Cold sores are caused mainly by two types of viruses, herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. Therefore, home treatment can be done with plants that allow to eliminate these viruses more quickly, such as lemon balm, pomegranate or the elder, for example.
The effectiveness of home treatment may vary depending on the person and type of virus that is causing herpes, but it is usually possible to see a marked reduction in symptoms or decrease in treatment time.
Although they may be quite effective, these home remedies should not replace some type of treatment that has been indicated by the doctor and may be used along with prescribed ointments. See which ointments are best for treating herpes.
1. Homemade lemon balm ointment
Lemon balm, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, is a plant that has antiviral action against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, helping to relieve symptoms of cold sores like pain, redness, itching or burning, as well as facilitating healing.
Ingredients
- 20 g of lemon balm;
- 100 ml of mineral oil.
Method of preparation
Put the ingredients in a pan and leave on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Then let it cool and strain. Finally, pass the herpes sore at least 3 times a day, until the symptoms and herpes sore disappear.
2. Pomegranate tea
The pomegranate is the fruit of the pomegranate, a plant known scientifically as Punica granatum . The films present inside the pomegranate and lining the seeds are very rich in tannins with antiviral action against type 2 of herpes simplex. Thus, the tea made with these films helps to eliminate the herpes virus faster, accelerating the healing of the wound on the lip.
Ingredients
- 1 pomegranate
- 300 ml of water
Method of preparation
Remove the pomegranate peel and the films lining the seeds inside. Then put in a pan with the water and boil for 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, let cool and strain. Apply the mixture with the help of a piece of cotton over the herpes wound 3 to 5 times a day, between applying the ointment to herpes, for example.
3. Elderly Tea
Elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra, is a plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat herpes, because it has quercetin and canferol that have potent action against the herpes simplex virus type 1.
Ingredients
- 1 (spoon) of elderberry flowers;
- 1 cup boiling water.
Method of preparation
Add the ingredients and let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes. After straining, allow to cool and drink the mixture 2 to 3 times a day. Tea can also be applied directly on the herpes sore several times a day.
Feeding for herpes
Feeding to decrease the frequency of herpes outbreaks should be rich in food sources of vitamin C, lysine and low in arginine as this type of feed strengthens the immune system and decreases the severity and number of herpes episodes.
Learn more about this type of food in: Feeding for herpes.
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