If you have never suffered from cold sores – lucky you; however chances are if you don’t suffer from them personally, you know someone who does. Whilst cold sores (also known as canker sores or fever blisters) resolve by themselves ‘eventually’, they are painful and they are not pretty, so it’s understanding that people who suffer from them will do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop an outbreak as quickly as possible and prevent further attacks.

What are cold sores and what causes them?

Cold sores are the physical manifestation of the Herpes Simplex 1 virus; generally found on the lips and less common in or around the nostrils and the chin. Once contracted, the virus can lay dormant in the nerve cells of your body forever and can particularly triggered in times of lowered immunity, emotional and physical stress and hormonal disruption. During an outbreak, the area tingles and feels sensitive to the touch. This progresses to redness, swelling and presents as small fluid-filled blisters that are clumped together. Timeline from start to finish for most people from initial tingles to healing of the skin takes between 7-10 days.

The GR8-8 Natural cold sore remedies and relievers

1. Peppermint oil Used topically peppermint oil is understood to contain properties that directly kill virus particles and soothe the pain and inflammation associated with cold sores.
2. Garlic Garlic is a proven antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal superfood and super herb. In addition, it may also reduce swelling and inflammation plus speed up the healing process. Slice a fresh garlic clove and hold it against the affected area until the stinging goes away and repeat 3 to 5 times a day if possible. Garlic will also work to boost your immune system and potentially prevent further outbreak.
3. Tea compress Tea contains tannins, or tannic acids that may have an inhibitory effect on cold sores. Place a steeped tea bag (black or green tea is perfect) on the area effected every hour if possible.
4. Oregano oil A powerful antimicrobial, a couple of drops of oregano oil applied topically to the blisters may help to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
5. Tea tree oil Contains antiviral and antibacterial properties known to dramatically reduce both the duration and discomfort of a cold sore and can be directly applied to the site of infection.
6. Eucalyptus citriodora Used to clean the affected area and aid in the recovery of a cold sore outbreak.
7. Vetiver Contains antibacterial properties and may improve circulation and healing to a number of skin conditions, including cold sores.
8. Lavender Contains antifungal and antiseptic properties and has long been associated in healing a wide range of skin conditions.

Your diet and cold sores

This part is relatively simple.

1. Firstly, you need to reduce foods containing the amino acid arginine. The virus that causes cold sores feeds on arginine.
2. Secondly – take a lysine supplement. All amino acids form bonded pairs – in this case arginine bonds with lysine. When bonded, arginine is no longer available to aggravate the virus that causes cold sores. Additionally, lysine may help to speed up the healing process!
3. For some people simply reducing foods containing arginine (think nuts, seeds, coffee and chocolate) and taking a lysine supplement is enough to reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak. *please note* do not to take high doses of Lysine longer than 6 months .

Is there anything else I can do?

1. Out with the old and in with the new – once you see a blister form, it’s time for a new toothbrush – the perfect ‘vehicle’ to carry the virus and ensure it hangs around for the longest time possible; the absolute opposite of what you are trying to achieve.
2. Resist the urge to touch, play, handle, pick or peel the sore that forms as a) it is a super easy way to cause a bacterial infection and b) cold sores are highly contagious
3. Finally, applying ice on a cold sore when it first starts to develop can reduce the swelling, redness and pain. Wrap an ice cube in cloth (a never been used dishcloth is perfect) and then place it over the affected area. For best results, repeat this process with a fresh ice cube 4 to 5 times daily.
4. Wear sunscreen – excess exposure to the sun can increase inflammation that in turn can increase the likeliness of outbreak.