Cold sores are a common condition with almost 90% of the people suffering from it at some point of time or another. The term Cold sores and fever blisters can be used interchangeably. There are no definite ways regarding how to get rid of cold sores or stop them from occurring on the body but with essential oils for cold sores, this condition can be efficiently managed.
Cold sores on lips and cold sores in the mouth cause considerable discomfort, pain and burning sensation to people. Cold sores in the nose are very itchy and can burst open under pressure. Cold sores and fever blisters usually go away by themselves after bursting and rusting and leaving behind a layer of healthy skin.
As such, cold sores do not actively affect daily work and activities but can be very uncomfortable because of the itching sensation.
Thanks to science and technology even the simplest of diseases can be easily cured but as it’s said “Old habits die hard” which is the case for these home remedies too. They have been passed on from generations yet they are as effective as before thus these essential oils for cold sores are sure to help you get over it.
Types, Symptoms, And Causes Of Cold Sores
A virus causes cold sores, and as of now, there are no curative measures available on preventive. One can take necessary precautions to avoid the condition, but even contracting the disease is not life-threatening or severe in any way.
Types
There are two major types of cold sores based on the kind of infection:-
- Herpes cold sores type 1: Caused by the Herpes Simplex type 1 virus
- Herpes cold sores type 2: Caused by the Herpes Simplex type 2 virus and is spread through oral sex with someone who has genital herpes
Symptoms
Symptoms of cold sores are:-
- Lesions or blisters on the tongue, mouth or lips
- Lip swelling
- A sore throat
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Mouth and tongue pain
Causes
Cold sores are a medical condition coming from the highly infectious HSV-1 and HSV-2 virus. These viruses are contractable through:
- Eating contaminated food
- Stress
- Coming into direct contact with someone who already has cold sores
- Allergies
What Essential Oils Are Good For Cold Sores?
The herpes virus is highly contagious and spread at the smallest of contacts whether direct or indirect. The virus remains dormant until activation by external factors and can result in an outbreak of cold sores affecting different body parts and possibly even genitals and eyes or even the brain if the immunity system of the person is too weak.
It is thus necessary to use essential oils for cold sores(1) to decrease the likelihood of infection or in case the virus is already inside your body, to prohibit it from activating.
Essential oils are natural remedies that have the essence of nature and can cure and contain any disease and virus. Oils like Lavender oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, lemon balm oil, chamomile oil and more help in dealing with cold sores. These offer a natural way to cure cold sores, which is a very common ailment and affects approx. 10 million people a year.
Therefore, cold sores are also containable and stoppable from breaking out or even entering the body, and in case there already is an outbreak, essential oils for cold sores can help in to cure the condition and to remove the virus from the body.
Also Read: Pimple on Lip: 7 Great Home Remedies
How To Use Essential Oils For Cold Sores
The ten best oils that are potent enough to help in the treatment of cold sores are:
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is made from lavender flowers and is well known all over the world for its medicinal properties and its ability to provide relief in many conditions.
Why One Should Use Lavender Oil For Cold Sores?
Lavender oil has numerous benefits for skincare and is usable for the treatment of skin bruises and skin irritation. The oil does not affect the virus but is of great help in containing the outbreak and can reduce inflammation and pain.
How To Use ?
Lavender oil is used by mixing with any carrier oil. One can also directly apply the oil to the affected areas as lavender oil is not known to irritate the skin.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint herb which in itself is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Peppermint oil is a very potent essential oil for many conditions including cold sores.
Why One Should Use Peppermint Oil For Cold Sores?
Peppermint oil has shown the ability to be able to inhibit the growth of both the types of Herpes virus. It is even known to affect the resistant strains and help calm the pain and reduce the inflammation.
How To Use?
Peppermint oil can be applied to the affected area by diluting it with a carrier or milder oil to reduce the pungency.
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus Essential Oil is made from the bark of the Eucalyptus tree and has many medicinal properties and is very useful in providing relief from cold sores.
Why One Should Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil For Cold Sores?
Eucalyptus oil(2) has a calming effect on the body and has shown to be able to reduce the duration of the cold sores and significantly decrease the inflammation. Eucalyptus can also help in speeding up the healing process.
How To Use?
Eucalyptus oil must always be used after dilution with a carrier oil. One must ensure not to overuse the eucalyptus oil solution, as it may adversely affect the body.
4. Clove Oil
Clove oil comes from the clove spices and is highly effective on cold sores. Clove oil is very potent and can significantly help in easing pain and inflammation.
Why One Should Use Clove Oil For Cold Sores?
Clove oil has antiviral properties and has a significant effect on the herpes virus. Clove oil also helps in decreasing the pain and helps with the inflammation.
How To Use?
Clove oil can irritate the skin if applied directly. Clove oil must undergo dilution with a carrier or milder oil.
5.Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has many medicinal properties and is known for its uses in numerous conditions.
