Home Remedies For Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus1 HSV-1, which is related to but different from the virus that causes genital herpes. Cold sores first appear 3 to 10 days after exposure to the virus and last up to 5 weeks.

The virus then remains permanently in the boy and moves into the nervous system close to the lips. It will lie dormant there until triggered by fever, a cold, or other viral infection, exposure to sun and wind, stress, menstruation, high levels of amino acid arginine, or depression of the immune system. These cold sores are very contagious and very common. Studies have shown that between 30 and 60 percent of children carry the virus by the age of ten. Home remedies for cold sores are very popular and some sites even offer a miracle cure for a small price. Don’t worry; we won’t charge you a penny for the real remedies for cold sores used by professional naturopathic doctors.

There are said to be six stages of the development of the average cold sore. First comes the prodrome, or stage one. In this first stage, no sore is visible but there is a feeling of itchiness around the area. In stage two, swelling may start and the area may turn red. Stage three brings with it the first signs of blisters or blisters. Stage four is the most painful and generally comes on the fourth day. A soft crust or ulcer forms, and from this the cold sore moves into stage five when a hard crust forms over the ulcer. The sixth stage comes on or around the tenth day, leaving the sore red and slightly swollen, but without the hard crust. The regular cycle of cold sores is ten days and with the home remedies for cold sores below you will be able to shorten the time to 3 to 5 days when used correctly. The symptoms of cold sores usually last from seven to ten days. After that, the blisters dry up and fall off. But that does not mean the viruses have left the person’s body. Once exposed to the herpes virus, the virus becomes dormant in the nerve cells and attacks again when the immune system is low. Other than that, pregnancy, stress and fatigue, trauma to the lip or gums, and hormonal changes also cause cold sores. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores. All one can do is make sure they don’t attack again. For that, the patient has to pay special attention to his diet. He must eat lots of fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. This diet is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc, which are all necessary for keeping the immune system strengthened and combating all kinds of viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the sufferer must abstain from consuming acidic and salty foods, spices and condiments, chocolates, oatmeal, peanuts, food grains, peas, and whole wheat as they have arginine that aggravates the problem. So, the intake of these products must be restricted as much as possible. Also, excessive consumption of tea and coffee, alcoholic beverages, and processed foods must also be avoided as they weaken the immune system. Consuming two cloves of garlic every day keeps most kinds of viruses and bacteria at bay because of its antiviral properties. When blisters erupt, one can apply witch hazel, aloe vera gel, or press warm used teabag on the blister for 30 seconds to treat them. Rubbing ice for a few minutes on the blisters every hour also treats the problem. Getting regular exercise for 20 minutes also keeps the system strengthened.

Home Remedies For Cold Sores

1. A cold compress can help to relieve the pain, but it does nothing to prevent the cold sore from reoccurring. some used to use Lysine, but there is little evidence to suggest that this works permanently. Other remedies such as nail polish remover (ouch!), vitamin oils, and changes in your diet are not much better.
2. Use Echinacea and goldenseal extract mixture. Echinacea is an immune system booster that can also prevent a cold sore outbreak. Take one dropper-full a day for no more than 3 days. Also, put a few drops on a cotton ball and place it on the affected area for a few minutes several times a day.
3. Lemon balm contains a high concentration of polyphenols and appears to minimize herpes outbreaks. It can be applied topically in cream form. Or brew as a tea lemon balm can be taken internally as it has antiviral qualities.
4. Covering the cold sore will help a lot – try to avoid using any makeup or lipstick while it is there as this may make it worse, but covering it with petroleum jelly has relieved the symptoms and prevented infection. In the summer, protecting your lips from the sun can help – likewise in the winter protecting them from the cold may also help.
5. Olive leaf extract is good as a natural antibiotic for viral infections.
6. L-Lysine fights the virus that causes cold sores. Take 500 mg twice a day.
7. Vitamin B complex is very important for healing and immune system functions. Take 100 mg of each major B vitamin twice a day.
8. Place a small amount of salt on the cold sore and hold it in place with your finger for a minute or two. This may be painful but it is one of the quickest ways to heal cold sores.
9. Cut garlic in half and place one part on the cold sore. A compound in garlic cold Kyolic has antiviral properties which speed healing. Take 2 garlic capsules a day.
10. Soaking a cotton ball with milk and dabbing it on the sore has been effective for some people – this may be something to try out too.

Author: Dr Izharul Hasan

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