Does Green Tea for Cold Sores Really Work?

Although traditionally consumed as a beverage, the superfood known as green tea may help to heal cold sores faster. Courtesy of potent antioxidants, it is as popular as ever as a treatment and method of prevention.

Caused by the herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV 1, cold sores are very common. In fact, it is estimated that roughly 80 percent of the American population has been exposed to HSV 1.

Does green tea help with cold sores? Does putting tea bags on cold sores work? While you’re likely to have many of these sorts of questions, the information provided below will help to provide some useful answers.

You will learn how green tea can treat cold sores while boosting your immune system. Additionally, you will learn some ways to use green tea both internally and externally.

Green Tea Is a Superfood That’s Rich in Antioxidants

While the term “superfood” has no medical backing, the term does hold an important meaning. By definition, a superfood is any food or drink that serves to bolster your immune system. A superfood can also act as a treatment or healing agent courtesy of its antiviral properties.

Thanks to an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG, green tea is quite a potent healer. Antioxidants, known as catechins, can also shield and potentially prevent damage to vital cells.

Here are some other factors that make it unique.

• High-quality green tea is not processed. This small yet vital fact means that more antioxidants are present in each cup. In this particular case, the concept of keeping a natural beverage “as is” is essential. Additionally, it contains safe ingredients which is a positive.
• Consumption can shield your body against free radicals. Acting as a form of protection against disease, it can protect cells from damage. This is courtesy of the noted antiviral properties.
• EGCG is the staple of this beverage. Although attempting to pronounce epigallocatechin gallate might be a tough number, this potent fighter can help with a number of diseases.
• It also contains vital minerals. Just another addition to the mix that can help you to get rid of cold sores faster. If you are searching for what treats cold sores, green tea could be your natural winner.

Green Tea and Cold Sore Recovery

What better way to briefly address this subtopic than with statistics. Although cold sore remedies are often anecdotal, it does have some major backing.

According to a study conducted by the Georgia Health Sciences University, EGCG is a cold sore fighter. Statistics have shown that the powerful antioxidant can reduce the spread of HSV 1 by as much as 92 percent. This overwhelming statistic is one of the primary reasons why green tea has been viewed so favorably.

Serving to bolster your immune system, green tea can keep you healthy. Since one of the main cold sore triggers is weak immune health, this positive attribute is vital. Additionally, consuming it can promote the healing of active sores.

What really works for cold sores? Here are a few principle ways that it can treat HSV 1.

• Cold sores thrive on a weakened body. It can improve your physical standing thus helping you keep sores at bay. The overall health benefits of green tea are immense.
• It can serve as a natural remedy if you have an outbreak. Able to be consumed and implemented in various ways, which will be addressed shortly, green tea eliminates dangerous toxins. By serving to detox your system, you will be able to fend off the virus more effectively.
• As noted above, the potent antioxidant EGCG can reduce the proliferation of cold sores by over 90 percent. The spreading of HSV 1 is unfortunately common and problematic. It can serve as not only a healer of individual cold sores but a shield against proliferation.

Quick Ways to Add Green Tea to Your Diet

Although some will certainly be more obvious than others, each form of green tea consumption is beneficial. This is especially the case when your primary concern is getting relief from cold sores. With each method honing a distinct way of carrying antiviral properties, the way you internally consume green tea is personal preference.

• Traditional beverage form. Likely the way we all started, drinking green tea from a bottle of gallon container is still popular. Quite easy to purchase at any grocery outlet, it is easy to find and easy to drink. Although some people might find the after taste a bit harsh, green tea has a unique flavor. There are roughly 35 to 70 milligrams of caffeine per an 8-ounce cup.
• Brewed. Similar to other forms of tea, green tea can not only be served cold but also brewed. Whether consumed hot, warm or even room temperature, it can be prepared just like most any other tea. Green tea bags have become quite popular. Their usage can also serve another function that we will document very shortly.
• Powder. Typically purchased in containers, similar to many other powder beverages, green tea powder is worthwhile. Essentially allowing you to control the taste and potency, a powder is beneficial. By simply adding water you can prepare this drink with ease.
• Foods. While often overlooked, it is indeed possible to implement green tea into your favorite dishes. By either using the liquid form or powder, it can be used in casseroles and even barbecue sauce. The recipes are extensive.
• Capsules/tablets. Although not as popular, green tea supplements, similar to daily vitamins, do exist on the market. While the benefits of a pill (green tea extract) seem to be in question, green tea tablets are an option.

Does Putting Tea Bags On Cold Sores Work?

It is harmless and has few side effects, but you still need to check how your body responds to the ingredients. What is the verdict on placing a green tea bag on a cold sore scab? How do you do it properly? What happens? What are the primary health benefits?

Listed below is a quick and easy step-by-step guide to treating cold sores with a green tea bag.

1. Soak a single tea bag in hot water. You do not have to boil.
2. Allow the bag to cool and then place the bag on your fever blister.
3. After applying light pressure, allow the bag to reside on the sore for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. You can repeat the process every 1 to 2 hours by using a fresh tea bag.

In terms of how this process works, it is truly no different than consumption. The same active properties in green tea are triggered within the bag. The tanic acid help to dry out and heal the cold sore. Once water is applied, the liquid comes to life. This activation, coupled with direct contact with your cold sore, can serve as a prime treatment.

If you do not enjoy the taste, this method could be your path. In this fashion, you can still reap the potential rewards without attempting to drink a beverage you do not enjoy.

OTC Cold Sore Treatments That Work

Listed below are other ways you can treat cold sores:

• Over-the-counter creams, such as HERP-B-GONE, can get rid of cold sores fast. It was created by Hannah Yoseph, MD and is approved by the Federal Drugs Administration (FDA).
• Taking a lysine or zinc supplement is believed to help with recovery from cold sores naturally.
• Bolster your immune system with a high dosage of vitamin c and avoid foods that make cold sores worse.

Some signs point to green tea being a good remedy for cold sores. It contains potent antioxidants that strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy. It can help to detoxify your body and prevent the cold sore virus from spreading.

It’s unlikely to be all that you need to prevent and completely recover from outbreaks. Your body will need other vitamins and nutrients to fight cold sores. Regardless of your course of action, it’s vital to find out how your body responds before considering it to be a go-to treatment.