7 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Cold Sore
Herbal essential oils for cold sore are natural extracts derived from plants and used to alleviate the symptoms of cold sore outbreaks, providing relief from pain, discomfort, and inflammation.
The benefits of using herbal essential oils to treat cold sores include their antiviral properties, which help to reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the affected area.
Examples of herbal essential oils used to treat cold sores include Tea Tree oil, known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, and Echinacea oil, which stimulates the immune system to fight off the virus causing the outbreak.
Other examples include Lavender oil, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress, and Peppermint oil, which cools and numbs the affected area, while also providing antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits.
According to "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", essential oils for cold sore, specifically Melissa officinalis (lemon balm oil), have been shown to have a direct antiviral effect on herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and may be suitable for topical treatment due to its ability to penetrate the skin and high selectivity index.
Below there's a list of the 7 best herbal essential oils for cold sore.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
- 2. Aloe barbadensis essential oils
- 3. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 4. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
- 5. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 6. Calendula officinalis essential oils
- 7. Ginkgo biloba essential oils
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1. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat the cold sore ailment.
These properties aid in reducing the severity and duration of cold sores by inhibiting the growth of the herpes simplex virus, which causes the outbreak.
The bioactive constituents, including cineole and terpinen-4-ol, in tea tree oil exhibit antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to its therapeutic benefits in treating cold sores.
By using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils topically, individuals can experience a reduction in symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, and potentially shorten the healing time of cold sores.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils demonstrated important effects on Gingivitis (GI) scores but a low reduction in Plaque Index (PI) scores, suggesting potential benefits in treating cold sore related to Gingivitis but more research is needed.
2. Aloe barbadensis essential oils
Aloe barbadensis essential oils have been widely used to treat cold sore ailments due to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat cold sores by reducing redness, swelling, and pain associated with the ailment, while also promoting the healing process.
The bioactive constituents of Aloe barbadensis essential oils, including aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-pectin, help to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, thereby reducing the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
The benefits of using Aloe barbadensis essential oils to treat cold sores include rapid healing, reduced pain and discomfort, and prevention of scarring, making it a popular natural remedy for this common skin condition.
Related Study
According to "Plastic and reconstructive surgery", Aloe barbadensis essential oils may not be specifically mentioned in the study for cold sore treatment, however, the study suggests that Aloe vera extract can facilitate faster healing of burn wounds, which may imply that Aloe vera gel, including its extract, could potentially aid in the healing of skin irritations such as cold sores, although direct evidence for cold sore treatment is not provided.
3. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been traditionally used to treat the cold sore ailment due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
This herbal preparation helps to treat cold sores by reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms, including pain and inflammation.
The bioactive constituents of Eucalyptus globulus, such as eucalyptol and alpha-pinene, exhibit antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that aid in preventing the spread of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.
The benefits of using Eucalyptus globulus essential oils to treat cold sores include reduced healing time, minimized scarring, and alleviated discomfort, making it a popular natural remedy for this common skin condition.
4. Echinacea purpurea essential oils
Echinacea purpurea essential oils, derived from the roots and flowers of the coneflower plant, possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that aid in the treatment of cold sore ailment.
These properties help to reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus and alleviating the associated pain and inflammation.
The bioactive constituents of Echinacea purpurea essential oils, including alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, work synergistically to boost the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and promote wound healing, ultimately leading to the resolution of the cold sore lesion.
Regular use of Echinacea purpurea essential oils may provide relief from recurring cold sore episodes, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and promote overall skin health.
5. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been traditionally used to treat cold sore ailments due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak.
The bioactive constituents present in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to exhibit potent antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus, the primary cause of cold sores.
By applying Lavandula angustifolia essential oils topically, the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the inflammation and severity of the cold sore, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of scarring.
Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks, providing relief and comfort to those affected.
6. Calendula officinalis essential oils
Calendula officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat cold sore ailments due to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
The triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids present in Calendula officinalis essential oils help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
The bioactive constituents, including carotenoids and phenolic acids, in Calendula officinalis essential oils also aid in reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and preventing bacterial infections that can exacerbate cold sore symptoms.
By using Calendula officinalis essential oils topically, individuals can experience reduced pain, accelerated healing, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
Related Study
According to "Heliyon", Calendula officinalis essential oils do not have a specific mention in the study for treating cold sores, however, the study mentions that Calendula officinalis has the highest antioxidant activity and best antibacterial activity against certain bacteria, suggesting that it may have potential in treating or preventing infections associated with cold sores.
7. Ginkgo biloba essential oils
Ginkgo biloba essential oils have been studied for their potential in treating cold sore ailments due to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba, such as quercetin and bilobalide, help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
This herbal preparation also aids in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thereby alleviating the discomfort associated with cold sores.
The benefits of using Ginkgo biloba essential oils for cold sore treatment include reduced pain, shorter healing time, and a lower risk of recurrence.