Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Cold Sores




Some of my clients have had re-occuring cold sores, brought out especially during times of sun exposure. Here is an article by Mackawiak ED, PhK, U.S. Pharmacist Dec. 2003 "Prevention and Treatment of Cold sores"
Get rid of cold sores in two days or less.
If you suffer from cold sores, you know how painful and unsightly these lesions are. Unfortunately, there's no way to completely stop cold sores. That's because they're caused by a virus, the herpes simplex virus HSV-1. And you probably know you can't eradicate any virus (you can only keep it in remission). But I've got great news for you... I've found an easy way to reduce the painful, blistering effects of a cold sore. And this remedy can do so in just one or two days. Since it usually takes 7 to 10 days for cold sores to run their course, that's a huge improvement.
HSV-1, which is related to Epstein-Barr and cytomegaloviruse (CMV), is not a benign virus that just causes cold sores. It can also lead to serious eye infections. And while it's different from genital herpes (HSV-2), these two viruses are so closely related that one can actually trigger the other. So if you are able to prevent cold sores, or even shorten their duration, you could be preventing more dangerous viral infections.
Most doctors will tell you Acyclovir (Zovirax) or a number of popular pharmaceutical topical anti-virals can treat herpes. They may reduce its pain and itching, and promote healing. However, they don't prevent cold sores.
But my favorite natural remedy does. I'm talking about the extract of Melissa officinalis, also known as the herb lemon balm. Researchers tested this herb in a 1999 study. They found it effectively reduced the duration of cold sores when applied topically four times a day as soon as they appeared. I use it at the first sign of a prodrome, that little tingling that precedes a blister.
A good source for quality herbs is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Want even more protection? The amino acid l-lysine is anti-viral and often prevents cold sores when you take 500 mg every day. Then, at the first sign of an outbreak, increase the dosage to 1,000 mg (1 gram) three times a day in between meals.






"Prevention and treatment of cold sores," U.S. Pharmacist, Dec 2003. *****************************************************

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