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Updated: Nov 30, 2024

10 Herbal Teas For Cold Sore

herbal teas for cold sore

Herbal teas have been used for centuries to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

These teas are made from plants that have natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the pain, swelling, and duration of cold sores. Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, is one such herb that has been shown to stimulate the immune system, reducing the severity and frequency of cold sores. Another herb, Hypericum perforatum or St. John's Wort, has antiviral properties that can help to combat the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is a soothing herb that can help to calm and heal the skin, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. When you drink herbal teas that contain these herbs, the active compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream and can help to reduce the viral load, which in turn can help to shorten the duration of the cold sore. This can be especially helpful during the initial stages of a cold sore outbreak, when the pain and swelling can be most uncomfortable. By incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine, you can also reduce your stress levels, which can contribute to the development of cold sores.

Furthermore, herbal teas are generally free from harsh chemicals and artificial additives, making them a gentle and natural way to manage cold sore symptoms.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for cold sore and wh.

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1. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea herbal teas for cold sore

Echinacea purpurea teas contains a group of compounds called alkylamides, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.

These compounds, specifically cis-9-kauropsin and cis-9-epikauropsin, have been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Echinacea purpurea teas also contains phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, which have antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The flavonoids in Echinacea purpurea, including quercetin and kaempferol, have also been found to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects that can help to alleviate cold sore symptoms.

By reducing inflammation and inhibiting the virus, Echinacea purpurea teas may help to provide relief from cold sore discomfort and promote healing.

  1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea purpurea root and flowers.
  2. Add the Echinacea mixture to 1 cup of boiling water.
  3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup and let it cool.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help with cold sore relief.

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2. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum herbal teas for cold sore

Hypericum perforatum teas contains hyperforin and hypericin, two bioactive constituents that have antiviral properties.

These properties help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Hyperforin has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which is the main cause of cold sores. Hypericin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and redness associated with cold sore outbreaks.

By drinking Hypericum perforatum teas, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves, or 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves.
  2. Combine the gathered Hypericum perforatum with 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
  3. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the active ingredients to release.
  4. Strain the tea into a separate cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help alleviate cold sore symptoms. Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

3. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis herbal teas for cold sore

Aloe barbadensis teas contains a high amount of aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-ecdysone, which are powerful compounds that help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.

Aloin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sore outbreaks. Aloe-emodin has antiviral properties, which can help to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Aloe-ecdysone has wound-healing properties, which can help to speed up the recovery process and reduce the risk of scarring.

Drinking Aloe barbadensis teas may help to calm the skin and reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

  1. Cut a 3-inch piece of Aloe barbadensis leaf from the plant.
  2. Wash the leaf with water to remove any dirt.
  3. Remove the outer layer of the leaf and scoop out the gel inside.
  4. Mix 1 teaspoon of the gel with 1 cup of boiling water.
  5. Let the mixture cool down, then strain it into a cup and drink.

4. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia herbal teas for cold sore

Lavandula angustifolia teas contains the active constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

These properties help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with cold sores. The tea also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. The antiviral properties of linalool and linalyl acetate in Lavandula angustifolia teas may help to reduce the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

Drinking Lavandula angustifolia tea regularly may help to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sore outbreaks.

  1. Get 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers to a tea infuser.
  3. Steep the flowers in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup and let it cool.
  5. Drink 1-2 cups of the tea 2-3 times a day to help with cold sore relief.

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5. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis herbal teas for cold sore

Calendula officinalis teas contains triterpenoid saponins and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling of cold sores.

The sesquiterpenes and flavonoids in calendula tea have antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. The antiviral properties of sesquiterpenes and flavonoids also help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. The anti-inflammatory properties of triterpenoid saponins and carotenoids in calendula tea can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing pain and discomfort associated with cold sores.

