Naturopathic Remedy for Cold Sores

About half of all children under 10 are carriers of the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, also known as fever blisters. After the first outbreak, which occurs within a week of exposure to the virus and lasts up to three weeks, the virus remains in the body and can return with fever, sunburn and stress. A cold sore is characterized by tingling, swelling, redness and painful crusting blisters, most often on the lips or corners of the mouth. Naturopathic remedies can prevent outbreaks, relieve symptoms and speed healing.

Lysine

• Two amino acids, L-lysine and L-arginine, figure into the control of herpes. When there is too much L-arginine in the body, herpes outbreaks occur with more frequency. When L-lysine levels are higher than L-arginine levels, herpes virus activity is inhibited. This ratio can be improved by taking supplements of L-lysine and by reducing dietary intake of L-arginine-rich foods. L-arginine is abundant in chocolate, peanuts, soybeans, grains, oats, meat, dairy products, chicken, corn, almonds, and cashews. Other nuts and seeds also contain L-arganine.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that may minimize herpes outbreaks, are found in lemon balm, an herb tea that has antiviral properties. It can be taken internally or applied directly to cold sores. Make an infusion by steeping one tablespoon of the fresh or freeze-dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. It's better to use the fresh herb (with a strong lemon odor) because potency is lost by lengthy drying and storage. Drink lemon balm tea liberally, hot or cold; several cups a day may prevent herpes outbreaks.

Other Remedies

• St. John's wort tincture is reputed to kill the herpes virus if applied to cold sores early and several times a day. Echinacea contains an antioxidant that protects skin and mucus membrane cells from damage by harmful organisms. Swish echinacea extract around the mouth and swallow four times a day. Olive leaf extract and licorice tea also have antiviral effects. Mushroom extracts such as maitake, shiitake and reishi fight viruses and build resistance to disease. Tea tree oil is a potent antiseptic that can be applied, full strength or diluted, with olive oil to cold sores.

Considerations

• Because heat, fever and sunburn cause cold sore outbreaks, applying cold packs around the mouth at the first sign of an eruption may prevent or minimize the severity of blisters. Plenty of rest and relaxation, including meditation and visualization of health, may reduce the seriousness of outbreaks.Take a high-stress formula vitamin B complex to aid healing and immune function. If cold sores appear frequently, see a naturopathic doctor to rule out underlying hypothyroidism. This doctor will also be adept at diagnosing and treating food sensitivities that may make the body more susceptible to herpes viruses.