How to improve the symptoms of cold sores and how to prevent it naturally
The herpes labialis, also known as fever, is a consequence of a virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, which can sometimes remain dormant or inactive in people who have been infected by this virus.
The contagion mainly occurs in childhood or adolescence, is spread through saliva, through a kiss or sharing a glass or drink. In some people, even if they have the cold sore virus, it does not come back and they only have it once in their lives.
Although it is more likely that once we have a first cold sore we are exposed to reappear at any time.
Some situations in our lives may predispose us to the appearance of cold sores, such as stress, tiredness, lowering of defenses, hormonal changes, menstruation, colds or flu, cold, unprotected sun on the lips.
The symptoms of cold sores
The symptoms produced by cold sores are several since there are early symptoms that alert us that the cold sore is about to appear and then as the days go by, with the herpes out, we go through others, until the herpes reaches scar.
- The first symptoms begin with tingling in the lip, itching, throbbing, discomfort and even a few tenths of fever over nighttime.
- Then they begin to poke some pupae or small blisters which contain fluids and are painful.
- The blisters open, it is the most painful and contagious moment.
- After passing this moment, a dry, brown-colored scab develops in the herpes, and when the scab breaks, it stings and bleeds.
- After this time, the cold sores begin to heal, the scab comes loose and ends up healing.
It is extremely important once the herpes has appeared to maintain some measures of hygiene and prevention to avoid spreading the cold sores to other people. Therefore the hygiene during those moments should be meticulous, we should not touch the herpes and in case of touching it we should wash our hands immediately.
It is advisable not to share glasses, cutlery and towels, as well as avoid kissing, and physical contact with the couple. Once it has disappeared we must also change both towels, such as sheets and toothbrush.
Tips to prevent the appearance or a new outbreak of cold sores
Below we provide a series of tips to prevent outbreaks of cold sores.
Strengthening our immune system is essential so that seasonal changes as well as sudden changes in temperature make us feel strong because one of the causes for which herpes can re-emerge is a decrease in defenses.
Food plays an important role also against prevention since the deficit of some foods containing L-lysine predisposes people with these deficiencies to frequent occurrences of cold sores.
L-lysine is an essential amino acid found in some animal protein sources. Therefore, if we frequently see a cold sore we should reinforce the intake of these foods if we do not consume them frequently: foods rich in animal proteins such as meat, milk and dairy products, eggs, blue fish.
In the world of vegetables we can also find L-lysine in green leafy vegetables, watercress, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, parsley, asparagus, legumes such as, lentils, beans, chickpeas, beans, peas, soy, tofu, yeast of beer, seaweed, quinoa, and nuts like peanuts.
There are contributions of L-lysine that can be found in herbalists, natural products stores, parapharmacies, although the indications on their purchase as well as their consumption should be made under medical supervision or following the advice of nutrition specialists.
It is always better to carry out a healthy and balanced diet in which this essential amino acid is present and thus avoid suffering from those deficiencies.
Natural remedies for cold sores
The infusions recommended below are intended for their properties to strengthen our immune system and thus prevent a decrease in defenses and a possible outbreak of cold sores.
Burdock infusion
The burdock has soothing propertiesIt is rich in tannins and helps to reduce the force of the virus that causes the cold sore to sprout, it helps us to be strong against the virus.
To prepare this infusion we need a teaspoon of dried burdock and a cup of mineral water.
We put the water to heat and once it starts to boil add the burdock. Remove from heat, cover the infusion and let it sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
We uncover the infusion, we strain it and let it warm. Once lukewarm we can already take it.
If you like infusions with a sweet touch we can add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar cane.The burdock infusion can be taken 3 times a day.
Echinacea infusion
Echinacea is a medicinal plant that helps us increase defenses, with which we can prevent the appearance of cold sores or their outbreaks.
We will prepare this infusion with a teaspoon of echinacea and a cup of mineral water.
We put the water to boil and once it is boiling add the echinacea. Remove from heat, cover the infusion and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Once it is warm, we will take it, if you prefer sweet we can add a teaspoon of honey. This infusion can take one a day, for a month, and then we will rest three months.
Infusion of passionflower and melissa
Another of the preventions we can take is to try to calm down when we go through moments of stress and anxiety, so a good infusion with relaxing properties comes in handy.
Many times the stress, the lack of rest, also contribute to our defenses are resented, with what we can say that viruses lurk as is the cold sore virus.
We will prepare this infusion with these two wonderful plants. To prepare it we need a teaspoon of passionflower, a teaspoon of lemon balm, and a cup of mineral water.
We start by boiling the water and once it starts to boil, add the herbs, cover the infusion and remove it from the heat.
Let rest for 10 minutes. When it is warm, we can take it. The infusion of passionflower and lemon balm can be taken every night, it will help us to relax, and to get to sleep. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
