A cold sore or fever blister is a common problem experienced by many when they suffer from allergies or display fever symptoms. While symptoms may last for a few days to a few weeks, the sight of an ugly sore is not what many of us are comfortable with. To remove the old sore as quickly as possible without damaging the affected spot, essential oil for cold sore will come on handy.
Cold sores may usually be treated with antiviral drugs but using the remedies like essential oils provide fast relief and comfort. Essential oils such as Lavender have special compounds that reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Furthermore, they do not cause allergies or damage the skin like many chemically engineered skincare products.
These oils are also very effective against herpes if you apply them on the affected spot, but if taken orally, they could trigger allergies of their own or even disrupt your entire system and cause further issues. Mixing essential oil for herpes with carrier oil will protect you from the harsh effect of the essential oil all the while extending use by a few weeks or even months
What is a cold sore?
A cold sore (fever blisters) is a viral infection that affects the surrounding areas around your lip and mouth region. Cold sores are actually blisters filled with fluid that grow in patches and congregate in the same area. Once the patches break and the fluid comes out, scars from in the openings, and they take some time usually a few weeks to heal.
How do cold sores spread?
Cold sores spread through capris means such as kissing or performing oral sex on an affected person. The sores themselves are caused by a simplex Type 1 HSV-1 virus or the Herpes type 2 HSV-2 Simplex virus. Both viruses are highly contagious and spread from person to person very quickly.
Even though there is no known cure for cold sores, outbreaks can be effectively managed until the sore heals. Products like creams and anti-viral pills cause the sores to heal quickly, but how long the sores will take to heal will depend on the severity of the sore.
Can essential oil for forever blisters treat the sore?
Essential oils have time and again proven to be effective against cold sores for several reasons. First of all, these oils have little or no side effects compared to most skincare products found on the market. Secondly, they significantly reduce the risk of allergic triggers that worsen the sore. If diluted with a carrier oil, they work very well, and in a matter of days, the sore will heal.
But note that using essential oils for treating cold sores comes with risks. Some of them may irritate your skin or even cause damage to the outer layer of the skin due to overuse. Common complaints like skin redness, hives, and itching are common. That is why aromatherapists and skincare experts advise users to discontinue use if their skin reacts to it.
To protect yourself from the potential harmful effects of essential oils, it is advisable to always dilute each dose with a carrier oil for better absorption. A well-mixed essential oil will not irritate the skin or cause any discomfort. Very good carrier oil examples are as follow:
- Coconut Oil
- Oliver Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
Best essential oil for cold sores
Now that you know that essential oils can treat cold sores well enough let us take it a step further to review some of the best essential oils for cold sores you can use. Having one or a few at home in case of emergencies will come in handy. Here they are.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is by far the most popular essential oil in use today. This oil is used for various purposes, including for treating cold sores. Lavender oil reduces irritation caused by the sore and removes the bruises caused by broken skin tissue. Lavender should not be confused for a for sure cure because there isn’t a cure for cold sores; however, it greatly reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process.
Cold Sores also cause inflammation in the affected part of the lip, but you can trust this organic oil to reduce it. For best use, make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil before using it on the affected area.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another popular essential oil for cold sores. This oil contains compounds that limit there growth and spread of Herpes Type 1 and Type 2. If you mix a few drops with an ounce of almond oil, you will be amazed at how fast the sores will heal and disappear after a short while. Just make sure the oil covers all of the affected area.
Chrysanthemum Oil
Chrysanthemum Oil is derived from the world-famous Chrysanthemum plant. This oil has very strong anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the symptoms of cold sores. Although it does not treat the virus behind the sore per se, it greatly limits the spread and heals the symptoms fairly quickly. However, some users complain that their skin reacts to it, so consider applying it on a small patch of your skin and observe for a whole day or half a day before you start applying it to the sore. As always, make sure you dilute it with an adequate measure of carrier oil.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is another useful essential oil for cold sores. Considered by many as an anti-inflammation oil, eucalyptus speeds up the healing process of cold sores. It may potentially irritate the skin if exposed to the sun or if it is not properly diluted with a carrier oil. Also, some people with highly sensitive skin may react to it or even suffer skin allergies of some sort, so consult your doctor or try it on a small area of your skin before using it.
Clove Oil
Cove Oil possesses antiviral and antimicrobial agents that fight bacteria and viral infections. This makes it an effective natural remedy for cold sores and other viruses like hepatitis C. The best carrier oil for clove is thicker oils like coconut oil. Just mix both and apply them to the affected area. Clove oil should always be used in small doses and with a certain amount of caution.
Chamomile Oil
Still, looking for an effective treatment? Why not try Chamomile oil. This oil checks the growth of herpes and prevents it from contaminating more skin cells. It is also very effective against stubborn drug-resistant herpes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is derived from the Tea Tree found in Australia. Tea tree oil kills herpes simplex viruses, but if you must use it, please do so with caution. It is a very potent oil known to irritate the skin if it is not diluted properly with a carrier oil.
Hyssop oil
Hyssop oil is not widely used, but nonetheless it remains an effective cold sore treatment. If applied to cold sores, it will reduce bacteria activity so that healing can occur.
Lemon oil
Lemon oil is called the Melissa extract, and this essential oil stops viruses and bacteria from penetrating skin cells. Lemon oil works very gradually, so you will need to apply it to the sore several times a day to see significant results.
Thyme Oil
Thyme is effective against the Type1 Simplex virus. It tracks and kills the virus and prevents it from spreading to a wider area.
Essential oil for Cold Sores and Fever Blisters FAQ
How quickly do essential oils cure cold sores?
Unlike other quick action manufactured formulas that take a few hours to work, essential oils take more time, but they are very effective.
Are there any side effects is should know about?
Yes, essential oils have certain side effects like itching skin redness, and in some cases, they may trigger allergies in some users. That is why it is advised that you test in a small part of your skin before spreading it across a wider area.
Do I need to dilute my essential oil? With what?
Yes, you need to dilute your essential oil before you use it. Failure to do so will cause you great discomfort. To dilute your essential oil, add an ounce of carrier oil to every 2-3 drops of essential oil.
Is it advisable to ingest essential oil for cold sores?
No, it is not advisable to ingest essential oil for cold sores as that may lead to complications like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, and much more.
Conclusion
Essential oil for cold sores is of different types, but essentially they all work the same way. They contain antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation properties that eliminate infection and bacteria that cause cold sores. But as effective as they may be, it is always best to consult your doctor before using any of the oils reviewed in this article, so that one doesn’t face any unwanted side effects.
