Herbal Tincture for Cold Sores

Cold sores are a herpes virus that cannot be cured. The symptoms include blisters and crusty outbreaks on the lips and around the nose. These symptoms worsen during periods of stress, sun exposure and hormonal changes. While you cannot cure this condition, you can manage the symptoms with herbal tinctures.

Tincture Use

• Tinctures are liquid extracts that use an alcohol base. You can use a tincture to dab on the cold sore. Tinctures can also be consumed. Read the labels of the product to make sure you are using it according to the recommended methods.

  Cold sores are contagious and can be spread easily. Make sure you are washing your hands and not sharing cups or other items during eruptions. Herbal remedies can help with the symptoms and may avert the need for antibiotics, but this is not proven by research. If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, seek a doctor's opinion for proper treatment.

Tinctures for Cold Sores

• There are many herbal remedies available to help with the pain, swelling and healing of cold sores. You can use a myrrh tincture to relieve the pain of cold sores.Lomatium is also a recommended tincture used by Native Americans to fight against infection. While you can use lomatium as a tincture, it may give you a rash, and therefore an extract may be more appropriate. Lemon balm and mint tinctures will also help expedite the recovery time from individual outbreaks.

Homeopathic Tinctures

• There are several homeopathic tinctures that treat the underlying stressor leading to a cold sore outbreak. Nat mur (natrum muriaticum) is used when people are upset emotionally and is effective at the onset of a cold sore outbreak to stop the blister from forming. Poison ivy is used when herpes has yellow crusting and is burning and itching immensely. Poison ivy is often used after nat mur. Sepia is used when an individual is depressed or experiencing extreme hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. This is effective in fighting against cold sore around the corners of the mouth and the inside of the nose. Bittersweet tincture is used to treat brown and red cold sores.