Liquorice balm, which contains an extract of  liquorice, could help prevent cold sores, according to a new study.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus which effects over 30 million people in the UK.

Liquorice contains high levels of Glycyrrhizic Acid, which research shows has strong anti-viral actions.

When applied to the lips, liquorice extract can weaken the cold sore virus that lies dorment in the skin  around the lips, making it less active.

Liquorice specifically targets the genes that are required to maintain the cold sore virus in its latent state by interfering with the production of special proteins that feed the infected cold sore cells.

What’ s the evidence that our Liquorice Balm works? 

Skin Shop's Liquorice Balm was found to be effective at fighting cold sores in a double-blind trial, carried out by the Herpes Viruses Association. It reduced the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks for over 73% of subjects tested and, furthermore, 83% of subjects using the liquorice balm reported experiencing less severe cold sore outbreaks than when using their conventional treatments. While using Liquorice Balm, testers reported that on average their cold sore outbreaks were only half their normal length.

How quickly did Liquorice Balm  work?

Skin Shop customer and cold sore tester reported that Liquorice Balm reduced the frequency of her monthly cold sore outbreaks by 60% over a six month period.  Over the same period of daily use, our tester reported that the intensity of cold sore outbreaks had reduced by 50% and the duration was reduced by 70%.

How nice is  Liquorice Balm to use?

Our tester found that Liquorice Balm  was pleasant and easy to apply and left lips feeling well conditioned for several hours after application.

 

Unlike conventional cold sore treatments,  Liquorice Balm can be used daily without any negative side-effects, meaning that the balm could be used to prevent cold sore outbreaks before they have a chance to take hold.

Skin Shop's Liquorice Balm costs £7.95 for 30g. Click here for details.