The Soothing Power Of Lavender Oil For Cold Sore Relief
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil soothes skin irritation with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities as well as offering pain-relief properties. When combined with other powerful antiviral oils like eucalyptus or anise oil, lavender works particularly effectively at providing antiviral protection.
Before applying essential oils directly on a cold sore, it is recommended to dilute them with a carrier oil such as Jojoba as this will not irritate the skin.
Soothes And Calms
Lavender oil not only kills the herpes virus that causes cold sores, but it can also soothe and calm the skin to ease pain associated with an outbreak. Antiinflammatory properties present in lavender oil help reduce redness and swelling while its natural astringent properties help prevent cold sores from appearing altogether.
Clove oil is another essential oil with antiviral properties and has been shown in lab tests to prevent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from reproducing. For optimal results, clove oil should be mixed with carrier oils before applying it directly to affected areas.
Essential oils with herpes-fighting properties such as thyme, helichrysum, and eucalyptus oil may also have antiviral effects. To use these essential oils on a cold sore, mix with carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil before applying several times daily to the affected area.
Lavender oil is one of the best cold sore treatments, as its soothing properties provide immediate comfort. Apply directly onto sores or rub around the nose and throat area for instantaneous relief from symptoms. Also can be used as a sleep aid to promote relaxation and restful slumber.
Essential oils can also be added to bath water or massaged into the skin for additional relief from cold sores, though it is best to first dilute them due to their potential potency. In addition, some people may develop an allergic reaction to some types of essential oils; signs include stinging or burning sensations at the site where they were applied.
Add lavender oil to your pillow, dilute it with a carrier oil, and rub it onto chest and neck areas to promote restful sleep, or apply directly on bee stings or insect bites to relieve itching, or add it directly into hair care products to treat dandruff.
Anti-Inflammatory
Lavender oil is a potent anti-inflammatory, helping reduce swelling and ease pain, as well as providing antioxidant activity to defend against free radicals that damage cells and delay healing processes. If applied directly onto a cold sore, lavender oil can relieve inflammation while speeding healing time - an ideal herbal treatment or natural alternative to prescription antiviral medication; its usage can even be combined with other oils such as chamomile, peppermint or lemon balm to maximize benefits.
Lavender Oil can be an extremely soothing remedy when applied directly to cold sores, both as an antiseptic agent and to ease any burning sensation associated with their outbreaks.
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When an outbreak is underway, herpes viruses cause the body to release a substance that can be detected by our immune systems and is believed to help combat herpes virus infection. This substance is created when epithelial cells lyse and form vesicles containing fluid which eventually lead to painful inflammation - creating what we know today as cold sores.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the main causes of cold sore outbreaks, and while it cannot be avoided altogether, there are ways you can treat an outbreak effectively. Lavender oil is one of the best options and works particularly well when applied early during an outbreak when control can still be maintained.
Tea tree oil is an extremely effective antiviral essential oil. With antiseptic and antifungal properties as well, as well as being proven to block herpes virus activity. To use it in its optimal state for fighting herpes effectively, diluting it before applying it directly onto the skin is ideal. Eucalyptus oil also offers excellent relief, having both antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits which should be applied four times daily with diluted solutions applied directly onto it for best results.
Essential oils can be combined with natural cold sore treatments such as coconut oil or shea butter to make an effective cold sore cream, or you could simply add a few drops to a warm bath and relax with it for added benefit.
Anti-Viral
Although Valacyclovir remains the gold standard in treating cold sores, diluted essential oils have also been shown to aid the healing process and speed recovery time. Lavender oil's soothing properties help calm herpes simplex virus outbreaks and minimize cold sore symptoms.
Lavender oil applied directly to herpes sores can reduce pain and itching while shortening their duration, while clove oil's antimicrobial, antiviral, and pain-killing properties make it another good choice. Due to its irritating nature, however, clove oil should first be mixed with carrier oils like jojoba before applying directly on the skin.
Oregano oil, widely acclaimed by homeopathic and natural health practitioners for its antiviral effects, may also help treat herpes outbreaks. A 1996 study discovered that carvacrol, one of the main compounds present in oregano oil, significantly inhibited herpes virus replication. Rubbing diluted oregano oil over your herpes outbreak with cotton swabs up to four times daily may help diminish both the size and severity of cold sores.
Lemon Balm Oil may also help, having been shown in a 2014 lab study to prevent herpes virus penetration into cells. Applying some drops with cotton swabs onto any herpes outbreak can stop its spread while hastening the healing time of cold sores.
Ginger Oil has long been revered as an effective treatment option. A 2014 study demonstrated the positive results of using its component zingiberene to significantly decrease herpes viral activity. To take advantage of its therapeutic qualities, try applying several drops of diluted ginger oil onto any outbreak four times daily for best results.
Eucalyptus oil has also been found effective against herpes, with studies verifying its antiviral and pain-killing properties. Because this oil is more potency than others, always dilute before use to ensure optimal results.
Soothing
Lavender oil is a natural antiseptic that can soothe cold sores and their surrounding skin, as well as relieve any associated discomfort or itching caused by herpes outbreaks. You can use lavender alone or combine it with other essential oils that have proven successful against herpes like eucalyptus oil, lemon balm oil, or tea tree oil for treatment purposes. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that may be applied directly onto herpes without diluting first; once tested it can then be undiluted if no negative reactions arise against herpes outbreaks.
Lavender oil can help soothe itching and pain associated with herpes outbreaks, providing instantaneous relief directly on the affected area or adding herbal mixtures that can be applied topically on affected areas to alleviate symptoms such as fever, chills, and aches and pains.
Many pharmaceutical treatments for herpes exist, yet can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals that could potentially be detrimental to the body. Lavender oil offers an easy solution, being available at most local stores and being safe to use. Before opting for any remedy, however, it's wise to speak to a medical provider as an additional source of guidance will often prove invaluable - particularly if herpes is an ongoing condition for you.
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Lavender can provide a calming solution to herpes symptoms such as headache, fever, and stress. You can use lavender-infused vaporizers at home, add them to bathwater, or simply diffuse their oil into your room for an effective natural treatment that does not have harsh side effects such as medication. Applied daily as a topical treatment on affected areas it can treat outbreaks as well as prevent future outbreaks by relieving tension from head and neck muscles while relieving any accompanying discomfort caused by herpes outbreaks. Its soothing properties also benefit headache sufferers by alleviating tension in the head/neck region as it reduces tension while alleviating associated pain caused by herpes outbreaks by relieving tension in both muscles thereby relieving tension in both areas and relieving associated discomfort caused by herpes attacks.