Best Herbal Remedies For Cold Sores

13 October, 2011 No Comment

Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sore, is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herbal remedies are often effective in healing the painful blisters that appear inside the mouth, on the lips and gums.

Herbal remedies for Cold Sores

Ganoderma Lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi, is a mushroom that can provide relief from the painful symptoms of cold sore. The powerful immuno-modulatory function of the mushroom could strengthen the activities of the immune cells. By activating and aiding maturation of the immune cells, Ganoderma lucidum significantly enhances the body’s ability to fight the cold sore viruses. The antiviral activities of the mushroom against the herpes simplex viruses have been demonstrated in laboratory studies.

The anti-herpes activities of Ganoderma lucidum is primarily attributed to its novel polysaccharide components. Ganoderma lucidum is especially recommended for people prone to recurrent cold sores. Pretreatment with Ganoderma lucidum inhibits herpes infections by obstructing viral replication and preventing entry of the virus into the target cells. People suffering from cold sore could take about 600mg of the mushroom, once or twice a day. Prolonged intake of Ganoderma lucidum is not associated with adverse side effects.

Astragalus Membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus is widely used in the traditional Chinese medicine for treating the herpes simplex virus infection. This is one of the most effective herbal remedies for cold sores. By modulating the immune function, Astragalus could significantly reduce the symptoms of cold sores. Treatment with Astragalus helps to correct imbalances in the Th1 and Th2 cytokines, which helps to accelerate the cold sore recovery process. In addition, the low cytotoxicity of the herb makes it a safer alternative to conventional antiviral drugs taken to treat cold sore.

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis or lemon balm is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for cold sore. Applying lemon balm extract or oil on the cold sore lesions helps to reduce the painful blisters within 24 hours. Lemon balm oil is capable of penetrating the skin at a rapid pace, which helps to inactivate the herpes simplex virus at a faster speed. By preventing the viruses from attaching themselves to the tissues before penetrating the target cells, lemon balm arrests cold sore infection.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil exhibits powerful antiviral activities. This indigenous herb of Australia could be used for alleviating the symptoms of cold sore. Treatment with tea tree oil could inhibit adsorption and penetration of the herpes simplex virus into the target cells.

Eucalyptus Oil

Another Australia folk medicine that can reduce cold sore is Eucalyptus oil. It could be used alone or combined with tea tree oil. Topical application of eucalyptus oil on the cold sore blisters rapidly heals the lesions. This herbal remedy for cold sore is especially effective in preventing recurrent cold sore infections.

Peppermint Oil

The essential oil derived from Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a powerful antiviral agent. By inhibiting adsorption of the viruses, it could significantly lower the activities of the herpes simplex virus and prevent recurrent infections.

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