Natural Treatments for Cold Sores

Unfortunately, once you come down with a cold sore - you are destined to get more. Once the virus is found within the cells it is impossible to get rid of. Cold sores are fluid filled blisters that can occur around the area of the mouth and can become itchy and irritated at the time when they are developing and are very contagious during the initial outbreak. The blisters can occur on the lips, in and out of the mouth and are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus.

Treatments for cold sores traditionally involve treatments of antiviral medications at high doses that bombard the immune system. This treatment can come with various side effects and are avoided by most patients - as there are many natural treatments that can be used to combat the effects of cold sores.

Lemon balm is used as a natural treatment for cold sores and can cut the treatment time in half for the outbreaks of the cold sores. It is applied to the affected skin that has suffered an outbreak up to three times per day and can reduce the side effects while decreasing the chances that the patient will see recurring cold sores.

Peppermint oil is also an effective way to treat cold sores, naturally as it can reduce the treatment time of the cold sores. It should be used in very small amounts as there has been very little testing completed on the treatment with peppermint oil.

Using these two natural ingredients to reduce cold sores can be an effective way to reduce outbreaks and symptoms that are associated with cold sores.