If you have ever had a cold sore, and you are the type of person that leans toward natural healing, then you’ve likely come across some online articles discussing essential oils for cold sores. It’s because they work. And fast.
When you’ve got a cold sore and you have to deal with the public, you know how embarrassing this blistery nuisance can be. For some, with the herpes simplex virus, mask wearing for two years was rather convenient.
Now that the masks are coming off, we need a holistic healing remedy for cold sores that will allow us to put our best lips forward.
In this article we will look into 7 essential oils for cold sores, so that you can get back to a non-pandemic lifestyle with confidence.
#1 Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
Natural Healing Facts about Tea Tree
In 1775 Tea Tree was given its name by Captain James Cook, the explorer who discovered Australia. He witnessed the Aboriginals making medicinal healing tea from the leaves growing on the Melaleuca Alternifolia trees, and ceremoniously granted it the name ‘Tea Tree’.
In 1922 Arthur Penfold scientifically deduced that Tea Tree Oil is more effective than Carbolic acid at killing fungus and bacteria.
The Tea Tree oil is an antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
Faq
Is tea tree oil for cold sores an effective treatment?
Yes. Tea Tree oil has natural healing anti-viral properties. Since Herpes Simplex is a virus, this is an effective treatment. A 2001 study showed that tea tree oil and eucalyptus oils were capable of exerting a direct antiviral effect on the Herpes Simplex Virus.
Faq
Can I put tea tree oil directly on a cold sore?
Yes. When diluting 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 8-10 drops of fractionated coconut oil it can be applied directly to the cold sore. This is a perfect solution for an expedited healing of a revolting cold sore.
Here's A Tea Tree oil I can recommend
Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil
#2 Peppermint Mentha × piperita
Interesting Notes on Peppermint
Peppermint was used by the Ancient Romans as ground cover, also planted in between the stones for walking, so that the aroma underfoot would please the senses.
The leaves of dried peppermint were found in an Egyptian pyramid in 1000 BC.
Candy canes have zero peppermint in them.
The menthol in peppermint is abundant enough to earn a 'peppery' spice profile designation.
Faq
Does peppermint oil help cold sores?
Yes. Peppermint is a formidable antiviral, making it a strategic fighter in the ring of herbal champions for quick cold sore treatments.
Here's A peppermint oil I can recommend
Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
#3 Oregano Oil Origanum vulgare
Oregano is No Joke.
Faq
Is Oregano OIl good for cold sores?
Yes. Let's say you were using an 'unnamed' dating app,
and the perfect match appeared, but you couldn't swipe right due to
lower lip complications.
Use Oregano oil. Boom. Bam. Gone. Back in the game.
Here's An oregano oil I can recommend
Organic Oregano Essential Oil
#4 Thyme Thymus vulgaris
Faq
What about Thyme oil for cold sores?
A recent study from the American Society for Microbiology studied the potential effects of thyme oil on Herpes Simplex Virus as an antiviral treatment. The study indicates that Thyme oil is an effective agent that can aid in eliminating cold sores.
Effective method: Place 2 drops organic thyme oil in 5 drops fractionated (or MCT) coconut oil. Use a Q-tip to apply to the cold sore.
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Here's A Thyme oil I can recommend
Organic Thyme Essential Oil
#5 Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
Excuse me, my name is Melissa!
Faq
What is Lemon Balm Good for?
So many things! The most common uses for lemon balm are stress reduction, digestion, cold sores, sleeping, anxiety, mood, brain function, liver health, and nervous system health.
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Below is a video on how to use Lemon Balm leaves for making a poultice for a cold sore. You can also mix 2 drops organic lemon balm essential oil with 5-6 drops of a carrier oil, (MCT works well) and apply with a Q-tip.
#6 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus
Euca-lip-tus Here I Come!
The bark of a Rainbow Eucalyptus species looks like an abstract painting.
A rainbow eucalyptus is the only species to thrive in the rainforest climates and native to Indonesia, Philippines, and New Guinea. This tree grows up to 250 feet tall.
Faq
Does Eucalyptus help for cold sores?
Yes! In Medical News Today, Eucalyptus was listed as one of 10 different essential oils for the treatment of a cold sore. Eucalyptus is an anti-inflammatory to the tissues, so its usage will speed up the process of healing.
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Here's A Eucalyptus oil I can recommend
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
#7 Lavender Lavandula
Eau de Lavender
Faq
Does Lavender Taste like Soap?
Yes. The linalool compound in lavender gives it a soapy taste.
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For using lavender to treat a cold sore, pair a drop of lavender with a a drop of peppermint and 4 drops fractionated coconut oil and apply with a Q-tip. This treatment is best used once the cold sore is closed and a scab has formed. The lavender and peppermint will moisturize the scab and help with inflammation.
Here's A Lavender oil I can recommend
Lavender Essential Oil
Conclusion
Essentially, no pun intended, essential oils for cold sores are the way to go for speed, convenience and no visits to the doctor to get a prescription.
The healing needs to start from the inside with diet, and a variety of other immune building strategies. This will require another in depth article to explain more.
There is no faster way to heal a cold sore than using this natural healing method.
The essential oils listed are not the only effective oils available. If you have clove, chamomile, ginger, turmeric, neem, thieves, anise or geranium and more, then feel free to experiment. And make your cold sore nightmare into a creative learning experience.
Happy healing friends.
Shaunna says
Really enjoyed your blogs… thanks for the great information 😊-))
slbarrett says
Thank you so much for reading! I love your feedback.