IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Cold Sores

What you need to know:

Complementary medicine offers several alternative treatments for these embarrassing skin eruptions.

The most useful Herbs:

Herbal preparations which can be dabbed directly onto the sore include:
  • Tea tree oil
  • Oil of cade (an extract of Juniper)
  • Lavender oil
  • Clove oil
You can also use the sap from an aloe vera leaf, a peeled and cut clove of Garlic or the juice from a leek - although Garlic and leek might be a bit painful for young children.

Homoeopathy

The homoeopathic remedy Natrum muriaticum could also be effective.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Cold sore attacks are often caused by stress, so it’s important that you get enough vitamin B, ‘the nerve vitamin,’ in your diet. The richest sources are:
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Wheatgerm
  • Brewer’s yeast
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Wholegrain cereals
  • Wholemeal bread

Other useful advice:

Other alternatives for treating this condition are Lemon balm tea, golden seal supplements and capsules of echinacea.
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.