Are There Natural Remedies for Cold Sore?

Even though there is no permanent cure for cold sore, there are natural remedies for cold sore. The instant relief from the blistering is improved with the natural remedies. As in the case of other allopathic medicines, the general mending time is also the same in the natural cure. When taking natural remedy for cold sore, it causes less damage to liver than other remedies.

Lysine is a vital amino acid; we should take it with our food or supplements because our body cannot produce it on its own. It has been identified that it inhibits the multiplication of the herpes simplex virus. To get lysine, we can take the food materials such as brewers yeast, cheese, eggs, fish, milk, red meat, and wheat germ. Lysine and arginine compete with each other for the assimilation in the intestines. The food stuffs that contain more arginine content are almonds, chocolate, and peanuts. Lysine supplements, 500 to 1,000 mg taken daily three times, can cut down the duration of cold sores. Lysine is available in the form of ointment.

Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) has many antiviral properties. It is also active against the herpes virus which causes cold sore. The cream made from lemon balm promotes the curing of blisters. Regular use of the lemon balm cream will decrease the frequency of the recurrences of cold sores.

Reishi is one type of mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), which has been used in traditional medicine for cold sores. It inhibits the development of the herpes virus. A typical dose of 600 mg once or twice daily will give more result. It is available in the form of powder or also in supplement form. Since reishi has the ability to delay blood clotting process, it is better to consult a physician before using it. In some of the Asian countries reishi is often used along with an herb known as astragalus. Astragalus has the capability to enhance the immune function in the people affected with herpes simplex virus.

Resveratrol is a chemical compound present naturally in red grapes. The clinical studies showed that it has been very effective against the herpes simplex virus. The topical application of resveratrol cream two to five times a day has effectively reduced cold sore development. The cream was also effective against the cold sore formation in animals. There is no side effects were reported yet.

The essential oil extracted from peppermint was found to go through the skin and have a direct virucidal property against the herpes simplex virus. It is even active against the viral strains which are acyclovir-resistant. Peppermint oil must not be ingested.

Propolis is a brownish, resinous substance taken from the hives of bees. The bees collect propolis from the buds of conifers and poplar trees; they use it as cementing substance to build their hives and keep them germ free. Clinical studies show that propolis was effective against herpes simplex 1 virus. It prevents the herpes virus from entering the cells of the body and also arrest replication of virus.