Take an Amino Acid called L-Lysine. This acts as a good preventative. While you have a cold sore you can take this 3-6 times a day. To take preventatively, take 1 or 2 a day or follow directions on the container. Do not, however, take this supplement indefinitely i.e. longer than a couple of months. I never advise ongoing supplement usage as a way of managing any ailments. The underlying problem should always be resolved.
Apply Rhus-tox Cream topically, instead of Zovirax.
Apply Lavender Essential Oil neat, directly onto the skin. Do not use Tea Tree Oil ? although it is very good it can be drying and irritate the skin. Lavender has antiseptic properties but is much gentler on the skin. Plus it has a lovely scent!
One of the most effective homeopathic remedies for cold sores, is Nat-mur 30c. Take 1pill 2xdaily while you have the cold-sore. If after only one tablet/pill, the cold-sore starts to clear up do NOT carry on taking the remedy. In homeopathy, the opposite principle of conventional medicinal dosage applies : when it works, STOP taking it. Once the body responds well, you do not need to stimulate it with further doses but instead leave it alone, to complete its good work. There are other homeopathic remedies for cold-sores as well. If Nat-mur does not work for you, consult a homeopath or a person in-store in a health food shop for individual prescriptions. Homeopathy can treat cold-sores and get rid of them permanently. So I would highly recommend you get an individualised, tailor-made prescription for yourself. This will also better your health in general.
Do you find that when you get stressed a cold sore is inevitable? Consider taking a Vitamin B-Complex which feeds the nervous system and acts as a type of stress tonic. A cheaper way to manage stress is to take New Era Tissue Salts Kali-phos which is a nerve soother.
The best way to deal with being run down, is through excellent nutrition, exercise, fresh air and a balanced lifestyle. All easier said than done, of course! Stress will be discussed in more detail later.
