topically applied up to 5 times per day when it was used no more than 6 hours after the eruption of the cold sore.
Propolis - collected by bees from the buds of poplar and conifer and used to hold their hives together and keep them sterile. It can be found in health food stores and is found to work actively against the herpese simplex 1 virus.
Self-Heal - also known as Prunella vulgaris, this perennial plant's extracts have been proven effective against herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.
