By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Cold Sore
Herbal teas for cold sore are a natural remedy that helps alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of cold sore outbreaks.
These teas are formulated with specific herbs that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making them an effective treatment option. The best herbal teas for cold sore include Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe barbadensis, Echinacea purpurea, Calendula officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Hypericum perforatum, Hydrastis canadensis, Echinacea angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, and Vaccinium myrtillus.
If left untreated, cold sores can cause embarrassment, discomfort, and even social isolation, negatively impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Melaleuca alternifolia teas helps with cold sore because of its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea, also known as tea tree oil, contains compounds that inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with cold sores.
By consuming Melaleuca alternifolia tea, individuals may experience a reduction in cold sore duration and severity, promoting faster healing and relief from discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia teas that help with cold sore.
- Cineole: This terpene constituent has antiviral properties, which can help combat the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Cymene: As a phenolic constituent, cymene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can aid in reducing cold sore symptoms and promoting healing.
- Terpinen-4-ol: This terpene constituent has demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help alleviate cold sore pain and shorten its duration.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melaleuca alternifolia used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: Used for making teas for cold sores due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: Used in combination with leaves for their antimicrobial properties, which aid in healing and reducing the severity of cold sore symptoms.
- Barks: Utilized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help in soothing and reducing the pain associated with cold sores.
2. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis teas helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce swelling and promote healing. These compounds also exhibit antiviral activity, helping to combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
As a result, aloe barbadensis teas can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of cold sore outbreaks, providing relief and promoting a faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe barbadensis teas that help with cold sore.
- Aloe-emodin: It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which help in reducing the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
- Catechins: These polyphenolic compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help in reducing the viral load and inflammation associated with cold sores.
- Anthraquinones: They possess anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties, which can help in soothing and healing the skin, reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster recovery from cold sore outbreaks.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe barbadensis used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: The gel extracted from Aloe barbadensis leaves is used to create soothing teas for cold sores due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Seeds: Aloe vera seeds are sometimes used in teas for their potential antiviral and antibacterial properties, which may help alleviate cold sore symptoms.
- Flowers: Some herbal teas for cold sores include Aloe barbadensis flowers, which may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to aid in healing and soothing affected areas.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with cold sore because of its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb's extracts contain compounds that stimulate the immune system, increasing its ability to fight off viral infections that cause cold sores. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea reduces inflammation and swelling associated with cold sore outbreaks, promoting faster healing and recovery. Its soothing properties also help to calm the affected area, providing relief from discomfort and pain.
This herbal remedy can help alleviate the symptoms and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with cold sore.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore symptoms.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, which can aid in the prevention and treatment of cold sore outbreaks.
- Alkylamides: These compounds exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore episodes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: They contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing of cold sore lesions.
- Roots: They are rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that may help to boost the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help to reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and combat viral infections that cause cold sores.
4. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis teas helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as saponins and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sores. Additionally, calendula's antimicrobial properties help combat the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. As a result, the tea can promote a faster healing process and reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak, providing relief and comfort to those affected.
Its soothing properties also help ease the discomfort and pain.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis teas that help with cold sore.
- Triterpenoids: Help reduce inflammation and promote healing of cold sore lesions.
- Flavonoids: Possess antiviral properties, which inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Phenylpropanoids: Exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help soothe and protect the affected area from infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Calendula officinalis used to make teas for cold sore.
- Flowers: They are used because they contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce the symptoms of cold sores.
- Leaves: They are used because they contain flavonoids and terpenes that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to alleviate cold sore symptoms.
5. Symphytum officinale
Symphytum officinale teas helps with cold sore because it contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that aid in reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks.
The tea's compounds, such as allantoin and mucilages, help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and swelling. Additionally, Symphytum officinale has been traditionally used to promote wound healing and reduce pain, making it a potential natural remedy for cold sore relief.
This natural approach may help alleviate symptoms and promote a faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale teas that help with cold sore.
- Alkaloids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds possess antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, which can help combat the viral infection and reduce the inflammation associated with cold sore outbreaks.
- Saponins: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of cold sore symptoms by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Symphytum officinale used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Symphytum officinale to make teas for cold sores due to their high concentration of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Roots: The roots are also used to make teas for cold sores, as they contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Buds: The buds are occasionally used to make teas for cold sores, as they contain similar compounds to the leaves and roots that can help alleviate symptoms.
6. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum teas helps with cold sore because of its antiviral properties, specifically targeting the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
The tea's active compounds, such as hyperforin and hypericin, have been shown to inhibit the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the affected area, promoting faster healing and reducing discomfort.
This makes Hypericum perforatum teas a popular natural remedy for managing cold sores.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum teas that help with cold sore.
- Hyperforin: Exhibits antiviral properties, which help inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce swelling and redness associated with cold sores.
- Kaempferol: A flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant activity, which helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and promotes wound healing in cold sore lesions.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hypericum perforatum used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: The leaves are considered the most potent part of the plant, and their extracts are often used to create teas due to their high concentration of hyperforin and hypericin, which have antiviral properties.
- Flowers: The flowers of Hypericum perforatum are used to make teas as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
- Stems: The stems of the plant are sometimes used to make teas, as they contain bioflavonoids and other compounds that may help alleviate cold sore symptoms and reduce inflammation.
7. Hydrastis canadensis
Hydrastis canadensis teas helps with cold sore because it contains berberine, a compound with antiviral properties that can help combat the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also reduce redness and swelling, while its antioxidant properties promote healing and speed up the recovery process.
Additionally, Hydrastis canadensis has been traditionally used to boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off the virus and reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis teas that help with cold sore.
- Berberine: This isoquinoline alkaloid exhibits antiviral properties, which help to reduce the replication of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Hydrastine: This isoquinoline alkaloid has antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat secondary infections caused by cold sore lesions.
- Berbamine: This isoquinoline alkaloid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with cold sore lesions.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hydrastis canadensis used to make teas for cold sore.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound with antiviral properties that can help alleviate cold sore symptoms.
- Leaves: The leaves are another widely used part, which contain berberine and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote healing of cold sore lesions.
8. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia teas helps with cold sore because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The herbal remedy contains compounds that stimulate the immune system, helping to combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Echinacea angustifolia teas can alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Additionally, its antioxidant properties may help to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks, providing relief and promoting overall oral health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with cold sore.
- Alkylamides: These constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides have shown antiviral activity, which can help combat the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids possess antioxidant properties that can help mitigate oxidative stress and promote wound healing in cold sore lesions.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea angustifolia used to make teas for cold sore.
- Roots: They contain compounds like alkylamides and glycosides that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate cold sore symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can aid in soothing cold sore pain and inflammation.
- Roots: They also contain echinacoside, a compound with potential antiviral properties that may help fight the herpes virus causing cold sores.
9. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Additionally, ginger's antiviral properties may help to speed up the healing process and reduce the duration of cold sore episodes, making it a popular natural remedy for this common condition.
This makes ginger tea a valuable addition to a cold sore treatment plan.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with cold sore.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain associated with cold sores.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
- 6-gingerol: 6-Gingerol has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, potentially reducing the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for cold sore.
- Rhyzomes: They are the main component used to make ginger tea due to their high gingerol content, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate cold sore symptoms.
- Roots: Some tea recipes use the roots of Zingiber officinale to take advantage of their antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that cause cold sores.
- Leaves: While less commonly used, the leaves of the ginger plant may be added to teas for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could aid in cold sore recovery.
10. Vaccinium myrtillus
Vaccinium myrtillus teas helps with cold sore because it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
The tea's anthocyanins and phenolic acids help to combat viral infections, including those that cause cold sores, by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus. Additionally, the tea's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with cold sore outbreaks.
This natural remedy promotes a faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium myrtillus teas that help with cold sore.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with cold sore outbreaks, providing relief and promoting healing.
- Quercetin: As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin helps alleviate pain and discomfort caused by cold sore outbreaks, while also reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- Tannins: Tannins possess astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore symptoms by promoting the healing of the affected area.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Vaccinium myrtillus used to make teas for cold sore.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and tannins, which help reduce inflammation and soothe cold sore symptoms.
- Fruits: Vaccinium myrtillus fruits, also known as bilberries, contain anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help alleviate cold sore pain and duration.
- Leaves: They also have antibacterial properties that help combat the underlying infections causing cold sores.