Definition

An area of inflammation of the lips or mucous membrane of the mouth.
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Causes

Caused by herpes simplex virus, usually type 1. Also called a fever sore. This is the same virus that causes shingles. Herpes zoster is caused by type 2 of the herpes virus. Not to confuse the two.
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Symptoms

Usually occur with a fever, infection, or cold, or after exposure to sun and wind, when under stress, during menstruation, or when the immune system is depressed. These sores are very contagious. They appear 3 to 10 days after exposure and may last up to 3 weeks. If prone to allergies, it is most likely a weak immune system is present and this may cause susceptibility to cold sores.

The first sign of a cold sore is a local tenderness with a small bump. When this bump turns into a blister, there may be more tenderness in the area. The adjacent lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. In some cases, pus oozes from the blisters, which makes eating difficult.
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Nutrients

L-Lysine cream, used as directed on the label (apply on sores), helps eliminate the virus. Vitamin B complex (high stress formula), 100-150 mg twice per day, is important for healing and immune function. Zinc gluconate lozenges, dissolve in mouth every 3 hours for 2 days, then reduce to 2 lozenges per day, helps fight the virus. Acidophilus, taken as directed on the label, inhibits pathogenic organisms such as the herpes virus. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day, acts as a natural antibiotic and immunity enhancer. Vitamin C, 3,000-6,000 mg. per day in divided doses, helps eliminate the virus and boosts immune function. Calcium, 1,500 mg. per day, relieves stress. Magnesium, 750-1,000 mg. per day. L-Lysine (amino acid), 50 mg. twice per day (prolonged use causes imbalance of the essential amino acid arginine). Unsaturated fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, aids skin in healing. Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label. Vitamin A emulsion, taken as directed on the label, is needed for healing of tissue in the mouth and lip area. Vitamin E, 400 IU per day, is needed for healing of tissue in the mouth and lip area. (May want to open a capsule of vitamin E and apply to sores)
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Herbs

• Agrimony
• Aloe vera
• Bistort
• Cleavers
• Clover, red
• Cudweed, marsh
• Echinacea
• Flag, sweet
• Goldenseal
• Hyssop
• Indigo, wild
• Lady's mantle
• Lavender
• Loosestrife
• Myrrh
• Passionflower
• Pau d'arco
• Peppermint
• Pokeroot
• Raspberry leaves
• Sage, purple
• Tea tree

Recommendations

Eat raw vegetables, yogurt, and soured products. If sold sores appear often, check for low thyroid function. See the doctor about getting a smallpox vaccination. Sometimes this will prevent attacks.
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Suggestions

Do not break blisters, this is possibly one way to spread the sores.
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Bibliography

• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 141-142.
• Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pg., 151.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 355, 395.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 126, 142-143.
• Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, pg., 615.

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