Contagious

What are different home remedies for Cold Sores? – Part 2

What are Cold Sores?
• Cold sores, are caused be herpes simplex virus1 HSV-1.
• Cold sores appear 3 to 10 days after exposure to the virus and last up to 5 weeks.
• The virus then remains permanently and moves into the nervous system.
• These cold sores are very contagious.

It lies dormant until triggered by:
• Fever
• Cold
• Other viral infection
• Exposure to sun and wind
• Stress
• Menstruation
• High levels of amino acid arginine
• Depression of the immune system

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

13. Witch Hazel
Applying Witch Hazel on sores to get some relief.

14. Use Zinc lozenges
• One of the best ways to prevent cold sores is by sucking on zinc lozenges.
• These lozenges are very good for boosting the immune system.
• They help in preventing cold sores.

15. Use Peppermint Oil
• Use peppermint oil that has been found to be very effective.
• Peppermint oil can penetrate the skin.
• It has powerful antiviral properties and can have a curing effect on cold sores.

16. Use Reishi and Astragalus
• The Reishi mushroom has been widely used in Chinese medicine to boost immunity.
• 600 milligrams of this herb in powder or supplement form can be taken.
• Take it one or two times a day to control the spread of cold sores.
• Reishi is also used in combination with an herb called astragalus.
• This combination helps to improve immunity in people who have been infected with the herpes virus.

17. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
• A good home remedy for cold sores on the tongue is a solution prepared by mixing water with 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, one teaspoon of baking soda and five teaspoons of salt.
• This solution can be used to rinse the mouth for at least a minute.
• Do this 4-5 times a day to effectively get rid of cold sores on the tongue.

18. Use Raw Onion
• Small pieces of raw onion can be applied directly on the cold sores.
• This will help to treat and prevent cold sores from getting worse.

19. Use Plum Juice
• For getting rid of cold sores on tongue and in the mouth, 2 tablespoons of plum juice freshly squeezed can be used as a mouth rinse.
• A cotton ball can be soaked for sometime in the plum juice if the sores are severe.
• This is then used as a compress over the cold sores to relieve pain and inflammation.

Cold Sores Diet

- Avoid acidic and salty foods.
- Foods that are high in arginine are to be restricted when having cold sores are:
• Chocolates
• Peanuts
• Grains
• Peas
• Seeds
• Oatmeal
• Whole-wheat
- Avoid tea and coffee.
- Eat vitamin rich diet.
- Include vitamin A, C and E, Zinc and iron in the diet.
- Eat fresh food with high antioxidants and high complex carbohydrates.
- Avoid processed food.
- Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Precautions

• Do not use cosmetic products in an attempt to hide cold sores.
• Burying the cold sores under a layer of makeup will aggravate the problem.
• Avoid picking or pinching at a cold sore.
• This poses a high threat of bacterial infection.
• Never touch the cold sore and then touch your eyes or genitals.
• This will simply spread the infection.
• Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly.
• Use a hand sanitizer after touching a cold sore.

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What are different home remedies for Cold Sores? – Part 1

What are Cold Sores?
• Cold sores, are caused be herpes simplex virus1 HSV-1.
• Cold sores appear 3 to 10 days after exposure to the virus and last up to 5 weeks.
• The virus then remains permanently and moves into the nervous system.
• These cold sores are very contagious.

It lies dormant until triggered by:
• Fever
• Cold
• Other viral infection
• Exposure to sun and wind
• Stress
• Menstruation
• High levels of amino acid arginine
• Depression of the immune system

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

1. Echinacea and Goldseal
• Use Echinacea and goldenseal extract mixture.
• Echinacea is an immune system booster which can prevent a cold sore outbreak.
• Take one dropper-full a day for about 3 days.
• Also put a few drops on a cotton ball and place on the affected area for a few minutes.
• Do this several times a day.

2. Lemon balm
• Lemon balm contains a high concentration of polyphenols.
• This helps to minimize herpes outbreaks.
• It can be applied topically in cream form.
• Brew as a tea lemon balm that can be taken internally.
• It has antiviral qualities.

3. Olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract is good as a natural antibiotic for viral infections.

4. Aloe Vera
• Gently rub aloe Vera gel or oil on the sores.
• It also speeds up healing.

5. L-Lysine
• This fights virus that causes cold sores.
• Take 500 mg twice a day.

6. Vitamin B complex
• It is very important for healing and immune system functions.
• Take 100 mg of each major B vitamin twice a day.

7. Salt
• Place a small amount of salt on the cold sore.
• Hold it in place with your finger for a minute or two.
• This may be painful but is one of the quickest ways to heal cold sores.

8. Garlic
• Cut garlic in half and place one part on the cold sore.
• A compound in garlic called cold Kyolic has antiviral properties which speed healing.
• Take 2 garlic capsules a day.

9. Ice
• Rub ice on the infected skin for few minutes.
• Repeat this every hour.

10. Use Tea Bag
• Apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters.
• Repeat this every hour.
• One can also consider pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for about 30 minutes.

11. Use Licorice
• Licorice can actually help inhibit the development of cold sores.
• This effect is attributed to an ingredient in licorice which is known as glycyrrhizic acid.
• Try chewing on a licorice whip.
• Make sure that it is actually made from real licorice.
• Buy some licorice powder and sprinkle it over the sores.

12. Use Cold Milk
• Some naturalists say that cold milk has a role in cold sore treatment.
• It can provide relief and even promote healing.
• Simply soak a cotton ball or swab in some cold milk and dab it gently over the sore.