How to get rid of cold sores
Cold sores have been around since Roman Times at least and so prior to the medicinal treatments now available there are many tried and tested alternative remedies that you may like to try. While that is some way from answering definitely how to get rid of cold sores, the simple fact is that we all respond differently to treatments and what works well for one individual may have little or no effect on another.
Homeopathic treatment is somewhat controversial, with the medical community in particular stating that homeopathic remedies have not been demonstrated to work and that the science claimed behind them does not make sense. Practitioners use natural substances that have been diluted to such small concentrations that they are close to being immeasurable and claim that such treatments act as a holistic approach. Also, aromatherapy is claimed to speed up the healing process, by applying essential oils such rose, tea tree, geranium, lemon balm and bergamot and European sufferers often use an ointment made from lemon balm, a member of the mint family, to treat their lesions. Generally unavailable in the United States, washing the sores with strong lemon balm tea produces similar results.
While reducing stress is usually discussed in terms of preventing outbreaks, it is also true that minimizing stress when a cold sore has appeared can help the healing process as the immune system begins to recover. Simply walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes per day is beneficial, while swimming, cycling, exercise classes or yoga also offer benefit. While moderate exercise helps boost the immune system, don't over do it; too much exercise can strain the immune system and therefore have the opposite effect to that intended.
It also seems that what we eat can have an effect on encouraging or preventing cold sore outbreaks. Research from the 1950s shows that somes foods can help us to get rid of cold sores whereas others act as a trigger due to the presence of specific essential amino acids. Many people to treat their sores with topical lysine creams, but eating foods with high lysine content can help attacks, such as red meat and dairy products. On the other hand food rich in arginine, including nuts and chocolate, can help trigger cold sores.
Another consideration when suffering from the lesions is secondary infections. While natural products sometimes contain compounds known to act as antibiotics, their use in treating the cold sore itself is of limited use as it is caused by a virus. However, an open sore has the risk of a secondary bacterial infection and the antibiotic properties of such compounds may help fight secondary infections, which again strain the immune system and delay the healing of the cold sore.
How to get rid of cold sores safely and naturally
If you are interested in more in-depth information on how to get rid of cold sores next time you're suffering from them I recommend the e-book Cold Sore Freedom in 3 Days by Grace Melgarejo.
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