Table of Contents
Cold Sore Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
2 YEA
[YEA] 12/08/2008: Craig from Edmonton, AB, Canada writes: "I use Oil of Oregano for cold sores, the second I feel that tingle i put a drop or two on the area that is tingleing and repeat a few times through out the day for about 2-4 days, it never blisters and breaks out, in fact its quickly regressed and dissapears within those days. I have been doing this for over a year and usually get cold sores about 4 times a year, and its worked every time..."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/02/2007: Paige from Seattle, WA writes: "9/2/07: I have been oil pulling with sunflower oil once daily (mornings) for 3 weeks now,' and here are my observations from my journal:
For about 2 years I was unable to chew on the right side of my mouth because of tooth pain and extreme sensitivity to hot, sweet, cold, etc. I strongly suspect I am in need of another root canal. Starting with the second day of oil-pulling I found the entire right side of my my mouth was no longer sensitive. Beginning with the 3rd day, I was able to chew on the right side of my mouth, albeit gingerly. Now, 3 weeks later I chew on the right side of my mouth equally with the left side no pain, no sensitivity. And I've noticed my teeth feel more secure and they no longer feel 'loose. And as many has commented on, they feel cleaner and look whiter.
The audible wheezing noises while breathing whenever I would lie down have stopped. I seem to be sleeping better too. Some nights all the way through. I have a way to go on this problem, though.
Milk makes my lungs fill with phlegm which was really hard for me to expectorate in the mornings. This too has stopped. Despite continuing to drink milk (homemade probiotic Kefir, actually) and the occasional milk in my coffee, teas and with cereal, my lungs no longer feel congested and I have no coughing fits anymore while trying to expel the congestion out of my lungs; no coughing either as there doesn't seem to be any congestion. I had been a heavy smoker for twenty-some years before quitting 18 years ago and this is probably the genesis of my lung problems.
Since early childhood I have had the herpes simplex virus in my body and suffered from frequent cold and canker sores. Now, by the time I feel one on my tongue it is gone in the morning. The other day the smallest, single-blister cold sore I ever had - which was all but invisible appeared in the corner of my mouth. It went through its stages and absolutely gone in 3 days, flat. Without treatment the blisters multiply and the healing process normally takes around 2 weeks.
NOTE: As I do not have the time nor disposition to do this oil-pulling therapy more than once a day I 'pull' sometimes for over the 20 minutes all the way up to an hour. None of my fillings have loosened or fallen out. A funny aside to all this is that I now find myself absent-mindedly 'pulling' all my drinks, coffee, tea, milk and if nothing else I am sure it is helping to remove food trapped in between my teeth."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/20/2008: Chloe from Providence, RI writes: "Hi Everyone ~ I discovered Olive Leaf Extract (I use the one by 'Herb Pharm', purchased at Whole Foods Market - haven't tried other brands. Well, all my life, I would get at least two terrible cold sores per year. Even after two weeks of looking awful, I would be left with a scar for at least a month...I was so upset every time. They were the bane of my existence!
The very first time I tried Olive leaf extract, I was on the verge of another cold sore. I put about 2-3 droppers full in a small amount of water. Within moments I could feel the initial swelling going away. I ran to the mirror because I thought I was imagining things! I wasn't! The nasty little thing was disappearing before my eyes.
It's been 4 years now and I've had only one (pretty mild) cold sore and all because I hadn't taken the olive leaf at the first signs of fatigue, dry lips, and a feeling of being 'run-down' which always precedes the outbreak. My Mom also had these her whole life, and it works wonders for her too. The key is to use it preventatively, as well as extra doses at the onset of a breakout. I've many droppers full of it, and it has no side effects whatsoever - other than good ones! Also, using it topically, directly on the area where you usually breakout, in addition to internally is helpful also.
