Health News

Natural relief for cold and canker sores

by Julian Whitaker, M.D.

COLD SORES

Cold sores are typically caused by the extremely contagious herpes simplex I virus, which is dormant in most people, but is activated by stress, physical irritation and/or the sun. Herpes is not a skin infection: It is an inflammation of the sensory nerves, especially the fifth cranial nerve. The DNA of the virus stays dormant in the ganglia of the nerve and, when reactivated by stress or other factors, passes from the nerve to the skin, where it causes sores. These lesions usually heal on their own in 10 to 14 days.

Prevention Best Medicine For Cold Sores

The best way to treat cold sores is to prevent them. Many people who suffer from such sores can feel when one is coming on, there's a tingling, itching or burning sensation. At the first sign of an outbreak, apply ice every 10 minutes to the area for an hour or so. This can stop the movement of the virus from the nerve to the skin.

Also, begin taking supplemental Llysine, 1,500 to 3,000 ma. a day. Lysine inhibits the virus' ability to replicate itself. In a study of 1,543 people with herpes simplex 1, 88% of the people who took an average of 936 ma. a day of supplemental Lysine showed an improvement in symptoms, with lesions healing in an average of five days or less in 83% of those people.

If you are prone to cold sores' take a preventive daily dose of 750 to 1,500 ma. of Lysine a day and increase it to 3,000 when an outbreak is imminent. Quantum (800-448-1448) makes a good Lysine preparation, "Super Lysine Plus+," which includes immune boosters such as echinacea, vitamin C and goldenseal. It comes in a tablet form (three tablets equal 1,500 ma. Lysine; 90 tablets cost $7.95) and a liquid extract (2 oz. for $11.99).

If a cold sore has already erupted, it is best to pop the vesicles by rubbing them with something abrasive so they can dry out and heal faster. [Remember that the virus is very contagious and if you touch the sores you must wash your hands. Do not rub your eyes or touch your eyes as a herpes simplex infection in your eyes can cause loss of vision or blindness. Also, wash before touching another person or animal.] In the early stages of an outbreak, especially within the first two days, topical application of an extract of Melissa of ficinalis, an herb from the mint family, is beneficial. Studies done in Germany on this herb found that cold sores healed completely in five days, compared to 10 days using other agents. The Melissa group also had fewer scabs. Enzymatic Therapy (800-783-2286) makes a Melissa extract cream called "Herpilyn" (0.18 oz. costs $9.95). Quantum's "Super Lysine Plus+" cream ($4.99) also contains Melissa, along with other agents. Both are available from health food stores.

CANKER SORES

Opportunistic Bacteria Causes Canker Sores

Canker sores, unlike cold sores, are caused by a common bacteria, usually of the streptococcus family, which is present in everyone's mouth. It is an opportunistic bacteria, which means if you get a little nick or cut, it can take hold and thrive, especially when you're under stress. Untreated, canker sores will usually heal in seven to 10 days, but during that time they are extremely painful.

In medical school I was taught that, short of corticosteroids, little could be done for canker sores, you simply have to "wait them out." However, my dentist introduced me to OR solution of copper sulfate, iodine, slum iodine and alcohol, which is used by dentists after procedures to prevent infection.

When daubed on a canker sore several times a day, ORA5 immediately reduces pain by coagulating the connective tissue and creating a "pseudo membrane," covering the nerve endings. It also protects the sore and, through its antibacterial effects, shortens the healing time. You can get ORA5 over the counter in some pharmacies. It costs less than $5 for a 1/8-ounce which will last a long time. Look for it in your local drug store, or have your pharmacist call 800-PINKGUMS to order it. Apply ORA5 to the lesions with a cotton swab several times daily, beware: It should not be used if you have an iodine allergy.

Both cold sores and canker sores are made worse by stress and nutritional deficiencies. You'll likely clear them up faster and prevent them more frequently by improving your diet, taking nutritional supplements and reducing stress.

Dr. Whitaker, M.D., has practiced medicine for 17 years and is an advocate of a natural, nontoxic approach to healthy living and has helped thousands reverse the effects of disease at the Whitaker Institute in Newport Beach, Calif Dr. Whitaker is also the editor of Health & Healing, a newsletter on personal health.

For subscription information, call 1-800-777-5005.

Return to Home Page