Q: Unfortunately, I’m prone to cold sores. Are there any natural remedies you would recommend?
A: Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of virus; type 1 and type 2.
HSV-1 generally infects body tissues above the waistline and is the common cause for cold sores, whereas HSV-2 attacks below the waistline and causes genital herpes.
It sounds like you are suffering from HSV-1.
Unlike other infections where symptoms are more or less immediate, the cold sore virus enters the body and travels to the top end of the nerves, where it lies in a dormant state.
During this ‘sleeping time’ there is no sign of infection. It is only when the virus is woken up or reactivated that cold sores form.
Triggers vary from person to person but tend to include physical or emotional stress, over exposure to UV light, fever, menstruation, fatigue and drugs that suppress the immune system.
Once activated, the virus travels back along to the nerve endings in the skin, where it starts to replicate. This is when the blisters occur, sometimes without warning but occasionally you’ll feel tingling or itching sensation beforehand.
Most conventional cold sore treatments are only effective at this tingling stage, before the blisters occur. Once the blister has reared its ugly head, you’ll have to wait 8-10 days for it to run its course.
However clinical trials show that some herbal remedies can be effective at every stage of a cold sore.
Research published in Journal of Clinical Research in 2001 shows that A Vogel Bio-Propolis from Bioforce can heal cold sores in just over 3 days, even after blistering has occurred.
Made by honey bees, Propolis has been used for more than 2000 years for its antiseptic properties. Today it is recognised for its antiviral potential.
Liquorice Balm sold by Skin Shop has been recently tested by the Herpes Association and found to help the duration of cold sores and testers reported that their cold sores were less severe.
Recurrent cold sores may indicate a compromised immune system, so you really ought to consult your GP if they do keep coming back.
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