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Last updated: Apr 27, 2024

10 best herbal teas for cold sore

Herbal teas, such as chamomile and lemon balm, offer a natural remedy for cold sores.

Chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling, while lemon balm's antiviral components fight the herpes simplex virus. Both teas provide soothing relief for painful blisters and accelerate healing.

Regular consumption strengthens the immune system, preventing future outbreaks.

Table of Contents

1. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea aids in cold sore treatment due to its antiviral properties, which directly combat the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.

This herbal tea contains active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, that prevent the virus from replicating and interfere with its ability to infect cells. Moreover, lemon balm's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects soothe painful symptoms and reduce swelling around the affected area. Drinking lemon balm tea also supports the immune system, promoting overall well-being and faster recovery.

Regular consumption of this tea, either as a preventative measure or during an outbreak, lessens the severity and duration of cold sores.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for cold sore.

  1. Pick 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves or use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves.
  2. Rinse the leaves under cold water and let them sit in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea, discarding the leaves, and let it cool down to a drinkable temperature.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added flavor and potential soothing properties.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to soothe any discomfort from cold sores.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint tea provides relief for cold sores due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which originate from menthol and rosmarinic acid.

Menthol inhibits the herpes simplex virus, responsible for cold sores, while rosmarinic acid reduces inflammation and pain. Regular consumption of peppermint tea creates an unwelcoming environment for the virus, preventing outbreaks, and its anti-inflammatory qualities soothe the discomfort caused by cold sores.

Furthermore, the astringent nature of peppermint tea tightens the skin, facilitating quicker healing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for cold sore.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Steep one peppermint tea bag in the boiled water for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove and discard the tea bag, leaving the peppermint-infused liquid.
  4. Let the tea cool to a lukewarm temperature, no longer than 15 minutes.
  5. Sip the lukewarm peppermint tea slowly, allowing it to soothe cold sore discomfort.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea assists with cold sores due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The herb's active compounds, such as bisabolol and chamazulene, reduce inflammation and inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus. Additionally, chamomile's drying effect helps to dry out cold sores, thereby speeding up the healing process. Applying chamomile tea as a compress or using chamomile-infused products can provide soothing relief and shorten the duration of cold sores.

Furthermore, chamomile's antioxidant properties help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting overall skin health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for cold sore.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water and let 2 chamomile tea bags steep for 10 minutes.
  2. Remove tea bags and allow tea to cool down to a warm temperature.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
  4. Sip the tea slowly, allowing the liquid to come in contact with the cold sore.
  5. Repeat this process 3 times a day for best results.

4. Licorice

Licorice tea contains glycyrrhizin, a compound with demonstrated antiviral properties against the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

This substance blocks the virus's ability to replicate, preventing the cold sore from developing or worsening. Moreover, glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation and swelling, providing relief to the discomfort caused by cold sores. Licorice tea's soothing warmth also promotes blood flow to the affected area, enhancing the delivery of immune cells to fight the virus.

Additionally, drinking licorice tea contributes to overall immune system support, further aiding in the prevention and treatment of cold sores.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for cold sore.

  1. Steep 2 teaspoons of licorice root in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes to extract the active compounds.
  2. Strain the tea to remove the licorice root, leaving only the liquid.
  3. Let the tea cool to a safe temperature, ensuring it won't burn your mouth or worsen the cold sore.
  4. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to coat the cold sore and surrounding area.
  5. Repeat this process up to 3 times a day for relief, but discontinue if any irritation occurs.

5. Echinacea

Echinacea tea contains active compounds, specifically echinacosides and polysaccharides, that bolster the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which identify and destroy pathogens responsible for cold sores.

This immune system enhancement allows the body to combat the herpes simplex virus more effectively, reducing the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Additionally, echinacea demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate pain and swelling associated with cold sores. Furthermore, echinacea's antiviral qualities hinder the ability of the herpes simplex virus to replicate, mitigating the spread and intensity of cold sores.

Lastly, echinacea's antioxidant attributes protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, promoting faster healing and reducing the likelihood of future cold sore outbreaks.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for cold sore.

