It's estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the population harbors the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, but it's possible to have the virus and never experience an outbreak. On the other hand, some people are troubled by regular cold sores. The pain and discomfort can be considerable, but my patients often seem just as troubled by the embarrassment of their appearance.

There is no effective drug therapy that will cure cold sores, but the good news is that there are a number of very safe and effective natural remedies.

Nutrition and Supplementation

Arginine, an amino acid, encourages the growth of the herpes virus. Avoid foods that contain arginine, including most grains, nuts, chocolate, and legumes. Lysine, another amino acid, balances arginine and inhibits the herpes virus. Lysine can be found in most meats and dairy products.

Take the following daily supplements to treat cold sores:

Most Important

vitamin B complex (100 to 150 mg twice daily)-important for healing

vitamin C (3000 to 6000 in divided doses; use a buffered form)

vitamin E (400 IU)

vitamin A (50,000 IU; do not exceed 8000 IU you are pregnant)-vital for healing tissue in mouth an lip area

Lactobacillus acidophilus (as directed on label)-balances bacteria

zinc and vitamin C lozenges

L-Iysine (4 grams for 4 days in individual doses, then 500 mg 3 times a day for 2 weeks)-fights the virus that causes cold sores

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Aromatherapy

Any of the following essential oils can accelerate the healing of cold sores: bergamot, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, melissa, rose, or tea tree. Apply a single drop twice daily, about 12 hours apart.

Homeopathy

Cold sores may respond to homeopathic treatment. Try these remedies, depending on your symptoms:

Arsenicum album-when the lips burn intensely; you feel chilled

Hepar sulfuricum-for cold sores that are sensitive to cold and painful to the touch

Natrum muriaticum-for them on or near the lips; lips are dry and cracked; can come on after sun exposure

Rhus toxicodendron-if condition is marked by several small, itching blisters filled with yellowish fluid; lips are swollen and inflamed; condition worsens after exertion or exposure to dampness

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Because practitioners, generally attribute cold sores to a damp heat condition, they typically treat with acupuncture therapy for damp-heat syndrome.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Because Chinese medicine views recurrent herpes outbreaks as a damp-heat imbalance or the result of excess stomach heat, herbs may be prescribed to treat these conditions as well.

Yoga and Meditation

Since stress can bring on an attack of cold sores, use deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga on a daily basis to release tension. Choose a variety of poses and do three or four each day, being sure to include at least one of the following relaxation poses: Baby, Corpse, or Knee Squeeze.