Essential Oils For Cold Sores
Cold sores occur in about 80% of adults and usually surface during times of great fatigue, stress, emotional discomfort or when the body is already fighting an infection. Cold sores can be a regular occurrence, causing great discomfort.
Essential oils are believed to combat some of the symptoms associated with cold sores by working to fight infection and reduce its occurrence. Cold sores are not dangerous, but they are highly contagious and can be very uncomfortable and sore, so it’s not unlikely to want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Cold Sores
Using essential oils for cold sores may be beneficial as various oils naturally contain antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Collectively, these properties have been seen to reduce the appearance and symptoms associated with cold sores. Essential Oils are also believed to help prevent the occurrence of cold sores through their therapeutic and calming benefits. Using essential oils for cold sores can help in the following ways:
- Calm symptoms
- Inhibits growth of viruses
- Penetrate the skin layer
- Reduces stress
Best Essential Oils For Cold Sores
The best essential oils for cold sores are known to target not only their appearance but work to fight the virus itself. Below are a few of our favourites when it comes to treating cold sores:
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Essential Oil is believed to reduce symptoms of cold sores as well as a variety of skin complaints such as eczema, acne, chickenpox and sunburn. With its sharp, cleansing aroma, Tea Tree Oil is one of the most popular essential oils due to its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. In fact, a 2010 study found that Tea Tree Oil had the potential to be an antiviral agent against the HSV-1 strain.
Tea Tree Oil is also known for its powerful analgesic, decongesting, and healing properties, making it one of the most versatile essential oils.
How To Use Tea Tree Essential Oil for Cold Sores
It is important to note that Tea Tree Oil has an extremely high concentration and should never be applied directly on the skin. Simply add a few drops with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil is filled with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties and is believed to help cleanse while reducing redness, irritation and inflammation. These benefits makes it a popular choice for cold sores.
Furthermore, a 2003 study found that the properties of Peppermint Oil could calm symptoms associated with the HSV-1 virus.
How To Use Peppermint Essential Oil for Cold Sores
Dilute a few drops of Peppermint Oil with a chosen carrier oil or moisturiser, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. The cooling sensation may also help with irritation. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
The clean, decongesting and natural scent of Eucalyptus Essential Oil is known for its versatile properties that have been seen to promote healing inside and out. With its high concentration of the 1,8 Cineole compound, Eucalyptus Oil is a popular choice for fighting infection, reducing inflammation, irritation and redness, whilst promoting healing. Eucalyptus Oil may also fight off cold and flu symptoms, and improve respiratory health. When diluted in a carrier oil and applied on the skin, it can promote the healing of cuts, wounds and abrasions while also easing inflammation.
In fact, a 2017 review found that due to its unique chemical structure, Eucalyptus Oil has the potential to reduce the severity and duration of cold sore symptoms. It also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and boost the immune system.
How To Use Eucalyptus Essential Oil for Cold Sores
When diluted, Eucalyptus Oil may help with reducing cold sore symptoms. Simply add a few drops into your chosen carrier oil or base moisturiser, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply to the affected area. The cooling sensation may also help with irritation surrounding the affected area. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils have a very high concentration, so it’s important to apply a safe amount when using topically. When using essential oils for cold sores, we recommend diluting your oils with a carrier oil. Some of our most popular carrier oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Rosehip Oil
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before incorporating essential oils into your routine.
Other Tips For Treating Cold Sores
Aside from essential oils, there are a variety of additional ways to help treat cold sores, including:
- Over the counter or prescription remedies
- Cool compress
- Staying hydrated
- Aloe vera
If the severity of your cold sores increase, it is recommended to speak to your GP, certified aromatherapist or healthcare professional.
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Cold Sores
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your essential oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Cold Sores’ section.
Resources
Asanti, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler P, 2010, ‘Comparative study on the anti-viral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils’, Phytotherapy Research, vol. 24, pp. 673 - 679.
Dhakad, A.K., et al, 2017, ‘Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review’, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 98, no. 3, pp. 833 - 848.
Schuhmacher, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler P., 2003, ‘Virucidal effect of peppermint oil on the enveloped viruses herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro’, Phytomedicine, vol. 10, no. 6-7, pp. 504 - 510.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.