Getting Rid of Cold Sores or Fever Blisters - Useful Supplements and Nutrients

by Webmaster, All4NaturalHealth.com

What are some natural and effective ways of getting rid of cold sores?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are small white blisters which form in the corner of one's mouth and around the lips. The cause of such sores is the herpes simplex 1 virus, which is related to the virus which causes genital herpes.

Yogurt which contains beneficial acidophilus bacteria has been suggested as a helpful addition to a cold sore-fighting treatment protocol, as these bacteria may help fight off the virus. Logically, it probably follows that some sort of probiotic supplement may also be helpful as a natural remedy for fever blisters or cold sores.

Test-tube studies have suggested the ability of vitamin C to inactivate herpes viruses. In one particular study, 600 to 1000 mg of vitamin C and 600 to 1000 mg of flavonoids each day helped to significantly shorten the duration of infection symptoms. It has been suggested that 2 grams of a supplement containing vitamin C and bioflavonoids can be taken daily to help in getting rid of cold sores, both in warding off and fighting the condition.

Zinc may be useful in battling and treating cold sores, both via internal consumption and topical application. Taken internally, zinc is an immune booster, thus helping the body to resist and fight off cold sores. A 15mg daily dose for chronic sufferers has been suggested as a possible amount to take, both for prevention as well as healing purposes.

Vitamin E may also help against cold sores, again via both internal consumption and external or topical application. Taken internally, this very important vitamin helps to strengthen one's immune system. It also makes epithelial tissue on the lips stronger, which helps to ward off cold sores. A daily dosage of about 400 IU has been suggested for use in preventing or getting rid of cold sores.

A preliminary study had suggested that persons who are hit by cold sores have lower levels of iron in their bodies as compared to their unaffected counterparts. It is thus possible that lack of iron may play a part in the genesis of this disease. Excessive iron, however, is dangerous, and iron supplementation is not recommended unless one has a test-confirmed deficiency in the mineral, and preferably is consulting with a health care professional. The intake of iron-rich foods may help in getting rid of cold sores; more research, however, would be needed for this area.

About 100mg of beta carotene taken each day could help to speed up recovery from fever blisters, too.

Please note that, in general, we do not recommend the consumption of single-substance supplements (e.g. selenium capsules), but much prefer the use of whole food supplements (e.g. barley grass powder). This is because the latter are balanced foods which offer broad-spectrum nutrients that are more readily assimilated by the human body. Single-substance supplements, on the other hand, may cause imbalances in the body, some of which may be very harmful.

On top of that, it is not always known or obvious what source materials are used to make such supplements. Thus, overall, the use of such supplements must be carried out carefully, preferably in consultation with a suitable natural health care practitioner. These pointers apply not just to home remedies or natural cures for cold sores, but in general, too.

To find out more about getting rid of cold sores or fever blisters, read the other related cold sores / fever blisters pages and articles.

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