Herbal Treatments for Cold Sores

Cold sores are not only painful but also embarrassing, due to the appearance of the enlarged blistering sore. Caused by the herpes simplex virus (not to be confused with the type 2 virus, which is sexually transmitted), cold sores have no cure. Therefore, many turn to herbal treatments to reduce redness and pain while causing the sore to heal more quickly, and to prevent recurrence.

Cool with Lemon

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been shown to ease the pain of a cold sore. It can be applied via an ointment or cream. The balm can soothe the burning feeling of a cold sore for as long as eight hours. In addition to using herbal cream, you can brew a lemon balm tea, soak a cotton ball with the tea, and apply it to the blister.

Lysine Supplements to Shrink

• While the body does not produce lysine, this amino acid can be obtained through foods or supplements. Lysine has been shown to boost the body's infection-fighting abilities, especially in preventing the spread of cold sores.

  Lysine is found in red meat, milk, eggs, cheese, fish and yeast. However, these foods also contain arginine, which can inhibit the absorption of lysine into the body. For this reason, taking a lysine supplement or applying lysine ointment may be the method of choice to help shrink a cold sore. The supplement should be taken as directed, typically in 1,000 milligram (mg) increments three times a day. Lysine ointment, which may be found at a drugstore or natural foods store, may also be applied daily to heal a cold sore.

Soothe with Aloe

• You may be aware of aloe's healing properties in treating the skin after a burn. Aloe has similar properties when it comes to cold sores. When applied to a sore, aloe cream can reduce average healing time by a week.

Reduce Swelling with Rhubarb and Sage Cream

• Studies conducted at the University of Zurich showed that a cream combining rhubarb and sage may be as effective as medical treatments including aciclovir (included in over-the-counter medications such as Zovirax). Cold sores were shown to be less painful and took less time to heal when treated with the cream. The cream can be regularly applied in the same manner a lip balm would be.

Licorice Root for Prevention

• Taking a daily licorice root supplement has been shown to boost the immune system, which may prevent the likelihood of cold sore outbreaks. The active ingredient in licorice supplements is glycyrrhetinic acid, which has been shown to reduce the presence of the herpes virus in test tubes. Do not take licorice root in excess of 50 grams per day for longer than six weeks as this could raise blood pressure. The supplement may interfere with certain medications, such as heart, diabetes, or blood pressure medicines.

  Licorice can also be applied as a topical ointment, and can reduce pain and healing time. The cream should be applied daily from the onset of a fever blister and beyond.