Natural Cold Sore Treatment

Cold sores are basically blisters in the lip area, but they are not just any blisters. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is usually contracted during childhood, and remains in the body for the rest of one’s life. The virus is dormant most of the time, but seems to be activated by factors such as another illness or stress. When the virus is activated, the infection typically begins with a tingling sensation in a certain spot on the lips, followed by reddening of the skin, and finally by the development of a blister. The blister lasts for approximately ten days, and is usually not accompanied by any other symptoms or complications, except for a mild fever in some cases.

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely destroy the herpes simplex virus or eliminate it from the body. Once it has entered the body, it remains there, causing periodic infections. Since it cannot be completely suppressed, some antiviral medications are available to partially the virus and control the symptoms. Outbreaks can be made milder and less frequent, but they cannot be completely stopped.

A large part of cold sore treatment therefore consists of pain relief, and there are many natural treatments that can be used here. Some of the natural treatments for cold sores also seem to help fight the virus, either directly or by strengthening the body. Aloe gel is one of the simplest and most effective treatments for cold sores. You can use either fresh gel or packaged gel, by applying it directly on the cold sore. The gel is extremely soothing, and also seems to speed up the healing process. Another simple treatment involves simply applying petroleum jelly on the blister, primarily to prevent secondary infections. The plant known as “selfheal” or “heart of the earth”, whose botanical name is prunella vulgaris, has also shown positive results in tests. The extract of the plant can be applied topically, or it can be consumed orally. Lemon balm is another herb that is used to treat herpes – you can consume it in the form of a tea, or you can apply the oil to your cold sores. Some vitamin supplements also seem to help fight the herpes simplex virus – vitamins A, C, and E in particular. Vitamin E is also available as an oil, which can be topically applied to the sores. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying any topical treatment.