Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus 1. Over half our population gets cold sores. Another quarter of our population has this virus but never gets the symptoms. They appear on average about a week after exposure and can last up to three weeks. This virus stays in the body even after the acute outbreak is over. Once the virus enters the body, it never leaves. This virus hides in nerve cells where the immune system's protective cells cannot get to them. Recurrence, or new outbreaks, can be triggered by stress, other viral infections, exposure to excessive sun and/or wind, or anything else that will depress your immune system. These sores are easily spread, so care should be taken to reduce contact with other people until the contagious part (the outbreak) is finished. These mouth sores are quite common and are indicative of body chemistry imbalances. These are usually seen in people that have hypothyroid conditions and are usually set off by food allergies. If you have a history of cold sores, it's a good idea to have your thyroid function checked.
Cold sores are found on the lips, gums, tongue and cheek. Outbreaks are more common in the winter than summer which may be due to the extra stress winter puts on the body. These infections are more prevalent in woman, usually set off by the hormone imbalance seen during the menstrual cycle. Local tenderness with a small "bump" is usually the first sign of a cold sore. This can turn into a blister with increased tenderness. These blisters tend to break and release pus. The adjacent lymph nodes can become swollen and tender, making life unpleasant.
Cold sores are a symptom of a weakened immune system. Stress and exhaustion seem to play a major role in allowing the virus to express itself. Because of the thyroid factor, its important to make sure that your immune system is at its optimal function at all times.
Natural Remedies for Cold Sores
Eat a mineral rich diet, add foods that will make your body more alkaline. Stay away from anything that will put stress on the nervous system such as caffeine and alcohol. Foods rich in the amino acid arginine, chocolate, peanut butter, nuts and onions seem to be associated with a higher incidence. Plenty of salads, raw and cooked vegetables, whole grains (eliminate wheat if possible) and potatoes (baked or steamed). Green vegetables are the best source of minerals.
Supplements
– Lysine: 500mg, 3x/day
– Vitamin C: 500mg 6x/day
– Vitamin B-Complex: (at least 100mg 3x/day)
– Acidophilus: follow label directions
– Garlic: 2-3x/day
Herbal Medicine
Herbs that will help relieve this condition are many and varied. Flora Stay, DDS, in the Complete Book of Dental Remedies suggests a combination of Red Clover, Burdock and Goldenseal. The Prescription for Nutritional Healing by J. Balch MD and The Herb Book by John Lust use combinations of Astragalus, Yellow Dock, Red Sage, Myrrh, Echinacea and Marshmallow to help heal these painful outbreaks. Take equal amount of each and boil for five minutes, steep another ten. This can be directly applied on the effected area with cotton swabs. In her book, Healthy Healing, Dr. Linda Page suggests a combination of Echinacea, White Willow Bark, St. Johns Wort, White Pine Bark, Devils Claw Root, Red Clover, Gotu Kola, Alfalfa, Dandelion and Ginger to help deal the inflammation. Mix 3 drops of each with 2 glass of water. Take this four times per day.
Another herbal combination that is very effective in alleviating the problems associated with canker sores is the "Herbal Mouth and Gum Therapy", which contains Echinacea, Goldenseal and Grapefruit Seed Extract; all three of these extracts have been used for many years and are widely recognized for their anti-bacterial properties. Aloe and Calendula, known for their ability to heal, are also part of the formula. A report, from Pace University in New York, delivered to the 89th General Meeting of the American Society of Microbiology held in Atlanta, May 1998, stated that these herbs had a significant anti-viral effect. Place a small amount of the "Herbal Mouth and Gum Therapy" on a piece of cotton and hold this on the sore for a few minutes. Repeat this throughout the day.
Woodsage combined with Chickweek makes a good rinse for cold sore relief. Using equal amounts of the powders, one teaspoon each, boil for five minutes in one cup of water, let steep for another ten. Another effective mouth rinse is made from a combination of White Oak (acts as an astringent), Camomile and Lemon Balm (helps heal tissue), and Red Sage (fights infection). Rinse with this mixture several times a day.
If you get cold sores often, you can use some herbs to strengthen your immune system – either just before and when an outbreak begins. The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Gary Null Ph.D. states that Echinacea, Goldenseal and Chaparral are good immune system supporters. Cayenne can relieve some of the discomfort, and Aloe Vera seems to be effective in combating the herpes virus. Garlic can be quite helpful as well. Applying Black Walnut to the infected area may be of help. Gotu Kola is widely used to heal tissues and promote tissue growth. Try one cup of tea daily. K.P. Khalsa, the co-author of Herbal Defense suggests licorice root because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help tissues heal.
