The amino acid lysine is one of the two leading anti-cold sore supplements. Taken orally during a flare-up, lysine inhibits the growth of the cold sore virus.
Applied directly to a sore, lysine cream promotes healing, and a low-maintenance dose may prevent recurrences. (If you use lysine long-term, be sure to take it with an amino acid complex to ensure a balanced mix of amino acids.) You should begin to see effects in two or three days or even sooner.
The second leading supplement is an herbal cream. When you first feel the tingling that announces a cold sore, apply melissa to the affected area. Made from the powerful antiviral herb Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, melissa cream helps sores heal more quickly and may also prevent recurrences.
As an alternative you can prepare a melissa tea, by steeping 2 to 3 tablespoons of the herb in a cup of very hot water for 15 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, apply it externally to the cold sore using a cotton ball.
The antioxidant combination of vitamin C plus flavonoids promotes healing and boosts viral-fighting immune system cells.
Or, consider a short course of a high dose of vitamin A, well known for its antiviral properties. In liquid form, it can either be taken orally or applied directly to the cold sore.
If you believe a weakened immune system is contributing to your frequent outbreaks of cold sores, consider regular use of echinacea. Herbalists also recommend applying liquid extract of echinacea directly to cold sores to speed healing.
In cases of severe or recurrent cold sores not responding well to a simple drug or supplement regimen, you should be evaluated by a doctor for an underlying problem with your immune system.
Other herbal agents are sometimes helpful as well. In addition to taking low doses of lysine to prevent cold sore recurrences, try alternating some of the well-known immune stimulating herbs.
Use the herbs in three-week rotations: Take echinacea the first week; astragalus the second week; and a mixture of reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms the third week. And then restart the cycle.
Applying ice to a cold sore for a few minutes several times a day eases pain and helps dry out the sore. Wrap the ice in a moist washcloth before applying it.
Compresses made with the herb hyssop can be directly applied to the cold sores. Make an infusion solution by using one ounce of dried herb per pint of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and allow to cool before using.
To avoid spreading the virus, don't touch active blisters and don't share personal items such as drinking glasses, toothbrushes, razors, or towels.
If you are prone to cold sore outbreaks, always apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) to your lips /face before going out into the sun.
The amino acid arginine is thought to play a role in reactivating the cold sore virus. To prevent recurrences, avoid chocolate, nuts, whole-grain cereals, and gelatin, which are all rich in arginine. Eat more kidney beans, split peas, and corn, which are rich in lysine.
Yoga, meditation, and other mind-body techniques help relieve stress, a possible cold sore trigger.
Do not pick or squeeze a cold sore blister or scab. This can cause it to spread and impede the healing process.
Keep lips moisturized at all times by using a lip balm. Dry, chapped, or cracked lips can be more susceptible to an outbreak.
2007-02-16 13:42:47
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answer #1
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answered by Goldista 6
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I REALLY wanted you to know that you can EASILY never have to deal with another horrible, awful, nasty cold-sore for the rest of your life!!
I got them every winter my whole life until 3 years ago (I'm 36 now) and they were the BANE of my existence...the whole process took weeks to heal and would leave a scar for at least 2 months sometimes!
I was reading a message board on www.curezone.org and discovered the PERFECT remedy for both healing them and preventing them completely:
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
So, I buy the liquid tincture by "HerbPharm" and it has not failed me ONCE...Whenever I'm feeling drained, tired, stressed, or get that tingly feeling on my lip, I just load up on this stuff.
This is the one I buy:
http://www.nextag.com/Herb-Pharm-Olive-Leaf-66659849/prices-html
You can also get Olive Leaf at Whole Foods Market, and other natural food stores.
Very cheap.
The first time I tried it, I was actually halfway into a major eruption and I drank a bunch of the extract in some water.
AS I WAS DRINKING the stuff down, I could feel the swelling on my lip shrinking...I was in such shock--I ran to the mirror--it was shrinking before my eyes and within ten minutes my lip had returned to NORMAL...I began kissing the bottle of Olive Leaf...yeah, I really did!!
I had tried everything in the past...I can't begin to tell you what I went through...and it's now been 3 YEARS since I've had one!
I've been in the Alternative Medicine field for some time now, and offer individualized consultations:
http://www.kasamba.com/Wellness-Coach
2007-02-18 15:41:26
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Go to walmart, or your local drug store, and go to the Vitamin section...get some L-Lysene (lysine?) tablets...cant remember the spelling...
They WORK MIRICLES...I take them to keep from getting cold sores, and I havent had one in years!!
Also, Abreva works like a charm, its expensive, and its a tiny little tube...I think it runs about $13. It works real well!
Both this and the lysene, and it should be gone in no time at all.
Im an LPN, and most doctors recommened taking lysene if you tend to get cold sores frequently...
Hope this helps..
2007-02-16 08:31:45
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answer #3
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answered by ~Annette~ 5
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you won't be in a position to truly do away with it. yet i might start up with looking a sparkling pastime. and stop writing lots on the pc. Do sporting activities jointly with your pals. Set a purpose for your self to purely stay on the pc for 2 hours then cut back down each and each month. it ought to maintain you a pair of greenbacks on the electrical powered bill!!! ;). actually discover some thing else to do, in case you won't be in a position to seem at what video clips are drawing near, what activities that sound kinda cool. Be accessible particularly of interior right here.
2016-10-02 06:23:37
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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1
2017-02-19 23:00:05
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answer #5
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answered by adrian 4
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i've seen commercials for cold sore..just dont remember the name of the product..but u can get medication to help your cold sore
2007-02-16 08:21:41
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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ive seen that before. like all herpies, it just takes time. Its a cycles you just need to get used to and accept
2007-02-16 08:20:23
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answer #7
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answered by Tracy 1
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