If you tend to get cold sores, avoid stressors such as spicy food and sun exposure as well as taking antiviral medication to speed up healing processes.
Milk contains antiviral properties and may ease the discomfort associated with cold sores when applied using cotton swabs. Furthermore, eating foods containing an optimal ratio of lysine-to-arginine will aid in fighting viruses that cause cold sores.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is made from steam distilled extract of leaves from an Australian native plant. With its woody yet sweet fragrance and antimicrobial benefits, this aromatic oil can help boost immune systems while soothing skin irritations.
This oil has antiseptic properties and can effectively treat bacterial and some viral infections. Furthermore, it can soothe coughs and loosen phlegm. Furthermore, it may be used as an insect repellent.
However, some individuals may be allergic to eucalyptus oil. If this is the case for you, opt instead for natural treatments like lavender or tea tree oil as natural treatments for cold sores. Also make sure your source for purchasing eucalyptus oil offers independent GC-MS reports so that its chemical breakdown can be verified and to make sure no tampering took place during production.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera sap is widely recognized for its skin healing benefits and has been shown to effectively treat cold sores. Dabbing some onto sores a few times each day or keeping some in the refrigerator can provide immediate comfort, and can even provide additional soothing sensations.
Tea tree oil is both antifungal and antiseptic, providing relief to inflammation associated with cold sores. A cold compress and acetaminophen can also provide temporary pain relief. Lysine supplements or foods with an optimal ratio of lysine-to-arginine can boost your immunity against herpesvirus replication while simultaneously helping reduce swelling or abrasions.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, relieving oxidative stress and hastening healing. Include it in your diet through various food sources or take vitamin E oil supplements; applying it directly onto cold sores prevents cracking and reduces itching.
Peppermint oil contains antiviral properties that help combat the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Apply it directly onto a sore using cotton swabs several times daily for best results.
Zinc can help shorten herpes outbreaks. Eat foods rich in zinc such as beef, chicken, cashews, pumpkin seeds, oats, milk and yogurt to boost your intake and help manage an outbreak. Avoid processed food, white flour and sugar products and alcohol that reduce immunity while restricting amino acid arginine as this promotes herpes replication.
Licorice root
Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may help prevent cold sore recurrence, while providing additional health benefits like calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, amino acids, and flavonoids. Take it orally as a supplement or apply topically directly onto sores for maximum effectiveness.
Garlic extracts and compounds have virucidal effects against herpes simplex virus type 1. Using garlic cloves directly on a cold sore lesion or using cotton balls soaked with diluted garlic oil to dab onto it three or four times a day may be effective in treating cold sores.
Licorice root may provide digestive health benefits, relieve menopausal symptoms and decrease cough symptoms; however, more high-quality research needs to be completed in order to substantiate such claims.
Propolis
Propolis is the resinous secretion bees collect from trees, flowers and other plants for use in their hives. This substance boasts powerful antiviral properties which speed healing of cold sores (2).
CAPE is an antiviral compound, blocking NF-kB activation and suppressing HIV-1 integrase activity, two processes needed by viruses to infiltrate cells and infect them.
Propolis ointment applied to herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected skin can speed healing, alleviate symptoms, increase comfort levels and possibly prevent future outbreaks (4). Furthermore, propolis may even prevent future outbreaks (5).
Propolis can be purchased in pharmacies and health food stores as a cream, ointment or capsule. Additionally, it can also be found as a mouth rinse to treat sore throats and gums. Although propolis is available without side effects in most people with allergies to bees, poplar buds or balsam of Peru, certain people may experience adverse reactions when exposed to it.