Interestingly enough, some biblical scholars believe that the "Tree of Life" represents the Olive Tree and that the Dove which carried a twig/branch to Noah, was carrying an Olive Twig. I truly hope this helps any of you dealing with problem. I Love, Love, Love this website! :-)"
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OLIVE LEAF, SUPER LYSINE, LIQUID OXYGEN AND JUICED VEGES
[YEA] 06/12/2007: Kate from Atlanta, GA writes: "Ok let me start by saying medical advise from doctors only suppress symptoms. This is the remedy I use daily... Take 2 super lysine pills daily I take them at the same time on empty stomach, You can fine this at an herbal shop. Drink liquid oxygen water thru out the day it increases ph balance in blood, we need water any way daily but don't mix the oxygenated water with herbs at the same time. You can find this at the herbal shop. Take olive leaf capsules, I take 3 a day, this plant is the plant that heals the nations according to the bible it also builds the immune system just like super lysine. Taking a liquid vitamin for example mirical 2000 is a good way 2 build the immune system and you are getting daily vitamins. Finally vegetables and fruits I don't consume enough vegetables and fruits eating so the alternate option is to juice them and drink a nice glass of green plants and fruits this also increase your ph in your blood and to top it off apply dmso on the bottom part of your spine and your genital area I would say twice a week. And this will stop any break outs you will practically forget u have herpes I have been outbreak free for 14yrs now."
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OREGANO OIL, LYSINE DROPS AND THEN SOME!
[YEA] 05/25/2006: Lexi from Los Angeles writes: "i wanted to post a cure for cold sores... i tried a combo of just about everything on the board and it worked! i was diligent but did add one thing, Oregano Oil directly to the tiny sore on my lip. this was my regimen: oregano oil followed by lysine drops - directly on the sore. i took supplements of vitamin C, a Multi, Olive Leaf Extract, Grapeseed Extract, Lysine, Zinc, Echinacea and Golden Seal and an Oxygen supplement (like Cell Food) to my water. sometimes i put the drops of oxygen on the sore as well. i kept it very clean with hydrogen peroxide and then would do another round of oregano oil and lysine drops on it. i would then use grapeseed oil so my lip wouldn't get over dry. also, put some oregano oil drops on your tongue. be diligent. don't drink alcohol, be as healthy as you can -- work out, do yoga whatever works for you... stay positive and i swear, you can stop it before anyone even notices what it is."
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04/12/2009: Hannah from Smithers, BC Canada writes: "cold sores:
an old friend of mine (who lives off the land completely) noticed I was suffering toomuch from cold sores. He brought in aspecial little bag for mr and said go put this on it. Not distrusting him one bit, but just apprehensive enough to ask what I was putting on my lips..lol.
his reply was simple... pine pitch...
from a tree? pine pitch? I asked...yup he said
I did so...and in 1 day it was down to almost gone....
amazing in my book because I get massive sized cold sores.
and... the next best thing is definately l lysine, but what do you do if you can't get to a store, can't afford the high prices of medication, or live very remote... that istheremedies I am looking for."
