Herbal Treatment Of Cold Sores – Great Herbs To Use

Echinacea

Echinacea is a popular herb used to treat infections such as cold sores. The herb activates several components of the immune system. It enhances the healing powers of natural killer cells, T cells and interferon. These all work via different processes to destroy the virus and heal the infection.

Herbalists have differing opinions as to whether the entire plant or the roots are most effective. I generally use the roots. Several species are available. Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea are the most commonly used. I prefer to use both simultaneously. However, either one is fine.

Use Echinacea at the onset of an illness for maximum effectiveness. Only purchase organic Echinacea as it is in danger of disappearing. Use whatever form is most convenient. Personally, I prefer tinctures as the alcohol based preparations extract the highest percentage of healing qualities. In addition, your body is able to absorb the maximum amount of active principals from the tincture preparations. If you prefer capsules, try to obtain freeze dried ones.

Echinacea helps the body to resist the herpes simplex virus. It also destroys the viral infections. Echinacea enhances the health of all of the cells of the body and makes them more resistant to bacterial and viral infections. Only use Echinacea for the short tem, such as when a cold sore is forming and present. If you have an immune disorder or are undergoing chemotherapy, or are allergic to Echinacea or daisy shaped flowers, do not use Echinacea.

Using Herbal Treatments for Cold Sores

Employ these various herbal remedies to resist getting cold sores, get rapid relief of pain, and facilitate healing. The herbal remedies are safe to use instead of or in conjunction with pharmaceuticals. If you have further questions regarding the treatment of cold sores, check with your health care provider.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Oct 2013 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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