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Herbal &
homeopathic remedies for Cold sores – fever blisters or herpes simplex or oral-facial herpes
or recurrent herpes labialis
Cold Sores
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - ALLERGIES - COLD SORES
Cold sores – fever blisters or herpes simplex or oral-facial herpes
or recurrent herpes labialis – are the result of a virus that
usually lies low in the nerve cells and then emerges to attack when
the conditions are favorable, i.e. when your body’s immunity level
is low.
Thousands of people suffer from this condition which is caused by a
strain of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which in turn, is
different from herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2) responsible for
genital herpes infection. Although, HSV-1 is predominantly
responsible for cold sores and HSV-2 for genital herpes, both can
actually cause infection in any part of the body. Another virus of
the herpes family is varicella zoster virus (VZV), or herpes zoster,
and it is responsible for chickenpox and
shingles. These three
common forms of herpes, all have the ability to ‘lie low’ in the
body after the initial infection until they are reactivated. That is
why, the sufferers often get recurrent attacks. All these forms of
herpes are highly infectious during attacks, but one type cannot
usually cause another.
Cold sores are spread by direct contact with skin affected by the
virus. The liquid in cold sore blisters is highly infectious. The
usual way of transmission is through kissing or sharing utensils,
towels, pillowcases etc. The virus may enter right into your mouth
and seek shelter in a host cell, probably a nerve cell that would
let the virus move right in. The virus then makes the host cell to
order its DNA to make many more exact clones of it (the virus). Now,
these viruses may, and usually do, remain dormant for years before
they decide to take a stroll down the nerve highways until they
reach the skin surface. Then the tingling sensation sets in and
sores appear.
The triggering factors are predominantly compromised
immune system due to stress, fever, some infection, overexposure to
the sun etc. Once these viruses make their presence felt in the form
of sores, the attacks usually become more regular (at least once a year). Although, generally the virus affects the mucus membranes in an
around your lips, it may also affect those of the eye. Then it
becomes potentially life threatening as there may be a development
of herpetic ulcers, acute recurring inflammation and even blindness.
The seriousness of the disease is also replicated in infants where
complications may arise. People with overtly weak immune system like
those having cancer, AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy may also
develop complications.
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Appearance of tiny white blisters, alone or in groups,
around the corners of the lips or inside the lower lip.
They may, and most often do, spread to the cheek or the
tongue |
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Blisters are filled with yellowish liquid outlined in
red |
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A tingling, prickling and burning sensation precedes the
appearance of blisters (called prodrome) |
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Blisters often weep a clear fluid and finally, a
yellowish scab forms that falls off on its own in a few
days |
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Itching and burning sensation persists for usually the
entire period |
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Blisters may also get accompanied by fever, headache,
muscle aches and malaise (generally feeling bad) |
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Difficulty in swallowing any food stuff or liquid |
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Lymph nodes on the neck may swell |
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In children, small ulcerations appear on the lips,
palate, inside the cheeks, accompanied by painful
under-arm swelling. Drooling may also be seen among
small children |
Symptoms generally last for seven to ten days. Usually
diagnosis of herpes is easy from physical appearance of the
lesions and therefore, no tests are required. Still, if your
doctor is not quite certain, fluid from the blisters can be
taken as sample and tested for the virus. This is done through
viral cultures and takes 2 to 3 days to give the results.
Another fast, but less accurate, approach is to do a Tzanck test
of the skin lesions. This involves taking a sample of fluid from
the blisters and staining it with a dye. Then the stained fluid
is examined under the microscope and the characteristic
appearance of the virus is searched for. Finally, there is a
blood test that may be helpful for making a diagnosis,
especially if herpes simplex is suspected but no symptoms are
present. It is also carried out if a distinction between HSV-1
and HSV-2 is needed.