EC: Pine pitch = pine sap/resin
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01/25/2009: Art from Lindsay, Ontario writes: "I just wanted to pass on some information about cold sores which I recently read. It appears that a researcher at Duke University (according to a Time Magazine article) is well on his way to finding a cure for herpes 1. His approach, rather than keeping the virus at bay, is to make it become active. Then, once active, the virus could actually be killed with traditional antiviral medication. He is apparently in talks with medical companies about the best way of delivering the treatment."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/30/2008: John from Altoona, Wisconsin writes: "I suffered from cold sores for many years. Then I read about a cure that used sauerkraut juice to cure them. I tried it at several outbreaks and they quickly disappeared. It may be the L-lysine in the juice. They went away and have not come back for years."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/10/2008: Lori Keat from Blacksburg, Virginia writes: "Herpes cold sores: For years I've been using 'spirit of Camphor'. I put it on a cotton swab and put it on the area. I also have taken Vit.B Complex and that helps too...As does Lysine..."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/30/2008: Bishop from Tempe, Arizona writes: "Put drop or two of Sweet Orange Oil (Citrus sinensis) on the "fat/cracked lip" just before bed. Cures the problem overnight! This is a painless, tried and true remedy that I've given to many people. Some gentlemen note that, while the oil does NOT burn the lip, any of the oil that drips down onto shaved parts of the face will cause a rather nasty burning sensation. The solution is to smear some lavender oil below the lip, BEFORE applying the orange oil, to keep this from happening. Olive oil or most veg oils will also work but lavender oil works best. Since this burning sensation is rather common, anyone who shaves below the lip always should use the lavender oil first, then apply the sweet orange oil to the lip. If orange oil is not available, zest a little of the peel of an orange and apply to the lip. Anyone who tries this remedy, please email me and tell me how it worked."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 03/24/2009: Cathy from Pocatello, Idaho writes: "Tea bag soaked in cold water stops cold sores and fever blisters. I think the tannic acid is what does it. Just soak bag a few minutes then squeeze it slightly and apply. Apply as often as you can through out the day. Really soothes and takes out the pain and swelling. Put bag in a dish or cup to keep moist. If you keep it in the fridge it will keep cool and feel better."
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2 YEA
[YEA] Jenny from Toronto writes: "I use organic tea tree oil on my lips when I get the beginnings of an outbreak and it is gone within 24-36 hours. (i apply 3-4x/day). also, an acidic body will give you an outbreak quickly. Look into the acid alkaline balance. Cheese and coffee does it for me every time."
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[YEA] Leigh from Nogales, AZ writes: "I have had frequent outbreaks with herpes oral and genital for many years. Along with taking L-Lysine (1000 mg) daily, I dilute Tea-Tree oil in warm water and wet cotton balls with it and apply several times a day. This relieves the pain and itch. You can also use the diluted solution for a douche which also will relieve. Make sure you dilute 1 part tea tree oil to 3 parts water. Do not use directly or it will burn. Try it. It works!"
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TEA TREE OIL, BLENDED GREEN SMOOTHIE
[YEA] 01/08/2009: Desiree from Portland, OR writes: "For cold sores I apply the highest quality of pure melaleuca oil (also known as tea tree oil) on my sore as soon as I feel the tingling and often it does not erupt. This oil is penetrating and goes deep into the tissue, so bear that in mind when you decide where to put it. I would avoid too close to the eye, and I don't know if it can cross the blood brain barrier. Does anyone else? What might the effects be? I have tried everything on the market and this works every time. On an outbreak, it will take the eruption away in a day or two.
For systemic effect, I have found a concoction that takes it away for very long periods of time, usually no matter the stress level.
I make a blended green smoothie out of 1 fuji apple (peeled and cubed), 3 sticks of cubed celery, 1 1/2 C trimmed parsley (without the stalks), 1 inch of fresh ginger (cubed small, smashed with the blade of a vegetable knife and minced), 1 1/2 to 2 cups washed, destalked and cut to bite size green kale (I like the dinosaur kale best), 1 - 2 inch peeled banana, dash of cayenne pepper, 1/3 cup pure pressed unprocessed apple cider or apple juice, 1/3 cup water.
I add all this into the blender (I have a commercial blender that breaks down the cell wall of the kale which is thick and tough) and I blend it about 40 seconds until it is almost as thick as a milk shake. I drink the whole thing for breakfast.
At 50, it works better with enzymes, I think. The more raw vegetables that I eat, the more I can eat without the stomache ache I used to get when I eat vegetables. All ingredients are organic. The water is bottled spring water.
I drink this daily and have no outbreaks or tingling for about 3 months after I haven't had one. In the summer I trade the apple for a pear or a peach (yummy). This tastes great no matter which fruit you use. Should last you all morning, unless you need enzymes. Best Wishes."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 10/24/2009: E11even from Miami, Fl writes: "Clarification of Ted's remedy
Can someone PLEASE translate Ted's remedy into simple dosage and instructions??? pills? liquid? topical? internally? This formula sounds good but is unclear....
