If you’re interested in a complementary approach to healing a cold sore, you he several options.
However, there is insufficient data to support the routine use of these complementary therapies in treating cold sores. You should discuss them with your doctor before use, and they shouldn’t replace more conventional treatments.
Use caution when applying any new substances to your skin. Some of these treatments he been known to cause reactions like irritation and allergic contact dermatitis.
For example, it’s well-known that propolis, which is mentioned below, can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. Before using this treatment, it may be best to discuss it with your dermatologist first.
You may also want to test it on a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, to see how you react before applying it elsewhere. This is called a patch test.
Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar contains compounds that may reduce bacteria, viruses, and other germs. However, there isn’t any research on people that support this home remedy.
Full-strength apple cider vinegar is too intense to use directly on a cold sore and could irritate your skin. Be sure to dilute it before using it, and then apply it only once or twice daily.
Stop use immediately if you notice any irritation on your skin.
»Learn More:How to Treat Cold Sores with Apple Cider VinegarEssential oilsStudies he found that a variety of essential oils, concentrated oils containing plant compounds, may he inhibitory effects against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
Although research is limited, a 2015 study found that a variety of essential oils may slow down or prevent viral replication of the herpes virus, helping heal and prevent cold sores.
According to that study and another older study from 2007, the following essential oils show antiviral effects against the herpes virus:
rosemary essential oilpeppermint oiltea tree oilclove essential oilcinnamon essential oilbasil essential oil ginger essential oil thyme essential oil hyssop essential oil sandalwood essential oil Zataria multiflora essential oil Eucalyptus caesia essential oil Artemisia kermanensis essential oilMuch of the research on essential oils and HSV-1 is outdated. A 2001 study found that tea tree oil displays some antiviral effects that could help fight off the herpes simplex virus, while another lab study from 2003 shows that peppermint oil is effective in fighting off both the HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
A 2007 study suggests that ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils could even be effective treatments for drug-resistant versions of the virus.
Notably, these studies he limitations, and evidence may be anecdotal. Both studies used herpes cells from monkeys, not humans. Plus, they were conducted in vitro, which means in a test tube or culture dish.
More research is needed to confirm the extent of these oils’ antiviral effects on humans.
Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your skin. You’ll want to dilute any essential oils in a carrier oil before dabbing on your skin, and apply as soon as you feel the tingle of a developing cold sore.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
»Read More:Essential Oils for Cold SoresKanuka honeyHoney already has a reputation for helping wounds and skin injuries heal, and a 2019 study found that kanuka honey, which comes from the manuka tree in New Zealand, may also be useful for treating cold sores.
The large randomized clinical trial found that a medical-grade version of this honey seemed to be as effective at treating cold sores as acyclovir.
PropolisLike honey, propolis is another bee product that holds some promise for healing wounds and skin lesions.
According to a 2022 review of research, the antiviral properties of propolis may potentially help heal cold sores a little more quickly, . However, much of the research on propolis’ effectiveness on cold sores comes from test tube studies. More research is needed to determine if it would he the same effect in people.
Lemon balmA 2020 test tube study suggests that applying an extract of lemon balm, an herb from the mint family, has an inhibitory effect against the HSV virus that causes cold sores. The study’s authors suggest that lemon balm could be used to treat HSV, but they note that more clinical trials are needed.
A 2020 case report found that applying a gel containing lemon balm, St. John’s Wort, lender, licorice, and Siberian ginseng was an effective and rapid-acting alternative to OTC cold sore medications.
However, larger-scale studies are needed to determine the extent of this treatment’s therapeutic benefits.
LysinePer a 2017 review, studies suggest that people taking lysine were less likely to experience recurrences of cold sores. However, these studies he limits, and some of the evidence is contradictory.
For example, no optimal dose or even a particular type of lysine preparation was recommended. However, doses greater than 3 grams per day appear to improve the patient’s “subjective experience” of the disease.
Also, research from 2015 suggests that using lysine won’t prevent the occurrence of a cold sore, but it doesn’t usually cause negative side effects.
This essential amino acid is ailable as an oral supplement or a cream.
It’s important to know that OTC oral supplements, including lysine, are poorly regulated by the FDA. Before taking any oral supplement, you should first discuss it with a healthcare professional. Some supplements can be contaminated with active pharmaceuticals that may be harmful to you, 2024 research suggests.