Have you ever had a cold sore? I know, it’s not the prettiest of topics… but it happens none the less.
And of course, I then reach for my stash of essential oils, whip up a new roller bottle… and get to work treating the nasty cold sore. Essential oil home remedies are easy, cost-effective, and safe to use.
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A lot of us already have essential oils at home. If that’s you, awesome! Use the oils that you already have. If essential oils are new to you or you’re missing an oil on the my list, I recommend you shop with my most recommended essential oil brands for great deals and amazing quality oils.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best essential oils for cold sores, and how to use them to effectively treat your cold sores. Get equipped with all the knowledge you need about essential oils for cold sores right now!
What Are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are an infection with the Herpes simplex HSV-1 virus. Most commonly, they appear on the lip or mouth of an infected individual.
A cold sore is among the most common infections that affect millions of people each year. They can happen in both adults and kids. In essence, they are small blisters full of fluid. That’s why they are also referred to as fever blisters or canker sores.
Luckily, there are plenty of home remedies for cold sores which are easy to use and simple to follow. One of the most helpful remedies for cold sores is the use of essential oils to help you get rid of your cold sore.
But be cautious – don’t ingest essential oils. They are concentrated plant extracts that can be too powerful for the sensitive mucous membranes inside your mouth and throat. Only apply them topically to the area of your cold sores.
How to Use Essential Oils for Cold Sores
When a cold sore appears, nip it in the butt by using your stash of essential oils to treat it immediately.
The recipe is simple:
Grab a small empty container, start with 1 tsp of carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and add 3-7 drops of essential oils of choice. We always mix essential oils with carrier oils to avoid skin reactions. Use a cotton swab to pat the areas infected on your body. Repeat at least two to three times daily until symptoms subside, and even for a few days past the outward signs of the virus have passed.
In this case of 1 tsp carrier oil, 3 drops equal a 2% dilution, which is generally regarded as safe. The 7 drops would be a 5% dilution, which is only recommended for acute, short term use on healthy adults. Please do use my dilution rates reference guide to determine the concentration that’s right for you, especially if you are elderly or have sensitive skin.
Start applying essential oils as soon as you notice a blister coming on. It is best to begin your treatment before the condition develops into full-blown fewer blisters.
Best Essential Oils for Cold Sores
Here are my 10 hand-picked oils that have health benefits for treating canker sores.
1. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil
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Ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale) can help reduce symptoms of cold sores. It may also prevent further spreading of the virus.
According to a publication of the US National Library of Medicine, ginger is one of the best choices of essential oils for treating herpes simplex virus. It is immune boosting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Organic Peppermint Oil
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Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) contains active antiviral properties. These fight the spreading of a cold sore infection. There are also antioxidants in the oil to help in the body’s healing process.
Research shows that peppermint oil can inhibit the survival of the herpes simplex virus in our bodies. The study also stressed the antimicrobial and antiviral potential of peppermint oil.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Organic Tea Tree Oil
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Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) may help reduce the growth of the herpes virus in affected patients, as well as promote a faster healing process.
Tea tree is highly active against some viral infections such as herpes simplex HSV-1. A study published by the US National Library of Medicine confirmed tea tree oils’ significant antiherpetic activity.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Certified Organic Eucalyptus Oil
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The anti-inflammatory properties in eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) make it another one of the best remedies for cold sores.
According to a publication in the Journal of Ethno-pharmacology, titled “Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Essential Oils of Eucalyptus”, this plant extract is suitable in reducing inflammations and healing cold sores.
5. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
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Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is the swiss army knife of essential oils. Herpes viruses usually cause inflammations, irritations, and blisters on the skin. While it may not have any effect on the virus, Lavender oil soothes your skin with anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
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You can use either Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) or German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) for cold sores.
The Department of Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology in Germany published an article expressing the efficacy of anise oil, dwarf pine oil, and chamomile oil against herpes viruses. It was concluded that these essential oils have inhibitory effects against the growth and attacks of herpes viruses.
7. Melissa Essential Oil
Organic Melissa Essential Oil
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Melissa essential oil (Melissa officinalis) has powerful anti-viral features that can help speed up your healing process after a herpes outburst. It is easily absorbed into your skin, which is ideal in the treatment of fever blisters.
If you are resistant to standard anti-viral drugs, this oil is the best alternative for you.
One study by the US National Library of Medicine found that Melissa officinalis oil inhibits the ability of herpes viruses to infect your skin cells. Thus, this plant extract is suitable for treating herpes simplex virus type 1 at home.
Melissa is gentle on the skin, but don’t be tempted to use it neat.
8. Clove Essential Oil
Clove Bud Essential Oil.
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Clove Bud essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) is rich in antioxidants. This will aid a quicker healing process of your cold sores.
It also has anesthetic, antiviral, and antimicrobial qualities. These properties make Clove bud oil capable of lessening pain, inflammation, and the spread of herpes virus infection.
9. Oregano Essential Oil
Organic Oregano Essential Oil.
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Oregano essential oil (Origanum vlugare) is another highly antiviral essential oil that can quicken the healing of cold sores and improve your skin’s texture.
Research published in medical journals expressed the antiviral activity of oregano and clove oil. The study confirmed that the therapeutic plant extracts were useful in treating cold sores.
10. Turmeric Essential Oil
Organic Turmeric Oil
Turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa) has antioxidants capable of inhibiting the growth and multiplication of the cold sore virus. Moreover, it can encourage a speedy healing process of the sores.
Turmeric oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It contains curcumin, which is useful in handling microbial infestations.
A study from the US National Library of Medicine said that curcumin could inhibit herpes simplex virus expression. Thereby annihilating fever blister growth and stopping their appearance on the skin.
In Summary
Essential oils are popular among people that are always hunting for how to deal with cold sores in a more natural way. These are the essential oils that I reach for when treating my cold sores.
For the best effect, blend 2-3 of these oils together and make your own cold sore home remedy essential oils blend. You may find that a blend works better than single oils on their own.
Cold sores can readily be spread to other regions of your body including your fingertips. Treating a cold sore isn’t a pleasant experience. If you would like to stop future cold sores, work to enhance your immune system as a whole.
I hope you’ve been able to learn more about these powerful natural oils and get better soon!
As you’ve seen in my article, I featured Plant Therapy essential oils. Are you new to this brand of oils? You may like to read my fully detailed Plant Therapy Essential Oils Brand Review here.
Sandy P.
Thanks! I look forward to trying your suggestions for reducing the length of time that I suffer with herpes simplex.