"The exact measurement for the herpes simplex cure is a 5% concentration of Zinc Chloride and a 5% concentration of Magnesium Chloride. This is the simplest formula that is most easy to remember. Viruses take a long time to kill because they hide inside your body.
To quicken the kill so they can no longer hide dormant, you should take 25-50 mg. of zinc acetate for a week alternatively. This means take this one week on and take it one week off. Do this for about two months."
Thanks in advance, God bless..."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/02/2007: Chris from Minneapolis, Mn writes: "Stop a herpes outbreak: THC, the active ingredient in marijuana kills the herpes virus. It stops the pain of a canker sore on contact. You do not need to smoke or get high at all, just put a pinch into rubbing alcohol and apply with a q-tip."
10/05/2009: Maryjane420 from Dallas, Tx Us replies: "Well, I've never heard of that before...Really don't see how that would work, but I suppose it's worth a try, I guess, 'cause I always got bud around! But just in case anyone is wondering, NO, smoking out WILL NOT prevent or cure an outbreak!!! Trust me, I'm a freakin pot head who smokes everyday and I'm actually having a massive outbreak as I type this. I haven't had this disease very long so I'm still learning about what works, what doesn't, prevention of spreading and outbreaks...but man is it horrible. Suppressive therapy still allows outbreaks, but then if you find yourself like me, without a job or insurance, you can't afford it anymore and it makes the next outbreak SO MUCH WORSE! Plus, any stress factor or change in your life, your body, your emotions...all of that will cause an outbreak. If you are sick, a smoker, have another disease, even menstruation can trigger an outbreak. Guys who have it should consider themselves VERY lucky. They don't have the proper "environment" to advocate growth, as we girls do. It sucks. THE ONLY thing I've found to be very helpful is the typical M.D. answer: "Eat right, exercise, take vitamins, drink water" etc etc. As stupid and cliche as that advice sounds, it really did do wonders for me when I was vigilant about my health. It may be worth noting (or may not be...dunno) that I was following a gluten-free diet during this time and drank no carbonated beverages at all, as well as no alcohol. When my world fell apart, though, like everyone's does at SOME point, that's when my health went to s--- and that's when I even discovered I had the disease(s). I'd had them for several months and never knew. I knew this because I had been single for a while by then. This is probably why fairly healthy individuals can have these for years and really, truly NEVER know--until their immune system drops. HPV works very similarly (I got the 2-for-1 special from Mr Manwhore whom I foolishly trusted). I didn't even know I had a problem, aside from the usual paranoia after having sex with a different partner. But yeah, you know, it sounds real easy to just eat good foods, drink water, and exercise, but when everything sucks in your life, it's real hard to actually do. Pile jobs, kids, housework, relationships, bills, etc on top of it and it's easy to just say *F it!* and go to McDonalds. THEN, try doing it by yourself like I, and SO MANY other single women, have to do. And then when immunity is down your outbreaks take over and make you feel ugly at the VERY least, not even mentioning the pain. If you're not SUPER careful you can spread it around your body. I do not have oral herpes but whether it was from just being not careful, or a towel, or whatever, I managed to get a sore on my lip. So yeah, another bad cliche, "an ounce of cure is worth a pound of prevention"...Wear condoms, people. Don't be stupid like I was. Sure it feels great, but the potential consequences ARE NOT worth it. And most of the time the guy is not worth it either. Well, anyway, that's about all I had. Hope that helps someone out there, anyway."
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THE HERB MELISSA, AKA LEMON BALM
[YEA] Anonymous from Alb NM writes: "When Lysine quits working, which for me was at about 20 years, only Lemon Balm works."
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THE RIP-EM-OFF METHOD FOR COLD SORES!