Calendula officinalis tea's combination of antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential remedy for cold sore sufferers.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Calendula officinalis flowers or 1 teaspoon of dried flowers.
  2. Combine the flowers with 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot or heat-resistant cup.
  3. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to release.
  4. Strain the tea into another cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  5. Let the tea cool before applying it to the affected area using a cotton ball or swab.

6. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum herbal teas for cold sore

Silybum marianum teas contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

Silymarin blocks the replication of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in silymarin also help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Silymarin's antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress, which can trigger cold sore outbreaks.

By inhibiting the herpes virus and reducing oxidative stress, silymarin in Silybum marianum teas may help to alleviate cold sore symptoms.

  1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Silybum marianum flowers and 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Steep the Silybum marianum flowers in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a cup and discard the flowers.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea, if desired, and mix well.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

7. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale herbal teas for cold sore

Zingiber officinale teas contains the active constituents gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help reduce redness and swelling associated with cold sores. The anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of gingerol and shogaol help combat the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.

The properties of Zingiber officinale teas work together to provide relief from cold sore symptoms and promote healing.

  1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of dried Zingiber officinale root, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
  2. Steep the dried Zingiber officinale root in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a cup and add honey to taste.
  4. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help soothe cold sore symptoms.
  5. Repeat for 3-5 days to see improvement, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

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8. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia herbal teas for cold sore

Melaleuca alternifolia teas contains bioactive constituents like cineole, terpinen-4-ol, and linalool that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties help to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus and reducing inflammation in the affected area. Cineole, in particular, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent bacterial infections from taking hold in the cold sore. Terpinen-4-ol has been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healing in the skin.

By drinking Melaleuca alternifolia tea, some people may find that their cold sore outbreaks become less frequent and less severe.

  1. Gather 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried Melaleuca alternifolia leaves.
  2. Boil the water in a pot, then reduce heat to medium.
  3. Add the dried Melaleuca alternifolia leaves to the pot and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the leaves.
  5. Let the tea cool, then apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball to help soothe and heal cold sore.

9. Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis herbal teas for cold sore

Melissa officinalis teas contains active constituents like rosmarinic acid, apigenin, and luteolin.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. Rosmarinic acid, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. The antimicrobial properties of Melissa officinalis teas help fight off bacterial infections that can exacerbate cold sore symptoms.

By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, Melissa officinalis teas can provide relief from cold sore pain and discomfort.

  1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried Melissa officinalis leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Steep the dried Melissa officinalis leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a cup and discard the leaves.
  4. Let the tea cool down to a comfortable temperature.
  5. Drink 1-2 cups of the Melissa officinalis tea 3-4 times a day to help manage cold sore symptoms.

10. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia herbal teas for cold sore

Echinacea angustifolia teas contains alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides as its bioactive constituents.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks. The alkylamides in Echinacea angustifolia teas have been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Additionally, the polysaccharides in the tea have been found to stimulate the immune system, helping to fight off the virus and reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks.

By consuming Echinacea angustifolia teas, you may be able to reduce the severity and frequency of cold sore outbreaks.

  1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Echinacea angustifolia roots.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
  3. Add the dried roots to the boiling water.
  4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Strain the tea and drink it 3 times a day to help alleviate cold sore symptoms.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent cold sore from forming?

Some people swear by drinking herbal tea to prevent cold sores from forming.

LEMON BALSAM tea is one example. It's believed that the antiviral properties in the tea may help fight off the virus that causes cold sores. However, results can vary from person to person.

Drinking tea might help, but it's no guarantee.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for cold sore every day?

While some herbal teas may help soothe cold sore symptoms, consuming them daily can interact with medications or have side effects.

For example, feverfew tea can cause stomach problems, and echinacea tea may weaken your immune system over time.

It's best to use herbal teas occasionally and as needed.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in cold sore?

Herbal teas can start to help with cold sore symptoms within 2-4 days.

Some people notice a reduction in pain and swelling, while others see a decrease in the size of the sore. The effects may vary depending on the individual and the specific tea being used.

Results can be subtle, but some people find relief within a few days.

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