10 Best Herbal Creams For Cold Sore

Herbal creams for cold sore are topical treatments made from natural herbs and ingredients that aim to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the duration of cold sore outbreaks.

Examples include creams containing aloe vera, tea tree oil, and licorice root, which help soothe and calm the skin.

These creams can improve lives by reducing pain, inflammation, and healing time, allowing individuals to manage their cold sore symptoms and return to their normal activities with greater ease and confidence.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for cold sore, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The gel inside the aloe vera leaf contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce swelling and pain associated with cold sores. Additionally, aloe vera's soothing and moisturizing effects can help to accelerate the healing process, reducing the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

Its natural antiviral properties also help to combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with cold sore.

• Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a type of anthraquinone, has been shown to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus, the primary cause of cold sores, and reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Glucomannan: Glucomannan, a polysaccharide, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with cold sores.
• Vitamins and minerals: These vitamins and minerals have antioxidant properties that help to soothe and heal the skin, reducing the duration and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for cold sore.

• Leaves: They are used to make creams for cold sores due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Gel from leaves: The clear gel inside the leaves is used to make creams for cold sores due to its ability to reduce redness and promote healing.
• Aloe vera polysaccharides from leaves: These are used to make creams for cold sores as they have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of aloe vera gel from mature leaves within 24 hours of collection.
2. Grind 50g of beeswax and 25g of coconut oil into fine powders using a spice grinder.
3. Combine 100g of aloe vera gel with 50g of distilled water and 5g of vitamin e oil in a stainless steel bowl.
4. Heat the mixture of aloe vera gel and distilled water to 60 degrees celsius over 10 minutes.
5. Add the ground beeswax and coconut oil mixture to the aloe vera gel mixture and stir until it thickens over 15 minutes.

2. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The active compounds present in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sores. Additionally, its antiviral properties may help combat the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

By applying Calendula cream to the affected area, it may aid in healing the cold sore more quickly and reduce the duration of its appearance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with cold sore.

• Phenolics: Phenolics in Calendula officinalis creams have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sores, promoting faster healing.
• Sesquiterpenes: Sesquiterpenes in Calendula officinalis creams have antimicrobial properties, which help combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Calendula officinalis creams have antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of scarring associated with cold sores.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for cold sore.

• Flowers: They are rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to soothe and heal cold sore symptoms.
• Leaves: They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in reducing redness and promoting wound healing.
• Seeds: While not as commonly used, some products may include calendula seeds for their potential anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for cold sore.

1. Harvest 20-30 dried calendula officinalis flowers and finely chop them into small pieces.
2. Combine the chopped calendula flowers with 8 ounces of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a saucepan.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat for 6-8 hours or until it reaches a temperature of 180-200 degrees fahrenheit.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl and discard the solids.
5. Mix the infused oil with 2 ounces of beeswax and 2 ounces of cocoa butter to create a smooth cream.

3. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with cold sore because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The tea tree oil present in these creams has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Its ability to combat viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, helps to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

Additionally, tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and calm the affected area.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with cold sore.

• Cineole: This terpene helps to reduce inflammation and ease pain associated with cold sores.
• Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene exhibits antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
• Linalool: This terpene possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for cold sore.

• Leaves: The leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia are used due to their high content of eucalyptol, a compound that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: The buds of Melaleuca alternifolia are used due to their concentration of eucalyptol, which can help in reducing the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
• Stems: The stems of Melaleuca alternifolia are used due to their eucalyptol content, which can aid in healing and soothing cold sore symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather and dry 500 grams of melaleuca alternifolia leaves with a high essential oil content for 7 days.
2. Steep 250 grams of the dried leaves in 1 liter of carrier oil at 60 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
3. Strain the infused oil using cheesecloth and discard the solids after 30 minutes of pressure.
4. Mix 200 milliliters of the infused oil with 200 grams of beeswax and 100 milliliters of distilled water.
5. Whip the mixture at room temperature using a hand mixer for 5 minutes until it thickens.

4. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with cold sore because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as alkylamides and polyacetylenes, have been shown to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and accelerate the healing process of cold sores. Additionally, Echinacea angustifolia's immunomodulatory effects can help boost the body's natural defenses against the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, thereby reducing their frequency and severity.