Why One Should Use Tea Tree Oil For Cold Sores?
Tea tree oil is antiviral and can help in containing the herpes virus. Studies have shown tea tree oil to be able to stop and kill the herpes virus making it an extremely potent treatment for cold sores.
How To Use?
Tea tree oil should be diluted with a suitable carrier oil and then applied to the affected area with a cotton swab.
[Read: Treat Cold Sores With Tea Tree Oil]
6. Oregano Oil For Cold Sores
Oregano is most widely known as the spice used for seasoning of Italian dishes, but the oregano oil in itself is also a popular remedy for cold sores since decades if not centuries.
Why One Should Use Oregano Oil For Cold Sores?
Studies conducted in the past have shown oregano oil to be very useful on cold sores with a substantial effect on the Herpes virus itself. It helps in bringing down the inflammation and helps you in reducing the pain.
How To Use?
Oregano oil is not be applied directly to the skin. One must use a mild carries oil to dilute the Oregano oil and rubbing it on the lesions using a clean piece of cotton.
7. Lemon Balm Oil
Lemon balm oil is used for a variety of medicinal purposes and has been known to be a potent remedy for cold sores.
Why One should Use Lemon Balm Oil For Cold Sores?
Lemon balm oil has been proven to impede the herpes virus and even the drug-resistant strains from infecting healthy cells. It is of great use in curing the condition and ensuring that cold sore does not flare up.
How To Use Lemon Balm Oil For Cold Sores?
Lemon balm oil has excellent penetrative properties and can easily penetrate the skin layer and affect the herpes virus. One must ensure to use diluted oil mixed with a mild carrier oil.
Read More: Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
8. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile flower is recognized to have excellent medicinal properties, and chamomile oil has time and again be proved to be a great therapeutic agent.
Why One Should Use Chamomile Oil For Cold Sores?
Chamomile oil works as an inhibitor of the herpes virus. It interrupts the absorption of the herpes virus into the cells and can even counter the drug-resistant strains of the virus. It brings down the swelling and reduces the pain.
How To Use?
Chamomile oil has to be diluted in a mild carrier oil before applying it to the affected area. Without proper dilution, it may affect the skin adversely.
9. Sandalwood Oil 
Sandalwood is a treasure of a tree, and the natural resources it provides are invaluable in their own right with unique medicinal properties.
Why One Should Use Sandalwood Oil For Cold Sores?
Sandalwood oil is proven to be able to fight off the herpes virus(3) and reduce swelling and provide relief from pain.
How To Use?
Sandalwood must be mixed with a carrier oil before application as the strong smell may prove to be troublesome for the majority of people.
10. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is known as one of the most potent antioxidants and has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is influential in providing relief in many conditions.
Why One Should Use Thyme Oil For Cold Sores?
Thyme oil has been known to exhibit antiviral properties against the herpes virus. Thyme oil can contain the outbreak and even treat the affected areas reducing the swelling the providing pain relief.
How To Use?
Thyme oil must be diluted appropriately with the carrier oil before being applied to the affected area.
Risks And Precautions
Essential Oils are the best form of natural remedies and provide a great way to treat cold sores naturally. Even though essential oils come from plants and natural resources, it is worth considering that these naturally occurring substances and chemicals are just for treatment and cannot be overused or abused as it may lead to significant damage to the person.
The natural constituency of the body has to be preserved. One must also take precautions to ensure there are no adverse effects due to allergies and must consult the experts for suitable oils to and the prescribed usage method regarding how to cure cold sores.
Other Natural Remedies For Cold Sores
One can also try these home remedies if essential oils don’t catch your fancy:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a wonder plant and then paste of its leaves can be used for almost everything related to the skin. One can rub the Aloe Vera gel on the affected area, and the cool gel will immediately soothe the pain and reduce the swelling in time.
2. Lemons
Lemon tea and lemon tea compresses are another great way to treat the pain and inflammation from cold sores and can help significantly counter and suppress the herpes virus.
3. Milk
Milk contains a variety of proteins and nutrients essential and needed by the body. Milk contains natural antibodies that fight of bacteria and viruses and I-lysine also helps in fighting off the herpes virus.
A highly contagious virus causes cold sores, and all form of contact whether it is direct or indirect be from the infected person can transfer the virus to your body. The virus remains dormant until it comes face to face with a triggering circumstance and then it flares up. Essential oils can be of great help in containing the outbreak and subsequently curing the condition. It’s a better remedy which is natural and excessive-chemical free.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Treat Bed Sores Naturally ]
FAQ’s
1. How long do cold sores last?
Response: The first outbreak of cold sores can last up to 2 weeks with the subsequent outbreaks lasting for about a week.
2. How long do genital cold sores last?
Response: In case of genital cold sores, the first outbreak can last up to 20 days with subsequent outbreaks lasting up to 2 weeks.
