Reduce Cold Sores Naturally
No cure exists for herpes simplex type I virus, which causes cold sores, but here are some natural ways to stimulate blisters to heal quickly.
Instructions
1. Take supplements that inhibit viral growth at the first sign of an outbreak. Try 500 to 1,000 mg daily of the amino acid L-lysine. Antioxidant vitamins and 50 to 100 mg of zinc per day may also help.
2. Boost your immune system. Take echinacea and goldenseal and make sure you get 5,000 mg vitamin C daily. Get plenty of rest and reduce stress.
3. Treat the cold sore topically. Dab tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, at either full or half strength directly on blisters several times a day.
4. Promote healing by avoiding foods that contain arginine, another that suppresses lysine; nuts, dairy products, meat, seeds, oats, peanuts and corn all contain arginine. Limit citrus and other acidic fruits because they can irritate blisters.
Tags: amino acid, Cold Sores, Cold Sores Naturally, , Reduce Cold, Reduce Cold Sores, Sores Naturally