As the
viruses responsible for cold sores are highly contagious in nature,
there are many ways you can contract them from someone else or some
place. The usual suspects are:
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Cold sores are spread by direct contact with skin
affected by the virus. |
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Similarly, sharing the same drinking utensils, other
crockery and cutlery becomes a potential source of
transmission |
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Sharing pillowcases, facecloths and towels |
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Sharing toiletries like razor blades and toothbrush. In
effect, even exposure of your moist toothbrush to herpes
virus is enough for it to become a host |
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Oral-genital sex |
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Damp areas and public places like swimming pools,
gardens, playing fields are active sources of these
viruses |
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Children usually transmit the virus to others while
playing |
Once
this virus enters your body, it may choose to remain dormant or
become active based on your physical condition. As discussed
earlier, weak immunity level is the prime triggering point for
these viruses to become active. The usual reasons for your
compromised immunity are:
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Excessive stress (remember, emotional stress is also
included) |
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Cold or
influenza |
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Fever |
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Mild infection |
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Increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation,
particularly during beach or mountain holidays |
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Women often suffer just before the start of their
periods |
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Exposure to extreme cold |
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People on immunosuppressant drugs, like after a
transplant or during chemotherapy |
Some
other known reasons are
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Pregnancy |
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Exposure to wind |
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Lip or gum injuries |
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Dental infections |
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Hormonal changes |
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Cosmetic surgery |
Cold
sores treatment should begin as soon as the symptoms first appear.
There are a variety of topical creams such as skin protectants and
oral analgesics that are available over-the-counter that can provide
temporary relief. There are also prescription medications available;
but as with other drug treatment, they carry the risk of side
effects. Most cold sores usually clear within 7-10 days.
A
natural alternative to conventional medications in treating cold
sores is the use of herbal and homeopathic remedies. These
remedies are gentle to use, and also address your overall health and
well-being without harsh side effects. Herbs such as Echinacea
and Viscum album can provide a natural immune system boost.
Astralagus membranaceus is a potent Chinese remedy with a variety of
benefits as a convalescent and rejuvenating tonic. Olea europea
(extract of olive leaf) contains a compound called oleuropein acid,
which is effective against numerous viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
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Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) -
Hypoxis contains phytosterols and sterolins, which help
to modulate the effect of the immune system. Research
has shown the beneficial effect of plant sterols and
sterolins on the immune system. Research done on a group
of volunteers demonstrated a significant increase in the
number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing
immunity. |
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Agothosma betulina (Buchu) - This is a urinary
antiseptic and possesses diuretic properties. Buchu has
been used by the natives of the Western Cape of South
Africa for many centuries and assists the body to rid
itself of toxins by stimulating the secretion of
retained water. |
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Solidago virgaurea - This herb helps the body in
its ability to routinely regulate mucus and has been
used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a
tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective
ability of the body to fight infection. |
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Viscum album - This herb acts as a natural
diuretic, and vasodilator, supporting the natural
strength of capillary walls and the body’s natural
ability to encourage repair of damaged cells. |
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Crataegus oxycanthoides - This herb is highly
respected as a tonic to support healthy circulation.
Studies have demonstrated the ability of Crataegus to
positively assist with cardiological indications
utilizing active flavonoids in the herb producing
simultaneous cardiotropic and vasodilatory action, thus
dilating blood vessels for improved circulation. |
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Schizandra sinesis - This herb is a powerful
native ingredient from China. Schizandra is also used to
assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain
healthy energy levels and to routinely protect against
toxins and cell damage. It is effective in helping the
body to perform its natural function of regeneration of
damaged liver tissue, while promoting improved overall
regulation of physiological processes. |
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Astralagus membranaceus - This is another potent
Chinese remedy, also called 'huang qi', and has a
variety of benefits as a convalescent and rejuvenating
tonic. |
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Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) - This herb
contains a compound called oleuropein acid that is
effective in helping the body to routinely combat
numerous pathogens (germs). The positive effects of
Olive leaf have recently been demonstrated in a variety
of clinical studies. |
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ImmunityPlus
Promotes healthy immune system
functioning and helps fight viral and
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Pure-Heal Gel
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
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A
well-balanced, nutritious diet is essential for maintaining general
good health and resisting diseases. It obviously helps in avoiding
flare-ups of dormant viruses, like those of the herpes family. As
there is no cure for herpes, in this case cold sores due to herpes
simplex virus type 1, boosting your immunity is the only way you can
control the recurrence and alleviate the symptoms. Also, to give
your immune system a good chance to fight off an attack of any
herpes virus, you should either avoid or reduce the intake of
certain foods and drinks as discussed below.
Some of the most important nutrients required by your body to
inhibit the growth of HSV-1 and give a general fillip to the immune
system are
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Zinc – Zinc is found to inhibit the growth of HSV-1
by
inhibiting the replication of the virus. It is also a
great immune booster, being a very good antioxidant.