  1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea flowers and leaves, and 1 cup of water.
  2. Pour the water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.
  3. Add the echinacea flowers and leaves to the boiling water, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solid plant material.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

6. Sage

Sage tea provides relief from cold sores due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in sage, such as rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid, inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Moreover, sage's anti-inflammatory effects soothe painful symptoms and reduce redness and swelling. Additionally, sage tea promotes wound healing, thanks to its astringent properties that tighten tissue and protect the affected area.

Lastly, sage tea's antioxidant content strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and preventing future cold sore outbreaks.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for cold sore.

  1. Gather 2 fresh sage leaves, 1 cup of water, and a small pot.
  2. Pour water into the pot, then bring it to a boil over high heat.
  3. Add sage leaves to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove pot from heat, then let the sage tea cool down to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Discard sage leaves, then drink the tea to help soothe cold sore discomfort.

7. Calendula

Calendula tea aids cold sores due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, derived from the calendula officinalis plant.

These properties allow the tea to reduce redness, swelling, and pain while inhibiting the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Furthermore, calendula tea contains antioxidants and essential oils that promote healing, tissue regeneration, and the prevention of further outbreaks. Regular consumption of calendula tea or topical application of the tea on the affected area can accelerate the healing process and alleviate symptoms associated with cold sores.

Lastly, calendula tea's soothing effects on the skin and mucous membranes make it an effective remedy for cold sores, providing rapid relief and minimizing the risk of complications or scarring.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in calendula tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in calendula tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic calendula tea for cold sore.

  1. Gather 1-2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers and place them in a tea infuser or loose in a teapot.
  2. Boil 8 ounces of water and pour it over the calendula flowers, allowing them to steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Cover the teapot or mug to retain the heat and essential oils.
  4. After steeping, remove the infuser or strain out the flowers from the tea.
  5. Sip the calendula tea while it's still warm, aiming to have 2-3 cups throughout the day for cold sore relief.

8. St. John'S Wort

St. John's Wort tea contains hypericin, an active component known for its antiviral properties.

This substance inhibits the replication of the herpes simplex virus, preventing cold sore outbreaks. Furthermore, St. John's Wort possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, which alleviate pain and swelling associated with cold sores. Additionally, it boosts the immune system, aiding in faster healing and reducing the likelihood of future occurrences.

Lastly, St. John's Wort tea boasts antioxidant properties that protect skin cells from damage, promoting overall skin health and cold sore recovery.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in st. john's wort tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in st. john's wort tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st. john's wort tea for cold sore.

  1. Gather 2-3 teaspoons of dried St. John's Wort flowers and leaves.
  2. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the herbs in a cup or teapot.
  3. Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  4. Strain the liquid to remove plant material before consuming.
  5. Drink up to three cups daily to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

9. Ginger

Ginger tea helps with cold sores because it contains gingerol, an active compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These properties help reduce inflammation and redness around the cold sore, while also defending against outbreaks by boosting the immune system. Moreover, gingerol exhibits antiviral effects that directly target the herpes simplex virus, the underlying cause of cold sores, by inhibiting its replication. Additionally, ginger's natural warmth increases blood flow and enhances the delivery of immune cells to the affected area, promoting faster healing and alleviating discomfort.

Ultimately, the synergistic effects of gingerol make ginger tea an effective natural remedy for mitigating cold sore symptoms and accelerating recovery.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for cold sore.

  1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, then steep in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes.
  2. Strain the ginger tea to remove solids, then let it cool to a drinkable temperature.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey for added soothing properties and to improve taste.
  4. Squeeze half a lemon into the tea for its antiviral benefits and vitamin C content.
  5. Drink the ginger tea up to three times a day to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

10. Oregano

Oregano tea helps with cold sores due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, derived from its active compound, carvacrol.

This compound inhibits the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Moreover, oregano tea soothes painful symptoms by reducing inflammation and irritation around the cold sore. Its antioxidant properties further promote healing by protecting cells from damage.

Regular consumption of oregano tea strengthens the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off viral infections.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in oregano tea that help with cold sore.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in oregano tea that aid with cold sore.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oregano tea for cold sore.

  1. Gather 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves and 1 cup of water.
  2. Boil the water and add the oregano leaves, then steep for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove oregano leaves, creating a liquid free from particles.
  4. Allow the tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature.
  5. Sip the oregano tea slowly, aiming to consume the entire portion.