Cold sores or fever blisters, are a common infection caused by virus. The main symptom is a group of painful blisters on the lips, or on the nose. Cold sores usually go away in 1 to 2 weeks without medical treatment. However, there are some treatments that can help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process.
The most common treatment options for cold sores include antiviral medications, home remedies, and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Antiviral medications work best when taken at the first sign of a cold sore. Home remedies, such as ice and lemon balm, can help reduce pain and itching. OTC treatments, such as lip balm with sunscreen, can also help protect the lips from further irritation.
In this post, we will be focusing on herbal remedies for cold sores. Here are the 10 best herbs for cold sores treatment.
The 10 Best Herbs for Cold Sore Treatment
Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that is most commonly known for its immunity-boosting properties. However, this powerhouse plant also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for cold sore treatment.
To use echinacea for cold sores, make tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times daily. You can also use echinacea tincture, which is readily available at many health food stores.
Calendula
Calendula is another herb with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. This versatile herb can be used topically or taken orally in capsules, tinctures, or tea form.
For cold sore treatment, try dabbing calendula ointment on the sore several times a day or drinking a cup of calendula tea three times a day.
You can find calendula ointment at your local drugstore or health food store, or you can make your own by steeping calendula flowers in olive oil for 2 weeks and then straining out the flowers.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is yet another herb with potent antiviral activity. In fact, studies have shown that licorice root extract can inhibit the growth of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which is responsible for cold sores.
To use licorice root for cold sore treatment, make a strong infusion by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Once cooled, apply the liquid directly to the sore with a cotton swab 3-4 times a day until healed.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has been used medicinally for centuries. It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for cold sores.
Lemon balm can be applied topically to the affected area or taken orally in capsule form. For best results, lemon balm should be used at the first sign of a cold sore.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a flowering plant that has been used to treat a variety of conditions for over 2,000 years. St. John’s wort is most commonly known for its antidepressant properties, but it also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective cold sore treatment. St. John’s wort can be applied topically or taken orally in capsule or tincture form.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil can help to heal cold sores and prevent them from coming back.
To use tea tree oil for cold sore treatment, apply a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball and dab it on the cold sore. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your lip balm or moisturizer.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. Aloe vera can speed up the healing process of cold sores and soothe pain and inflammation.
To use aloe vera for cold sore treatment, break off a piece of an aloe vera leaf and rub the gel on the cold sore. You can also find aloe vera gel at your local drugstore.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb for treating a wide variety of ailments, including cold sores. The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil can help reduce swelling and redness while also helping to speed up the healing process.
To use lavender for cold sore treatment, simply dab a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Repeat this several times per day until the cold sore has completely healed.
Thyme
Thyme is another herb with antiviral properties that can be helpful for treating cold sores. In addition to its antiviral properties, thyme also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe the pain and itchiness associated with cold sores.
To treat cold sores with thyme, add a few drops of thyme essential oil to a cotton ball and apply it several times per day. You can also make thyme tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball. Repeat this several times per day until the cold sore has healed.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular herb that is known for its cooling and soothing properties. It also has antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with cold sores.
Dab a few drops of peppermint essential oil onto a cotton swab to treat your cold sore. To make peppermint tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Use a cotton ball to apply the tea after straining it. Repeat this process a few times each day until your cold sore has dissipated.
Benefits of Herbal Treatments for Cold Sores
Herbal remedies for cold sores can be effective and provide a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications. Some of the benefits include:
Improved Immunity
One of the main reasons why people suffer from cold sores is because of a weakened immune system. Herbal treatments can help to improve your immunity by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to fight off infection and speed up the healing process.
Reduced Inflammation
Another benefit of herbal treatments for cold sores is that they can help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a major contributory factor in cold sore breakouts. By reducing inflammation, you can help reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak.
There are a number of different anti-inflammatory herbs, as mentioned above. These herbs work by calming down your immune response so that it doesn’t overreact to the presence of the Herpes Simplex Virus. This can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain associated with cold sores.
Reduces Healing Time
The third benefit of herbal treatments for cold sores is that they can help speed up healing time. Cold sores usually scab over and heal within 7-10 days. However, if you have a particularly severe outbreak, it can take up to 2 weeks for your cold sore to fully heal.
The herbs work by stimulating tissue regeneration so that your body can repair damaged skin cells more quickly. This can help reduce healing time by a few days.
Cost-Effectiveness
The fourth benefit of herbal treatments for cold sores is that they tend to be very cost-effective. Over-the-counter treatment options for cold sores can be quite expensive; however, many herbal remedies can be made at home using ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.
For example, you can make a honey and lemon balm poultice to treat cold sores with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. This makes herbal treatments for cold sores an affordable and accessible option for anyone looking to treat their cold sore quickly and effectively.
Natural Solutions
Finally, herbal treatments for cold sores offer a natural solution to treating the virus. While over-the-counter medications can be effective, they come with a range of potential side effects. Herbal treatments, on the other hand, are generally safe and free from any nasty side effects.
This makes them a great option for anyone looking for an effective, natural solution to treating their cold sores.
Looking After Your Immune System
In addition to using herbal treatments for cold sores, it’s also important to look after your overall health and well-being. Here are a few tips to keep your immune system strong and help prevent future outbreaks:
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help to strengthen your immune system and protect you from infections. Aim to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as lean proteins such as fish, chicken, or tofu.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is essential for keeping your immune system strong. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of activity every day; this could be something as simple as going for a brisk walk or doing an online yoga class.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your body functioning optimally. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and avoid looking at screens for an hour before you go to bed.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to keeping your body functioning correctly. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day and avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, as these can interfere with your sleep quality.
Practice Stress Relief Techniques
Finally, it’s important to practice stress relief techniques such as meditation or breathwork to help keep your immune system functioning optimally. High levels of stress can have a negative effect on your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and heal itself quickly. Taking time out of your day to relax and unwind can be incredibly beneficial for both your physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Herbs can be a great option for treating cold sores. Herbal treatments are natural, affordable, and effective, and they can help to reduce healing time and soothe discomfort. You can also check our article on Cold Sores vs Acne: Symptoms, Differences and Treatment.
However, it is also important to look after your overall health and well-being by eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and practicing stress-relief techniques.
We hope that this post on the 10 best herbs for cold sores treatment has been helpful. Good luck, and stay healthy!