[YEA] 10/09/2007: steve from bolingbrook, illinois writes: "what has worked for me for getting rid of cold sores faster than anything else may, not be the best thing. it hurts for a while, but it gets rid of them fast. take a wash cloth, dampen it with hot water, apply the washcloth to the coldsore and rip the cold sore off. afterwords apply vasoline/neosporine to the open wound. i have yet to have a problem transmitting the virus, even minutes after ripping the cold sore off. this is the fastest way i have found to rid myself of the embarassing sores. as for preventing the outbreaks, i try to live my life as stress free as possible. i have found that stress is the main cause of getting cold sores. i may have 3 outbreaks a year, each of which lasting no more than 12 hours."
06/08/2009: EricSF from San Francisco, CA replies: "I'm sorry, but with all the alternative remedies listed here I can't condone ripping off part of your face; in effect, performing surgery on yourself as a remedy to cold sores. Not only would this be excruciatingly painful, you also leave an open wound on your face to develop infections and leave scars. Next time, try Apple Cider Vinegar. My cold sore erupted, oozed, dried out, scabbed and cleared up within 24 hours after repeatedly applying 100% Apple cider vinegar for a few hours. By the next day, only a small dry red area of skin was left which could be covered with a little concealer and healed within the next 24 hours. What would usually last 8-10 days essentially ran it's course in 2 and vinegar is all natural. I was amazed how well it worked, but it certainly did and didn't involve mutilating my face."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/14/2007: Wellington from Quincy, WA writes: "I used this product called "Tinactin" (its an athletes foot spray) I used it for 3 days morning and night .I sprayed it on and let it dry,(I used it because Tinactin has an anti itch medicine in it )after the 3rd day the blisters were gone and i have not had an out break for about 1 year."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/07/2008: Michelle from Toronto, ON writes: "I've suffered from cold sores my entire life. I hate when I feel that tingle coming on. I tried everything, and some things will help and shorten the duration, but I finally found what will stop if from even developing. My step-dad said he heard of people using their own urine. Just pass a q-tip through your own stream of urine, then dab it on the spot where a coldsore is developing. I was VERY reluctant to try this, but one day I felt one coming on and I was desperate. I tried it, and it worked!! Nothing came of it! I've tested this 2 or 3 times since, and can happily report its still working! I'm so happy to have found something that works."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/29/2009: Sandy from Monterey Park, Ca writes: "My husband was sporting a cold sore on his lip for a couple weeks. He was using some OTC stuff. I told him that I heard Dr. Oz say something about Vicks being good for fungus. He ignored me. Then I felt a sting on my lip and knew a cold sore was coming on. I immediately took a swab of Vicks and put it on my lip. I could feel it tingle. I kept applying it when ever I felt it had rubbed off. In two days the sore was gone. He was still sporting his!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 03/03/2008: Cherry from Powder Springs, Georgia writes: "Vicks Vapor Rub or Carmex never fails to stop the development of a cold sore. I only get the itch indicating a cold sore is coming once or twice a year. As soon as I feel that itch I put a gob of vicks or carmex on it and it stops itching immediately and never develops into the sore. I thinks it's the camphor and menthol that cures."
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1 YEA
[YEA] Sara from Houston, Texas writes: "Break open a vitamin A capsule and apply. I've tried everything. This helps me prevent a full blown outbreak. I get the virus on my nose!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/07/2008: Sue from Rochester, NY writes: "Try a dab of Vitamin E Oil several times a day at the first sign of a cold sore - it has worked great for me. The sore starts to dry up right away and is usually gone within 2 days."
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VITAMIN E and GOLD BOND MEDICATED POWDER
[YEA] 02/26/2007: Lucy from NY writes: "Remedy for HSV 1: Vitamin E either tabs or oil- (higher degree of IU's, the better) with Gold Bond Powder! Place both together on sores. It heals w/o any scabbing! Best to you all!"
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