This natural remedy provides a safe and effective way to manage cold sore outbreaks.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with cold sore.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore symptoms by inhibiting the growth of the herpes simplex virus.
• Phenylethanoids: Phenylethanoids have been shown to possess antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, which can help stimulate the immune system to fight off the herpes simplex virus and reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Echinacea angustifolia have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with cold sore outbreaks, promoting faster healing and recovery.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for cold sore.

• Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part of Echinacea angustifolia due to their high concentration of alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used due to their content of phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and heal cold sore symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for cold sore.

1. Gather 15 grams of dried echinacea angustifolia root and 30 grams of beeswax for the base of the cream.
2. Infuse 250 ml of carrier oil with the dried herb in a double boiler for 4 hours at 150 degrees fahrenheit.
3. Combine the infused oil with 50 grams of shea butter and 30 grams of beeswax in a heat-proof mixing bowl.
4. Heat the mixture in a double boiler for 20 minutes or until the beeswax and shea butter melt completely.
5. Strain the mixture into a clean glass jar and allow it to cool before storing in a cool dark place.

5. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The soothing and calming effect of chamomile reduces redness, swelling, and pain associated with cold sores. The cream's ability to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus also helps to shorten the duration and severity of the outbreak. Additionally, chamomile's antioxidant properties promote wound healing and tissue repair, making it a popular natural remedy for cold sore relief.

This can provide quick and effective relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with cold sore.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with cold sore by reducing inflammation and acting as an antiviral agent, thereby inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
• Chamazulene: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing the discomfort and pain associated with cold sores.
• Alpha-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to accelerate the healing process of cold sores and prevent infections.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for cold sore.

• Flowers: The flowers are used to make creams for cold sores because of their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make creams for cold sores due to their antioxidant and soothing effects.
• Seeds: The seeds are used to make creams for cold sores because they contain chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 20 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers at dawn when flowers are in full bloom.
2. Infuse 200 milliliters of glycerin in 1 liter of distilled water at 60 degrees celsius for 30 minutes.
3. Steep 20 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers in 200 milliliters of distilled water for 10 minutes.
4. Mix the infused glycerin solution with the cooled chamomile infusion and add 50 grams of beeswax.
5. Filter and whip the mixture until it thickens into a smooth and creamy texture taking about 10 minutes.

6. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, reduce redness and swelling of the affected area. They also inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

This leads to a faster healing process and reduced pain, making English lavender creams a popular natural remedy for managing cold sore outbreaks and promoting overall skin health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with cold sore.

• Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks.
• Lavandulifolioside: This phenolic glycoside has potent antiviral properties, which can help inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and alleviate cold sore symptoms.
• Limonene: This terpene has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of HSV, thereby reducing the severity of cold sore outbreaks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for cold sore.

• Leaves: Lavandula angustifolia leaves contain compounds with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate cold sore symptoms.
• Flowers: Lavender flowers are rich in essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing effects that can help calm cold sore outbreaks.
• Seeds: Lavandula angustifolia seeds contain flavonoids and other compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in cold sore lesions.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for cold sore.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers and dry them for 2 weeks in a warm dark place.
2. Infuse 1/4 cup of dried flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 4 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the oil to a clean container.
4. Mix 1/2 cup of the infused oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter in a double boiler.
5. Whip the mixture until it thickens then transfer it to a tin and label it for storage.

7. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with cold sore because of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The menthol content in peppermint creams creates a cooling sensation on the affected area, reducing pain and discomfort. This helps to speed up the healing process and alleviate symptoms associated with cold sores, such as redness and swelling.

Additionally, the antiseptic properties of peppermint help to prevent bacterial infections and promote a healthy environment for the skin to heal.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with cold sore.

• Rosmarinic acid: As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, rosmarinic acid helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with cold sores.
• Menthol: With its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, menthol helps numb the affected area, reducing the discomfort and pain of cold sores.
• Limonene: As a monoterpene with antimicrobial properties, limonene helps combat the Herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores, reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for cold sore.

• Leaves: They are rich in menthol and menthone, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and heal cold sore symptoms.
• Stems: They contain compounds that help reduce pain and inflammation, making them a useful addition to creams for cold sore treatment.
• Roots: They have been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including cold sores, due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the early morning to ensure optimal oil content.
2. Steep the harvested leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes to create a strong infusion.
3. Strain the infusion through cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the solid plant material.
4. Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax with 1/4 cup of shea butter in a double boiler to create a smooth base.
5. Combine the infused water with the melted wax mixture and whip until a smooth and creamy texture forms.

