Cold sores, fluid filled blisters occurring around the mouth area and caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) can upset any special event. Though the cold sore may lie dormant in the body for months or years, stress, infection, fever or lack of sleep can trigger the virus into 10 days of misery. Cold sores creep to infection with a tingle, according to James Balch, M. D. and author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” then pass through stages of development until they finally disappear. Although they are not life threatening, they can cause distress. Fortunately, there are effective supplements that can reduce the lifespan and sometimes even prevent an outbreak.
Andrographis and Echinacea
Andrographis is a safe, bitter herb from China and is also part of the daisy family. Echinacea along with andrographis work well together to prevent outbreaks of cold sores, and also helps combat the contagious infection. According to Herpes-Coldsores.com, andrographis interferes with the virus activity. It combats the exposed cells and aids in boosting macrophages, which are large white, virus killing blood cells. The American Botanical Council adds that echinacea enhances the results of andrographis because, not only is it a stress reducer, echinacea repairs tissue, especially that which is already damaged. According to prevention.com, capsules that contain 500 to 3000 mg of andrographis can be taken three times daily for prevention of cold sores. Echinacea can be taken in capsules as well, at a dosage of 300 mg every two hours at the onset of infection, and then reduced to three times daily thereafter, until the sore has healed.
L-Lysine with Vitamin C
L-Lysine is one of eight essential amino acids, a protein building block, that must be obtained through diet since the body cannot produce it. Along with aiding in calcium absorption, L-Lysine can boost the immune system. Cold sores crave the amino acid called arginine, according to Patrick Holford and author of “Optimum Nutrition Bible.” By taking L-Lysine, the cold sore, thinking that the L-Lysine is arginine, will shrink. Vitamin C compliments L-Lysine by keeping the immune system strong, which is crucial when cold sores come to surface. Holford adds that taking up to 3000 mg of lysine a day is effective and supplementing at least 2000 mg of vitamin C along with the lysine will keep the virus at bay.
Olive Leaf Extract
Once used by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the olive leaf has been killing viruses for centuries with its antibacterial and antiviral properties. According to Herpes-Coldsore.com, the olive leaf holds a compound called oleuropein, which prevents a virus from attaching itself to the cells. In 1969, a laboratory study was performed with Upjohn Pharmaceuticals that resulted in killing every virus tested with olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract will also boost the immune system. Olive leaf tea and capsules are easy to find online or at natural health food stores.
About this Author
Cheryl Murphy is a Bauman-certified nutrition educator, Metagenics lifestyle coach and pending Pilates instructor. With a background studying Journalism at the University of Kansas, she has written online health and wellness articles the past two years.
