Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) and when they emerge they can range from irritating, to annoying to sometimes life threatening. Most of us carry the Herpes Simplex virus in our bodies but in some people, reduced immune function can give rise to these sores on parts of the body, particularly the mouth, genital area, tongue, over the lip etc. Cold sores can occur in anyone but are more common in patients with HIV, certain cancers or other immune system deficiencies. Today, we will study some quick remedies to get rid of cold sores overnight. Some of these are simple remedies that can be adapted by the patient at home and are preventive in nature while other HSV cures might need medical supervision and help for administration.
1. Avoid carbohydrates
Dietary factors play an important role in Herpes Simplex. People who eat too many carbs are known to have impaired immune function. Therefore, restriction of refined carbohydrates is one of the best home remedies to prevent cold sores.
2. Take Lysine
Patients with cold sores can benefit by consuming 312 to 1200 mg of Lysine per day for up to two years. This can antagonize the Herpes virus. Studies have shown that people who discontinued Lysine redeveloped sores and lesions. Even short term supplementation of Lysine 1 to 3 grams can speed up healing of cold sores.
3. Increase your Vitamin C intake
Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid can build immunity and help you get rid of cold sores quickly. So eat tons of citrusy fruits, drink homemade fruit juices, lime and lemon water and also take a Vitamin C supplement. Up to 1000 mg per day is recommended. For acute episodes of Herpes Simplex, go for up to 10,000 mg supplements per day.
4. Beta Glucan and Thymic protein A
Both Beta Glucan and Thymic Protein A have immune boosting properties without adverse effects. Foods rich in Beta Glucan are Oats, Barley and Mushrooms.
5. Use topical Zinc treatment
If you are looking for ways how to get rid of cold sores overnight on your lip, then topical zinc creams may be the answer. Tests have shown patients getting rid of cold sores overnight by applying topical Zinc sulfate (4%) in water 4 times a day for 4 days. This is also an effective home remedy for cold sores that are itchy, burning and stinging. For getting rid of cold sores in the mouth or the tongue, you can take Zinc orally. Take a supplement of 50 mg Zinc with 5 mg of magnesium, Thiamine and Riboflavin each. A test has shown that 23mg Zinc with 250 mg Vitamin C twice daily for 6 weeks actually reduced the duration and severity of the cold sores.
6. Apply Vitamin E oil
Break open a capsule of Vitamin E and apply its oil on the cold sores for prompt relief from pain, stinging and burning. Use capsules containing at least 20-28,000 International Units of Vitamin E. Apply the oil every 4 hours to heal cold sores overnight.
7. Take Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) injections
Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) injections are proven to help you get rid of cold sores in one day. You will need 1.5 to 2 mg AMP per kilogram of your body weight. Talk to your doctor particularly if you experience more than 3 outbreaks of Herpes per year. The downside of this cold sores treatment is there are side effects such as chest pains.
8. Use Lithium ointment for genital cold sores
An ointment containing 8% Lithium Succinate applied topically on the genital cold sores is one of the best known HSV 1 cure. Not only does this treatment decrease the duration of pain, it also reduces the time taken for healing. More research is being conducted on this treatment since Lithium can lead to side effects.
9. Use Coconut oil
Topically applied coconut oil can impart antiviral properties and heal cold sores quickly. Regular application is important though. You can also take coconut oil internally or use it for cooking. Also use coconut oil pulling (an age old remedy that involves oil-based gargling) which can help reduce cold sores on tongue and mouth.
10. Green Tea, Resveratrol, Olive Leaf extracts and Garlic
All these are known to have antiviral and anti Herpes properties but they have not been tested on humans. In general, 2 cups each of 250ml of Green tea on a daily basis can boost immune function and prevent many common health issues including cold sores. Resveratrol is found in red wine and skin of red grapes-it is an antioxidant that is good for the heart and overall immunity-so drink a small glass of red wine daily. Garlic also has proven antimicrobial properties. You can apply both olive oil extracts and crushed garlic in the form of a poultice to the cold sores –this home remedy can significantly reduce the duration of the cold sores and heal them overnight.
11. Manage stress
Stress is one of the most well known factors that suppress immune function. So stress management is an essential part of cold sores natural treatment. Physical activity of 40-60 minutes daily can help reduce stress –additionally, use other mind body techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to counter stress and anxiety.
Apart from these natural cold sore remedies, take a multivitamin and multi mineral pill daily. Look for ones containing at least 25 to 50,000 IU of natural Vitamin A, 2-5000 mg of Vitamin C, 200mg selenium and 200-400 IU of Vitamin E and 25 mg of Zinc. These immune boosting supplements can keep future cold sore outbreaks in check.