For those who get them, one of the most aggravating things about sunlight, certain foods, emotional stress, and cold environments is cold sores.
Cold sores are those blister like sores that show up on the lips and face—and occasionally on other parts of the body—in response to the stresses I just mentioned.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type-1 or HSV-1. The standard Big Pharma treatment is one of several antiviral drugs.
But there is a natural, more effective, and less toxic way to deal with HSV-1.
Scientists published a study in which cultured cells were exposed to both HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-2 is the virus that causes cold sores on the genitals, and which is sexually transmitted. They found that when the cells were treated with an essential oil called Melissa officinalis oil (also known as lemon balm), the activity of the virus on the cells was reduced 98.8% for HSV-1 and 97.2% for HSV-2.
Furthermore, at the doses used, the scientists discovered that there was no toxicity to the cells. They concluded that “Lemon balm oil is capable of exerting a direct antiviral effect on herpes viruses.” And also, “Considering the lipophilic nature of lemon balm essential oil, which enables it to penetrate the skin, and a high selectivity index, Melissa officinalis oil might be suitable for topical treatment of herpetic infections.”
I’ve been prescribing lemon balm oil as a therapy for HSV-1 for decades. It has never failed. So, if you get these nasty little cold sores, here’s what you do. Have some lemon balm oil on hand. There are many good products online. Since some oils may be adulterated, stick with a reputable brand. If you buy the pure oil, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil and test it on your skin before using regularly. It's also available as a ready-to-use balm that is already diluted.
At the first sign of a cold sore, start applying the balm to the affected area 3 times daily. If you get it early enough, it will stop the cold sore from ever showing up. So, it’s important to start it immediately. Once the sore has shown up, the remedy, just like the Big Pharma drugs, is less effective.
Yours for better health,
Frank Shallenberger, MD
REF: Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, et al. Melissa officinalis oil affects infectivity of enveloped herpesviruses. Phytomedicine. 2008 Sep;15(9):734-40.