cold sores

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John Houser

Nu Herb Shop

919 875 1005

 

 

Cold Sores and Canker Sores

 

 

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Thanks for reading John Houser

 

Natural Aids for Fever Blisters and Mouth Ulcers

 

 

 

A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is an infection

by the herpes simplex virus that causes a painful,

oozing group of blisters usually located around the lips. It usually

starts with localized tenderness and a small

bump, which develops into a blister. It then turns into a scabby

sore. Cold sores develop about three to ten days

after exposure to the virus. They last about three weeks. The sores

can be very painful, and the condition is

contagious.

 

 

 

Once the virus is in the system, it can remain dormant for long

periods. Further cold sores develop whenever

something weakens the immune system or stresses the body. For

example, exposure to wind and summer sun will

often cause outbreaks. Outbreaks can also be caused by fever, colds,

stress or menstruation.

 

 

 

Canker sores differ from cold sores in several ways. They are

not a viral infection, but are the result of

inflammation in a localized area of the mouth. Also known as mouth

ulcers, they are often connected with

inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and an overacid condition

in the body.

 

 

 

Canker sores do not raise blisters like cold sores, but they do

develop into red, ulcerated spots with yellowish

borders. They can appear suddenly and leave suddenly, lasting from

four to twenty days. Cankers can also be very

painful and interfere with eating.

 

 

 

 

In spite of their differences, the remedies that aid cold sores and

canker sores are identical, suggesting both involve

similar internal conditions in the body. One of the very best

remedies for both is an herbal formula called VS-C. It

was developed by Dr. Wenwei Xie, a traditional Chinese medical

doctor, specifically for combating the herpes

simplex virus. The product was subjected to medical testing, and

research documented its effectiveness against the

virus. This formula is very effective in rapidly eliminating both

cold sores and canker sores.

 

 

 

The dosage is four capsules, which can be taken 3-6 times per day

depending on the severity of the problem. It is

also available in a liquid form, which can be taken orally in doses

of 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3-6 times per day. The

liquid can also be applied topically. VS-C can not only rapidly clear

outbreaks of herpes, it can actually help

eliminate the virus, if taken regularly for a period of three to six

months. In addition to its ability to deal with cold

and canker sores, it is also effective against warts and other viral

disorders like shingles.

 

 

 

 

There are other remedies that can be effective against these sores.

One of these is an amino acid, l-lysine. In

combination with citrus bioflavinoids with vitamin C, l-lysine has

also proven effective against herpes infections

and cold sores. It has also been used for mouth ulcers. L-lysine is

one of the essential amino acids that must be

obtained through the diet.

 

 

 

 

 

In contrast, the amino acid l-arginine, tends to aggravate cold sores

and herpes infections. Persons who are trying

to eliminate cold sore outbreaks should avoid foods high in arginine.

These include carob, chocolate, coconut,

meat, oats, peanuts, soybeans, walnuts, and wheat.

 

 

 

 

Single herbs that can be helpful in eliminating cold sores include

antiviral agents like echinacea, pau d'arco, black

walnut, and maitake, shitake or reishi mushrooms. Black walnut

extract has been applied topically to successfully

aid healing. One of the best herbs for canker sores is goldenseal,

which is very effective in alkalizing the body,

reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, and rapidly healing

mouth ulcers. Take 2 capsules every two hours. It

is even more effective (and pain relieving) when the powder is

removed from the capsules and placed directly on

the sores. This helps rapidly relieve pain, even though the taste

isn't exactly pleasant.

 

 

 

Essential oils can also be helpful in speeding the healing process

when applied topically to both cold sores and

canker sores. Tei Fu Essential Oil will almost instantly kill the

pain of a mouth ulcer. Other oils that have been

successfully used include tea tree oil and peppermint oil. There are

probably others as well.

 

 

 

Frequent outbreaks of cold sores may be a sign of a weakened immune

system or low thyroid function. In cases of a

compromised immune system, Nature's Immune Stimulator can be

effective. Zinc lozenges can also help boost

immune function against viral infections, and are helpful for cold

sores and canker sores. Black walnut contains

iodine, and can be helpful for low thyroid as well as cold sores.

 

 

 

 

Where canker sores are a frequent problem, pay attention to the

intestines. Sooth them with Intestinal Soothe and

Build and rebuild the friendly flora with Probiotic Eleven. Also,

avoid acid-forming foods (meat, grains) in favor of

more alkalizing foods (fruits, vegetables).

 

 

 

 

 

Sources--Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch and

Phyllis A Balch

The ABC+C Approach to Natural Healing by Tree of Light

Publishing

The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried

Gursche

 

 

 

 

For Educational Purposes Only--Seek appropriate professional

assistance for all serious health problems. Handout

prepared by Tree of Light Publishing P.O. Box 911239, St. George, UT

84791 (www.treelite.com) 2003 May be

reproduced provided it is not altered in any way.