Find out the best essential oils for cold sores and how to use them!
The first time I got cold sores was in my early 20’s during a very busy week: lots of schedules, meeting new people, exams, basically being away from home most of week. It was a really hectic and embarrassing week for me! I tried all sorts of remedies and used a good amount of makeup to cover it up. But the best remedies I found were, you guessed it – essential oils. In this article, we shall explore the best essential oils for cold sores and a few ways to use them for quick relief!
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters and Herpes labialis, is a type of infection caused by the Herpes Simplex virus that affects the lips or area around the lips. It shows up as tiny yellow blisters at the corner(s) of the mouth, on the lips or just outside the border of the lips.
Being a common condition, cold sores about 80% of the population has the herpes simplex virus but for some, it never activates in their lifetime. Once the cold sore virus has entered the human body, it never leaves but stays dormant until something triggers it to activate. Some of the triggers of cold sores are stress, a weak immune system, sunlight, sunburn, upper respiratory tract infections, menstruation, fever, dehydration or local skin trauma.
During a cold sore, in most causes no other symptoms are experiences. However, some people get headaches, nausea, dizziness, fever, sore throat, painful ulcers and canker sores.
Studies Showing the Effect of Essential Oils against Herpes Simplex Virus
Here are a few studies showing the strong anti-viral activity of essential oils against the herpes simplex virus:
7 Best Essential Oils for Cold Sores
Since cold sores are viral infections, essential oils with anti-viral properties are among the best remedies you can use. Here are the top 7 best essential oils for cold sores:
- Tea Tree Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Thyme Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Melissa Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Frankincense Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Ravensara Essential Oil (where to get it)
- Hyssop Essential Oil (where to get it)
2 Most Effective Ways to Use Essential Oil for Cold Sores
1. Rubbing Alcohol + Essential Oil Cotton Ball Application
This is by far the best essential oil cold sore remedy I’ve used. It enables the cold sore to dry up and heal very quickly.
What you need
- 2 tbsp distilled water (where to get it)
- 1 tsp rubbing alcohol (where to get it)
- 5 drops tea tree oil (where to get it)
- 3 drops melissa oil (where to get it)
- 3 drops eucalyptus radiata oil (where to get it)
- 3 drops hyssop oil (where to get it)
- 2 oz amber dropper bottle (where to get it)
- Cotton balls (where to get it)
Directions
Mix up the ingredients into an amber dropper bottle. To use, place 2 drops on a cotton ball and press it on the cold sore for a minute. Wash your hands. Repeat several times a day. It will burn but bare with it because it is really effective!
2. Tea Tree Oil Direct Application
What you need
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil (where to get it)
- Cotton ball (where to get it)
Directions
Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball. Press the cotton ball onto your cold sore for a minute. Wash your hands afterwards.
Other Effective Remedies for Cold Sores
► Take L-Lysine Supplements
L-lysine is an amino acid that prevents the herpes virus from growing. Once you feel the tingling burning sensation of a cold sore, immediately start taking L-lysine supplements: 1 tablet twice a day until the sensation disappears. You can also take it until the cold sore heals.
► Ice Cubes
Press an ice cube on the cold sore immediately you feel it cropping up to prevent it from appearing or growing. It can also be applied on existing cold sores to relieve pain and burning.
