{"id":586,"date":"2018-09-02T01:37:14","date_gmt":"2018-09-02T01:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/?p=586"},"modified":"2018-09-25T23:38:14","modified_gmt":"2018-09-25T23:38:14","slug":"5-essential-oil-based-remedies-for-cold-sores-fever-blisters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/5-essential-oil-based-remedies-for-cold-sores-fever-blisters\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Essential Oils & DIY Remedies for Cold Sores"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

No one enjoys cold sores. Not even the most masochistic of us.<\/p>\n

Cold sores are different than canker sores (which they are often confused with). They are caused by the virus herpes simplex I (HSV), which can lie dormant in the body, only to flare up when your body is stressed out.<\/p>\n

Some people are more prone to developing cold sores than others, especially individuals who are\u00a0exhausted, sick or exposed to excessively cold winds, sun or heat. Stress, emotional or environmental,\u00a0 increases the likelihood of flare-ups<\/p>\n

People with chronic immune system imbalances can have cold sores all the time, sometimes many at once.<\/p>\n

They’re most often treated with antiviral medications. Though HSV cannot be cured, these medications can shorten the duration of cold sores.<\/p>\n

But antiviral medications aren’t always the preferred choice. Many people like to use natural, home remedies to ease discomfort and clear their cold sore flare-ups.<\/p>\n

Importance of Early detection<\/h2>\n

Treating your cold sore as soon as possible is the most important aspect of treatment.<\/p>\n

As soon as you feel that anything is up with your lip, treat it. If you can get treatment applied at the tingle, you’re in good shape.<\/p>\n

Every second counts! If you can get good at this you can prevent many a cold sore from ever appearing.<\/p>\n

The Best Essential Oils & Blends for Cold Sores<\/h2>\n

The oils we’ll focus on are anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and skin soothing.<\/p>\n

We’re only going to focus on just the seven best oils, but there are others oils that can be beneficial for cold sores as well.<\/p>\n

1.) Lavender<\/h3>\n
\"lavender<\/a>
15 ml Organic Lavender from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find it here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lavender is perhaps the most loved and widely used essential oil, and for good reason.<\/p>\n

It’s usefulness abounds, and it is especially useful for inflammation and skin related complaints.<\/p>\n

Lavender will reduce the pain and redness of your cold sore. And with regular use, it’s anti-inflammatory qualities will greatly diminish the appearance of your cold sure.<\/p>\n

Start using lavender with a cooling carrier oil, diluting it to assess whether you have a reaction to it. If it goes well, you can use a stronger ratio of lavender oil. It is also okay to use a small amount (one to two drops) of lavender oil undiluted if it agrees with your skin. More on how to do that later.<\/p>\n

2.) Tea Tree<\/h3>\n
\"tea<\/a>
Organic Tea Tree from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tea Tree might be the most common oil that’s recommended for treating cold sores. It’s also likely the most powerful.<\/p>\n

It’s known to knock out cold sores fast, sometimes reducing their lifespan to a day or two. This is impressive, as cold sores typically linger for a week or longer.<\/p>\n

Tea tree’s success is due to it’s antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It attacks the virus quick and dries out the infected area.<\/p>\n

The best time to apply tea tree is early on before the cold sore is firmly established. You want to catch it as it’s still forming when it’s most moist and still vulnerable.<\/p>\n

It’s best to use tea tree on unbroken skin. You can combine 3 drops of tea tree with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, or if your skin is already dry combine tea tree with coconut oil. You can apply these mixtures directly to the cold sore with a q-tip or cotton boil. More on application later.<\/p>\n

3.) Melissa (Lemon Balm)<\/h3>\n
\"melissa<\/a>
5 ml Melissa EO from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Melissa, from the mint family, is another popular oil that’s especially effective if applied to the cold sore during its initial stages of development.<\/p>\n

Treating with melissa can prevent the growth of new cold sores. Treat at the first tingle of a new sore, and you could prevent it from forming any further.<\/p>\n

4.) Geranium<\/h3>\n
\"geranium<\/a>
15 ml Geranium EO from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find it here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Geranium oil is soothing and great at preventing or reducing irritation. It is astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.<\/p>\n

5.) Bergamot<\/h3>\n
\"bergamot<\/a>
15 ml Bergamot EO from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find it here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.) Eucalyptus<\/h3>\n
\"euclayptus<\/a>
15 ml Organic Eucalyptus from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find it here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.) Chamomile (German)<\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>
5 ml German Chamomile from Rocky Mountain Oils. Find it here<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other Good EOs<\/h2>\n

The following oils are still highly recommended for cold sores, as they’re all effective and useful in their own way.<\/p>\n