Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sore is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is also known as oral herpes and is characterized by the appearance of small, painful, red or brown colored blisters or sores on the mouth and lips. It is a contagious disease and hence, is easily transmitted from one person to another, through physical contact with the lesions or body fluids of the infected person. The virus responsible for the disease, usually enters the body through the nose or the mouth and then settles down on the sensory nerves, close to the mouth. The herpes virus can remain dormant for several days or sometimes, several years before causing the disease. Cold sore is a recurrent disease and is characterized by remission periods, when the sores disappear. The reasons behind the sudden outbreak or recurrence of the disease are not known, though some factors like fever, infection, stress, cold, exposure to sun and high level of arginine are believed to be responsible for activating the virus.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Till now, there is no permanent cure for cold sores. Antiviral medications are usually used to reduce the severity as well as the frequency and duration of the disease. However, some simple home remedies are effective, not only in reducing the pain and inflammation caused by the blisters, but also in accelerating the process of recovery.

One of the simplest home remedies for cold sores is ice. Rubbing ice on the blisters can provide quick relief and reduce the development of the sores. Applying ice on the affected area also helps prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the body. Another easy remedy is the application of salt on the sores, as it quickens the healing process.

Herbs like licorice and lemon balm are also be effective in the treatment of cold sores. Licorice is beneficial for preventing the replication of the virus and can be used topically on the blisters. Lemon balm contains many polyphenols and is known for its antiviral properties. It is suitable for both internal and external application. Internally, it can be taken as lemon balm tea. Echinacea is another herb which can be helpful for oral herpes. It strengthens the immune system to fight against infectious diseases and also protects collagen, the main protein in skin and the mucus membrane. Therefore, it protects the skin from the damaging effects of the viral enzymes.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent herb for sores of the mucus membrane. Besides this, olive oil extract is also beneficial for any kind of viral infection. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and hence, can be used in reducing the inflammation caused by cold sores. For preventing the cracking of the sores and the skin around them, petroleum jelly can be used. Application of corn starch and neem paste is helpful in relieving the itching and burning sensation caused by the sores.

In addition all these herbs, L-lysine (an important amino acid) is widely used in the treatment of cold sores. Lysine is effective in accelerating the process of recovery and reducing the frequency of the disease. Therefore it very important to include sufficient amounts of food rich in lysine, like milk, fish, potato, corn and chicken in your daily diet. However, another amino acid, known as arginine, is believed to be associated with the sudden activation of the herpes virus. Peas, grains, whole wheat, chocolates and oatmeal are some foods rich in arginine, and hence, consumption of such foods should be restricted. On the other hand, intake of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and iron should be increased, as they accelerate the healing process and empower the immune system to fight against the harmful virus.