Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Review Of The Top Herbal Cold Sore Treatments

By Devin Brindinshire


Because herbal treatment is so tremendously common, and its advocates think that it can cure almost any malady, it isn't surprising that there is no shortage of herbal cold sore remedies being praised by different sites on the internet. Searching through each of them is next to impossible for the average person, but using a little homework, it's possible to identify a handful of recurring kinds of supplements that seem to have some value.

Black Walnut

Due to its significant amounts of natural iodine, black walnut is an extremely popular herbal remedy for oral herpes symptoms. Iodine carries a demonstrated history of beneficial use as an antiseptic, but there's also an evergrowing mound of data to support its potency as an antiviral agent. The herb may be either used in dried form in order to decrease outbreaks, or put on topically to heal cold sores and fever blisters.

Natural Aloe Vera Gel

One of the more useful herbal treatments for any variety of skin problems, Natural Aloe Vera is also considered to be an effective way of relieving inflammation and pain from herpes fever blisters, and speeding up their healing process. It's suggested that you utilize real Aloe Vera Gel instead of moisturizers or creams that contain Aloe to get the best results.

Sage and Rhubarb

The herbs rhubarb and sage come in several over-the-counter creams, and the mixture of both has been clinically proven to decrease pain and aid in the treatment of cold sores and fever blisters. As a matter of fact, a recent study in Switzerland determined that ointments containing both rhubarb and sage were just as effective at treating oral herpes episodes as prescription medications that contain acyclovir.

Licorice Root

We are all familiar with licorice-flavored candy, but genuine, all-natural licorice root can do far more than satisfy your sweet tooth according to many alternative medicine supporters. In the opinion of its supporters, using 50 grams per day of a licorice root dietary supplement suppresses the HSV-1 virus enough to result in a significant drop off in the frequency of outbreaks.

Scientific study has led credence to this idea too, by noting that the glycyrrhetinic acid in licorice root substantially decreases the presence of herpes virus in test tubes during research laboratory studies.

Reishi and Astragalus

Eastern physicians have prescribed consuming the Reishi fungus together with the herb astragalus as a remedy for viral infections for generations. The mixture is usually used in dry, or tablet form, as a daily herbal dietary supplement.

Although there has not yet been any conclusive clinical data to support Reishi and Astragalus' specific success in stopping herpes, initial studies show that the two herbs bolster and support the body's defense mechanisms in general.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Definitely one of the most-widely recognized herbal cold sore remedies, lemon balm carries a lengthy track record as an oral herpes treatment in the west. Unlike most herbal treatments, lemon balm cream, especially, has been studied extensively by doctors and is shown to have antiviral qualities that make it effective in suppressing the herpes simplex virus.

Peppermint

While peppermint has long been known to be very effective at remedying digestive ailments, the plant's oil has recently been discovered to additionally be of assistance in treating HSV-1. Peppermint can be either ingested as an herbal tea, or applied topically in oil form.

One Final Word About Herbal Cold Sore Remedies

As is true with so many matters related to the herpes simplex virus, herbal cold sore remedies have varying degrees of success in each person. Whereas some herpes afflicted individuals will discover that using one of the previously mentioned substances fully eradicates their sores, other people could see no effects whatsoever. Solely through experimentation on your own will you be able to figure out whether or not they work for you.




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