Zinc supplements may be advised in case of severe
recurrence issues, but as always, take supplements only
on the insistence of your doctor. |
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Vitamin C – It is one more extremely important immune
booster and is supposed to inactivate HSV-1. A
combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids (antioxidants
that help fight infection and boost immune function)
given at the first sign of flare-up prevents the
development of blisters in majority of the cases. |
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Lysine – The amino acid arginine is required by the
herpes virus for growth while the amino acid lysine
inhibits this growth. It is believed that recurrent
bouts of cold sores are brought up by the lowering of
the vitality. This imbalance can be corrected by taking
more lysine containing foods and avoiding arginine
containing foods. |
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Iron - Some people with low iron levels have to be found
with more prone to recurrent bouts of cold sores.
Remember! don’t generally consume more iron rich food
unless you have a deficiency of this mineral.
Supplements are even more dangerous if taken without a
doctor’s approval. |
Good
dietary sources for the above nutrients include
- Zinc: Shellfish (especially oysters) and nuts are rich
sources of zinc. Other sources include red meats, poultry,
cheese (ricotta, Swiss, gouda), shrimp, crab, legumes
(especially lima beans, black-eyed peas, soybeans), whole
grains, tofu, brewer's yeast, cooked greens, mushrooms, green
beans, tahini, and pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Vitamin C: Diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables should
provide you with enough vitamin C in a day although emphasis
must be given on citrus fruits (fresh fruits in totality and not
their juice only) like grapes and blackberries, as they also
contain bioflavonoids. Some important fruits and vegetables are
blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes)red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit and rockmelon.
- Lysine: Lamb, brewer’s yeast, chicken, fish, non-fat yoghurt,
non-fat milk, beans, vegetables (particularly potatoes) and
fruits. High intake of lysine containing foods or supplements is
not recommended if you have high cholesterol, heart disease, or
high triglycerides as they may raise cholesterol and
triglyceride levels.
- Dietary iron: It is also very essential for the formation of
antibodies. Rich sources include green leafy vegetables, oily
fish, offal (heart, liver), red meat, eggs.
Foods to avoid are:
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Arginine containing foods such as chocolate, nuts,
peanuts, cola, peas, grain cereals, cashews, beer and
gelatin. |
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Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine, which is
found in coffee, tea and colas. This will help maintain
a healthy immune system. |
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Acidic, salty and processed foods. |
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When you experience an outbreak, you must take care not
to spread the infection. Don’t share the same drinking
utensils, other crockery, cutlery, pillowcases,
facecloths, towels, razor blades and toothbrush. |
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Always wash your hands after touching a lesion. |
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Cut down on smoking or give up altogether. |
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During the attack, try to make sure that you take plenty
of rest and avoid stress. |
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Avoid having physical contact, both kissing and sexual
intercourse, with your partner whilst having a cold sore
attack. This will save your partner from acquiring the
virus. |
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If the infection reaches the eyes, contact an
ophthalmologist immediately as this could lead to
blindness. |
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Propolis and vitamin E - Propolis, a resin from tree
bark and leaves, is loaded with flavonoids. Ointments
based on propolis or vitamin E oil, when used topically,
are found to be much more effective than the
conventional medications, like acyclovir ointment. |
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Cayenne Pepper (capsicum) - When you feel the first
tingle of a sore, make a paste out of cayenne and apply
it to the afflicted spot. It surely tingles but is
supposed to be a very effective remedy. You may repeat
it a few more times every day. |
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If there is herpes virus present in your family, never
buy large tubes of toothpastes. As the contact of
toothbrushes with toothpaste tubes is inevitable, buy
smaller tubes that can be replaced early. |
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De-stress – Making yourself stress free is not one of
the easiest things in life. There are certain parameters
and constraints that are simply out of your control.
Still, as stress contributes to almost all the diseases
in one way or the other, including cold sores, you have
no option but to take a positive attitude towards
yourself in general, and your health in particular.
There are several techniques available: biofeedback,
meditation, deep muscle relaxation etc., but yoga is the
most recommended one as it takes care of your mental
agitation along with improving your general well being
and strengthening your immune system. |
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ImmunityPlus
Promotes healthy immune system
functioning and helps fight viral and
bacterial infections.
|
|
|
Pure-Heal Gel
Promotes the natural healing of wounds,
minor burns, grazes and bites.
|
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