Cold sores can be an uncomfortable and often embarrassing nuisance. The itchy, painful, and unattractive blisters often come with an unwelcome but highly anticipated two-week stay. However, there is hope for anyone suffering from cold sores, as essential oils have increasingly become recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits. So what essential oils are best for cold sores, you ask? Grab a cup of your favorite calming herbal tea and let’s delve into the world of soothing, healing essential oils for cold sores.
The Top Essential Oils for Cold Sores
Consider these top essential oils for battling stubborn cold sores:
- Lavender: Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, making it an ideal choice for reducing stress, which can trigger cold sores. Additionally, lavender oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to speed up the healing process and prevent infection.
- Tea Tree: Tea tree oil is widely known for its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It can help dry out the cold sore and expedite the healing process.
- Peppermint: Peppermint oil has been shown to have antiviral properties which help to fight the herpes simplex virus, the cause of cold sores. Additionally, peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the skin, providing relief from itching and pain.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm oil contains eugenol, which has both antiviral and pain-relieving properties. This essential oil is known to be particularly effective against the herpes simplex virus, making it very popular in the treatment of cold sores.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with cold sores.
How to Apply Essential Oils to Cold Sores:
It is important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before application to the skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply essential oils to cold sores:
- Choose the essential oil that you would like to use. You could even consider creating your own blend using a combination of the oils mentioned above.
- Dilute your chosen essential oil(s) with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. We recommend a 1% dilution which would equate to mixing 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Using a cotton swab or clean fingertip, apply the diluted essential oil mixture to the affected area. Avoid touching the cold sore directly, as the virus can spread to other areas.
- Reapply the essential oil mixture two to three times daily, or as needed, throughout the duration of the cold sore.
- Always remember to wash your hands before and after application to prevent spreading the virus.
What Essential Oils For Cold Sores Example:
Suppose you recently felt that dreaded, telltale tingling sensation on your lip and a cold sore has begun to form. To minimize the discomfort and promote healing, you decide to try using lavender and tea tree essential oils. You blend one drop of each oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply the mixture to the cold sore using a cotton swab. You reapply the essential oil blend three times daily and notice that it provides relief from itching while helping to reduce the overall healing time of the cold sore.
Cold sores can be a challenging and frustrating ailment, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Essential oils offer a natural, effective solution to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores and support the healing process. Be sure to share this informative article with friends and family who may be affected by cold sores. Continue to explore other guides on Oshu Oils and our range of essential oils to discover how they can help improve your overall wellbeing.
