Learn about 3 essential oils that might help you out when trying to clear a cold sore fast.
There is no denying it, the rise of essential oils is still going strong. These concentrated smell-good plant compounds are used as a natural treatment for a variety of ailments, including cold sores.
While antiviral medications, like Valacyclovir, are proven helpful as a cold sore treatment, essential oils have also shown some promise.
If you’re interested in treating your cold sore naturally with essential oils, you’re in the right place.
You’re likely familiar with essential oils or at the very least have heard of them. But what are they really?
Essential oils are concentrated plant compounds that are extracted from plant material through a distillation process.
Simply put, essential oils are comprised of all the good stuff extracted from plants and herbs.
Read Related: 3 Essential Oils For Rosacea: Rose, Chamomile, and Tea Tree
Let’s find out which essential oils are the most helpful for cold sores.
According to a relatively new 2014 study, lemon balm essential oil was shown to inhibit the herpes simplex virus from penetrating the cell by 80 to 96 percent.
This essential oil was found to perform well with drug-resistant strains of HSV1 (the infection that causes cold sores).
To use lemon balm essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it directly to your cold sore. To offer quicker recovery, it’s best to lean on prescription antiviral medications. However, it may not hurt to add natural remedies into your repertoire.
This potent essential oil is often used for the treatment of cold sores for its antiviral properties.
In this 2003 study, researchers found that peppermint oil had the ability to inhibit and destroy the herpes simplex virus stating “Peppermint oil exhibited high levels of viricidal activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in viral suspension tests.”
This essential oil is quite strong so it’s best used sparingly, and of course, diluted.
Known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, tea tree is a go-to for all-natural cold sore treatments.
To use, dilute the tea tree oil in a carrier oil and use a cotton swab to dab the area. Don’t use more than twice a day as this strong oil could irritate the skin.
For quicker recovery from a cold sore outbreak, it’s best to use proven antiviral medications that have been shown to shorten the duration of cold sore outbreaks.
If misused, essential oils could result in a few issues. If you’re planning to use essential oils as a treatment for a cold sore you should keep a few things in mind.
Perhaps. The benefits of using antiviral medications for cold sores are validated.
One big advantage is antivirals used at the first sign of a cold sore may be able to help shorten the duration of your outbreak (clearing up your cold sore quicker woohoo).
If it is recommended by your doctor, daily use of antiviral medication like Valacyclovir might also be able to prevent future outbreaks.
Learn More: 8 tips on getting rid of a cold sore
Home remedies such as diluted essential oils might be able to help soothe or reduce the appearance of cold sores but there are many limitations to this approach.
If you use diluted essential oils as described, conduct an allergy patch test, and are careful with topical use, there should be no reason to advise against the use of some essential oils for cold sores. Although, their effectiveness for cold sores is not yet confirmed.
However, prescription medications have been proven effective for the use of reducing the effects of the herpes simplex virus.
Also Read: Valacyclovir (Valtrex) for Cold Sores: Common Treatment Questions Answered
No one enjoys dealing with a cold sore. They’re painful and can make you feel super self-conscious.
If you deal with HSV1 cold sores, you might be a good candidate for the antiviral medication Valacyclovir (aka generic Valtrex). When Valacyclovir is used at the first sign of cold sores, you might be able to shorten the life of your cold sore.
If you need one weapon against cold sores in your medicine cabinet -- it’s keeping Valacyclovir on hand.
To find out if this prescription is right for you, complete this free online questionnaire-based doctor's consultation.
Strut treats HSV1 and HSV2 online, and your medication can be shipped to your door with our free shipping.
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