07.15.08
Cold Sores No More: Kicking Them The Natural Way
Hello face, meet cold sore, the lip funk with perfectly-timed, Friday night appearances. If you haven’t been acquainted, one in five Americans has, which means the probability that you’ll meet this nasty little sucker while lip-locking with McDreamy is as likely as finding your ex while trafficking Facebook. (Both equally scary.) Before you panic, try these simple ways to tame cold sore symptoms, naturally:
Ice Is Nice: Feel a sore coming on? Rub a piece of ice on the area for ten minutes three times a day. If applied early enough, the ice will slow down the development of the sore and will even (thank god) make it smaller.
Yo Yo Yogurt: Even if you’re not dealing with a nasty outbreak, stock up on yogurt (our fave is Stonyfield Farm). It has the good bacteria called acidophilus that helps rev up your immune system to fight the cold sore virus. Plus, Stonyfield doesn’t use gelatin in their products, which can actually aggravate cold sores.
No No Chocolate: Girl, put the chocolate and peanuts down! Why? Both contain arginine, an amino acid that helps the herpes virus thrive. While you’re at it, stay away from other arginine sources like cashews, beer, and peas.
Poppin’ Pills: If your lips look like you’ve been in a bar brawl, try taking Lysine - an essential amino acid that helps boost immunity and keep those l'il suckers at bay.
And one more thing…try not to stress out (it can only lead to more outbreaks). Get in some yoga, try some healing lavender aromatherapy, listen to Enya – whatever you need to do to calm down so you can kick your cold sores to the curb.
Ice Is Nice: Feel a sore coming on? Rub a piece of ice on the area for ten minutes three times a day. If applied early enough, the ice will slow down the development of the sore and will even (thank god) make it smaller.
Yo Yo Yogurt: Even if you’re not dealing with a nasty outbreak, stock up on yogurt (our fave is Stonyfield Farm). It has the good bacteria called acidophilus that helps rev up your immune system to fight the cold sore virus. Plus, Stonyfield doesn’t use gelatin in their products, which can actually aggravate cold sores.
No No Chocolate: Girl, put the chocolate and peanuts down! Why? Both contain arginine, an amino acid that helps the herpes virus thrive. While you’re at it, stay away from other arginine sources like cashews, beer, and peas.
Poppin’ Pills: If your lips look like you’ve been in a bar brawl, try taking Lysine - an essential amino acid that helps boost immunity and keep those l'il suckers at bay.
And one more thing…try not to stress out (it can only lead to more outbreaks). Get in some yoga, try some healing lavender aromatherapy, listen to Enya – whatever you need to do to calm down so you can kick your cold sores to the curb.
Don’t be shy!
Great tips. My sis takes lysine, and it works like a charm. Can't remember how much or how often she takes it, though. I heard that antiviral licorice and lemon can also help -- as tea, tinctures, or in ointments.
– pemanoil | 07.16.08 | 7:59 AM
When ski season comes around I am pulling up this article again! these buggers like to come out during the cold months.
I would never had guess that yogurt would help with cold sores. You usually think to stay away from dairy when you are sick. You learn something new everyday!
I would never had guess that yogurt would help with cold sores. You usually think to stay away from dairy when you are sick. You learn something new everyday!
– boeboe9 | 07.15.08 | 10:07 AM
