Cold Sores Remedies

That cold sore that is on your lip is herpes. And the most common herpes cold sore is simplex 1 and simplex 2 but you can also get the genital version of herpes around your lips and mouth as well. We won't be discussing this version though. Instead, in this article I am going to focus on HSV-1 potential cold sore remedies that can be safely administered from the comfort of your home.  Heroes Simplex 2 involves genital herpes.  Almost everyone has the HSV-1 virus in their system as it is highly contagious.

The onset of a cold sore is usually a burning and tingling sensation most likely around lips but could be around the nose as well.  Itchy, painful blisters should soon follow with hours.  A lot of times, these blisters will look like pimples or acne.  The good news is that cold sores usually only last a few days and dry up in one to two weeks.  Natural cold sore remedies can expediate the process of healing more quickly though.

Chief Causes of getting a cold sore:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• A suppressed immune system

There are many remedies that will affect the length of a cold sore OR even prevent cold sores.  You can take over the counter medication such as campho-phenique or Abreva but there are many cold sore remedies that focus primarily on diet and lifestyle and simply by making a few changes to your diet, you can ease the symptoms and even prevent them.

Eating things that are rich in amino L-lysine could be a way to prevent HSV-1 as many experts think that they are responsible for inhibiting the replication of the herpes virus.  Turkey, chicken and fish are all foods that are high in the amino acid as well as most vegetables.

Fish and nuts like almonds will help speed tissue repair and help reduce inflammation associated with a cold sore.

You should also be getting a healthy dose of Vitamin C in your diet to help heal the skin.  Foods like broccoli, potatoes and all the brightly colored vegetables are loaded with vitamin C.

There are also foods you may want to consider cutting from your diet when you do have a cold sore.  These foods will also help prevent one as well.

Foods loaded with the amino acid L-arginine should be avoided.  Many experts believe that this amino acid actually stimulates HSV replication.  Foods that are high in L-arginine include Peanuts, products with whole wheat and chocolate.

Sugar is the source of most ailments when it comes to diet.  A diet high in sugar should be avoided because they will further suppress immune function as well as hinder the healing of the blisters.

You should also avoid acidic foods such as oranges, tomatoes and grapefruit as the acid in these fruits will aggravate the cold sores.

In addition to food, you can supplement your diet with certain herbs and vitamins that will help suppress a cold sore.

You can use licorice root extract as a topical agent during an outbreak.  Apply the cream directly on the lesions 4 times a day.

If you get cold sores frequently, you could take a B-complex vitamin as this will help with your body's defenses.

Another herb that helps to bolster immune function is Echinacea.  The good thing about this herbal treatment is that it has some pretty powerful antiviral properties.

Chlorella and Spirulina are also good as they help to support a suppressed or stressed immune system.  You can buy both at your local health food store.

Finally, lemon balm extract has been shown in case studies to lower the symptoms of cold sores.  People who applies the extract actually had fewer cold sore blisters.  Additionally, Lemon Balm helps prevent future cold sores from showing up.