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Q: When I get run down I tend to get cold sores. What can I do? A: Cold sores or fever blisters generally indicate that the immune system is under stress. Cold sores are very common and very contagious. Studies have indicated that as many as sixty percent of children carry the virus by the age of ten. After exposure to the herpes simplex virus (not the same as genital herpes), the virus remains in the body and lies dormant until triggered. Fever, a cold or flu, stress, elemental exposure, menstruation and general low immunity can bring on a bout of cold sores. Think of them as a red flag from the immune system, signifying that help is needed. The life cycle of a cold sore is roughly ten days, and topical creams provide some symptom relief but do not treat the root cause. The virus remains in your body, and therefore you must strengthen your immunity to the point that the virus cannot take hold. Take a balanced multi vitamin and mineral supplement, adding zinc lozenges when you feel a cold sore coming on. Do not exceed 100mg of zinc in total daily. Additional B-vitamins can also help with healing and immunity. Echinacea stimulates the immune system, as does the mushroom Astragalus. Nature's Plus makes a formula called 'Immune Action' with a combination of mushrooms and herbs that improve immunity. Extra vitamin C can help fight the virus and garlic acts as a natural antibiotic. Eat plenty of raw vegetables for optimal nutrition and consume yoghurt for the friendly bacteria which helps the body overall. The amino acid L-Lysine fights the virus that causes cold sores but should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, and also should not be taken for longer than six months at a time. If you can find L-Lysine cream, use this topically. Homeopathic remedies that help are Natrum muriaticum and Rhus tox. Buy them both in 6c potency and alternate, taking one remedy in the morning and the other one at night. Using the remedies in this fashion is 'acute' prescribing and will help with the outbreak. Further attention with homeopathy and nutrition will improve immunity, thus lessening the tendency to cold sores. © Adrianna Holman Registered Homeopath (RSHom) |
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