Source: Dr. Victor Zeines (DDS, MS, FAGD), www.natdent.com, www.periohealthplus.com, www.vitalboost.com
HERBAL MEDICINE AND TREATMENTS FROM MAMAHERB™
Cold Sore Home Remedy Using Ice Cubes
Ingredients: Ice Cubes
Conditions: Skin and Hair,Cold Sore
[URL(T) cold-sore]Cold Sore[/URL], also known as [URL(T) fever]fever[/URL] blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters caused by [URL(T) herpes]herpes[/URL] simplex virus. Cold Sore is also known as Fever Blisters and Recurrent Herpes Labialis. They are not contagious, although they are often mistaken for canker sores, which is a non-contagious mouth ulcer. [URL(T) ice-cubes]Ice Cubes[/URL] are very beneficial in resolving the symptoms of Cold Sore. Ice reduces the inflammation and also resolves pain assosciated with Cold Sore.
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Cold Sore Home Remedy Using Lavender Oil
Ingredients: Lavender Oil
Conditions: Infectious Diseases,Cold Sore
[URL(T) fever]Fever[/URL] blisters, or Cold Sores, are caused by the same thing, a virus called [URL(T) herpes]herpes[/URL] simplex. Once infected, the sores can emerge at any time, often lying dormant for years. Transmission occurs through many means, kissing or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, wash cloths or towels, for example. Times of [URL(T) stress]stress[/URL], sun exposure,infections like colds, hormone fluctuation, and a depressed [URL(T) immune]immune[/URL] system can trigger an outbreak. [URL(T) cold-sore]Cold Sore[/URL] is also known as Fever Blisters and Recurrent Herpes Labialis. [URL(T) lavender-oil]Lavender oil[/URL] is very beneficial in resolving the symptoms of cold sores. Lavender Oil soothes the sores and also prevents any secondary pathogenic infections. Lavender Oil is also called as oil of lavandula angustifolium, True Lavender, Garden Lavender, Common Lavender and Lavender essential oil.
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Pre Cancerous Lesions Home Remedy Using Breast Milk (human)
Ingredients: Breast Milk (human)
Conditions: Allergies,Cancer,Dental,Eyes,Immune,Infectious Diseases,Nutrition and Metabolism,Pediatric,Skin and Hair,Wounds and Injuries,Pre Cancerous Lesions,Conjunctivitis,Atopic Dermatitis,Rotavirus,Cold Sore,Burns,Mouth Ulcers,Warts,Chafing,Underweight,Cracked Lips,Chapped Lips,Low Immunity,Skin Rash,Cracked Nipples,Bug Bites
watery, white, bluish liquid obtain from the breasts of a lactating woman, can vary in color from woman to woman. it is a "living" substance and should be handled as such.
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Cold Sore Home Remedy Using Artemisia feddei
Ingredients: Artemisia feddei
Conditions: Infectious Diseases,Cold Sore
[URL(T) cold-sore]Cold Sore[/URL] which is also known as [URL(T) fever]Fever[/URL] Blisters and Recurrent [URL(T) herpes]Herpes[/URL] Labialis, are not exactly similar to canker sores. Though there is no cure for Cold Sore, its frequency and duration can be limited. Cold Sore symptoms include "Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red area of your skin, typically around the mouth, pain or tingling often precedes the blisters by one to two days". The Cold Sore lasts for 10 days. The lips are the most common site for Cold Sores to appear. They also can occur on the nostrils, chin or fingers. The Herpes simplex virus is the causative pathogen. The blisters are formed which break open after some time. A fluid oozes out, a yellowish crust is formed which is finally shed exposing pinkish skin whish is healed without any scar. The disease is contagious and can be spread by close contact with the infected person.Once you've had an episode of herpes infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells in your skin and may emerge again as an active infection at or near the original site. You may experience an itch or heightened sensitivity at the site preceding each attack. Fever, menstruation, [URL(T) stress]stress[/URL] and exposure to the sun may trigger a recurrenceArtemisia feddei leaves extracts have been used in traditional herbal treatments, especially for infective states given its strong Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity. [URL(T) artemisia-feddei]Artemisia feddei[/URL] leaves extracts are a natural substitute for anti-biotics like Ciprofloxacin, Roxithromycin or Azithromycin. Artemisia feddei leaves extracts are also effective in treating fungal infections especially topical fungal infections and can be safely used in place of commonly used topical anti-fungals like Cannestan or Nizoral. Artemisia feddei leaves extracts can be used with confidence for treating Cold Sore.
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