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How Natural Remedies Can Prevent Cold Sores

posted on 22 November 2007 | posted in In Depth Articles

WHAT IS A COLD SORE?

It is estimated that 20 - 40 per cent of the population suffer from cold sores. There are over 70 types of Herpes viruses, but the one primarily responsible for cold sores on the lips is known as herpes simplex virus (HSV - 1). Infections in the genital area are still herpes simplex viruses, but are categorised as HSV -2, although some can be caused by the HSV-1. The type of treatment and prevention is the same for both.

After being infected initially, in most people the cold sore virus lays dormant in the nerve cells, but in those who suffer with cold sores, the virus can be reactivated causing recurring outbreaks.

WHAT CAN TRIGGER COLD SORES?

Usually, it's minor infections, trauma such as catching or biting the lip or infected area, a stressful time, or exposure to the sun.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS?

The most important thing to do is to enhance your immune status. The lower the immune system, the more likely of an outbreak. Often people's immune systems can be lower in the autumn or spring. It's a good idea to take a supplement for general immune support. In a placebo-controlled trial, the natural remedy Thymo- Lyph
, has been shown to be effective in preventing both the number and severity of recurrent infections to people with suppressed immune systems. Thymus extract appears to increase the immune system's response to herpes simplex virus by potentiating cell-mediated immune response.

Other natural remedies for cold sores include Zinc B6. Taking 30 -50mg per day has been shown to be effective in reducint the frequency, duration and the severity of the cold sore attack.

Vitamin C can increase the rate of healing of herpes ulcers. In a randomised double blind trial, a formulation containing ascorbic acid (AScoxal) was applied to the ulcers with a cotton wool pad three times daily for two minutes. Patients did reported that the scabs healed up more quickly than usual and fewer cases of worsening symptoms. In another study, 20 patients with cold sores were treated with a complex of 600mg of water-soluble bioflavinoids (the vitamin C family) and 1,000mg of vitamin C, five times daily. Ten episodes of outbreak were treated with a placebo. After the symptoms of the onset of an outbreak , patients were given the above dose for 3 days. The bioflavinoids were shown to reduce blister formation and those treated with the vitamin C regime reported that their lesions lasted 4.4 days and the patients treated with the placebo had lesions for 10 days. The success rate depended how quickly the treatment was administered. So it is advised to keep these remedies in handy proximity to begin the treatment as soon as the first tingling symptom becomes apparent. Try taking 2 x ANTH76 three times daily together with 1000 mg of Vitamin Ctwice daily as soon as the first symptoms appear.

LYSINE AND ARGININE

A popular treatment for the prevention of cold sores is increasing the level of lysine, an amino acid, which is derived from the protein that we eat, and reducing foods rich in the amino acid arginine. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, peanuts, seeds and nuts. Eating a lot of chocolate and nuts could trigger a cold sore attack in some people. Foods to eat, that are rich in lysine include most vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey and chicken.

Some studies have shown that if lysine was supplemented and arginine foods were not avoided that there was inconsistent evidence that lysine helped cold sores. This could have been due to the lower dose of lysine used. However in another study, lysine was given in larger doses, 1 gm 3 times daily, and arginine-rich foods were avoided in the diet. In this study. After 6 months, 74% of the participants rated the regime as effective or very effective compared to 28% of the placebo group.

SUMMARY OF TREATMENT FOR FREQUENT COLD SORES

  • Enhance the immune system by taking Thymo-Lyph
    or a high quality herbal remedy such as Nature's Sunshine Immune Formula


  • Avoid arginine-rich foods and eat more lysine-rich foods


  • In clinical studies, taking zinc orally, we suggest Zinc & B6at 50mg daily can help reduce frequency of attacks and the severity of the herpes


  • Both orally and topically, vitamin C and bioflavinoids can increase the rate of healing of cold sores. Try taking Try taking 2 x ANTH 76 three times daily together with 1000 mg of Vitamin C twice daily as soon as the first symptoms appear.


  • 100mg of lysine three times daily may help control frequency and severity of cold sore attacks. We suggest taking 2 x 500mg Lycine three times daily.


  • During the first symptoms, place ice (in a cloth) on the site of the herpes sore for 10 minutes, 5 minutes off for up to three times every 4 hours.

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