8. Allium sativum

Allium sativum, also known as garlic, creams helps with cold sore because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

The active compounds in garlic, such as allicin, have been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. By reducing the viral load and inflammation, garlic creams can help to heal cold sore lesions faster and reduce their severity.

Additionally, garlic's antiseptic properties help to prevent bacterial infection and promote a healthy recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Allium sativum creams that help with cold sore.

• Allicin: It has antiviral properties that help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid antioxidant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with cold sores.
• S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide: It has immunomodulatory effects, which may help boost the body's immune response against the herpes simplex virus, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of garlic used to make creams for cold sore.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used because they contain allicin, a compound that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce cold sore symptoms.
• Leaves: Leaves are used because they have antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the spread of infection and promote healing.
• Flowers: Flowers are used because they contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, helping to soothe and calm the skin affected by cold sores.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Weigh 200g of allium sativum bulbs and chop them into small pieces for extraction.
2. Combine the chopped allium sativum with 500ml of carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks to allow infusion.
4. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container.
5. Whip 100g of beeswax and 100g of shea butter with the infused oil in a double boiler.

9. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The saponins present in Glycyrrhiza glabra have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sores. The cream's moisturizing properties also help to soothe and protect the affected skin, promoting faster healing and reducing the duration of the cold sore outbreak.

Additionally, the antibacterial properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra help to prevent secondary infections and promote a healthy recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with cold sore.

• Saponins: Help with cold sore by reducing inflammation and acting as an antiviral agent, inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.
• Glycyrrhizin: Assist in soothing and calming the skin, reducing pain and inflammation associated with cold sore outbreaks, while also having antiviral properties.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus, inhibiting its replication and reducing the severity of cold sore symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for cold sore.

• Roots: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties to help soothe and heal cold sore symptoms.
• Leaves: Employed for their glycosides content, which has been shown to inhibit the herpes simplex virus, a common cause of cold sores.
• Flowers: Utilized for their flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that aid in cold sore recovery.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 50g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and clean them thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 30 minutes.
3. Mix 20g of the powdered roots with 100g of distilled water in a heat-resistant bowl and heat the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to obtain a clear liquid extract in 10 minutes.
5. Blend 20g of the extract with 80g of a moisturizing cream base and 2g of preservative in a mixing bowl for 5 minutes.

10. Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, creams helps with cold sore because of its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as allantoin and rosmarinic acid, accelerate wound healing and reduce pain and inflammation associated with cold sores. Additionally, comfrey creams have antimicrobial properties that help prevent bacterial and viral infections from entering the wound, promoting a faster recovery and reducing the risk of scarring.

This natural remedy can provide relief and support for individuals suffering from cold sores.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale creams that help with cold sore.

• Allantoin: Helps to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair by promoting collagen synthesis and enhancing cellular regeneration, which can aid in the recovery from cold sore lesions.
• N-acetylglucosamine: Inhibits the production of bradykinin, a peptide that contributes to the inflammation and pain associated with cold sores, thereby reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
• Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting viral replication and modulating the immune response.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make creams for cold sore.

• Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high concentration of allantoin, which helps in healing and soothing cold sore lesions.
• Roots: The roots are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for their antiviral properties, which help in combating the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh symphytum officinale leaves and flowers in the early morning or late afternoon when the plant is in full bloom.
2. Steam distill the plant material to obtain the essential oil and extract the herbal compounds in 30 minutes.
3. Combine the essential oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a ratio of 1:10.
4. Blend the herbal extract with a moisturizing base like beeswax and shea butter in a 1:2 ratio.
5. Stir the mixture for 10 minutes and pour it into glass jars for storage and later use.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for cold sore?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with cold sore is a blend of Aloe vera, Tea tree oil, and Echinacea.

Aloe vera soothes and calms the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Tea tree oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help combat the herpes simplex virus, while Echinacea boosts the immune system and accelerates recovery. Applying these creams topically, ideally in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can help alleviate cold sore symptoms and promote faster healing.

This natural approach can provide relief and reduce the frequency of recurrences.

What ailments similar to cold sore are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to cold sore that are treated with herbal creams are fever blisters, canker sores, and herpes simplex.

These conditions cause painful lesions on the skin or mucous membranes, often triggered by stress, sun exposure, or hormonal fluctuations.

Herbal creams containing ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and calendula can help soothe and calm these symptoms, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.