Essential oils have taken the home remedy world by storm. They are the most popular alternative treatment for a number of ailments. Different essential oils are being used for different therapeutic purposes, like the treatment of skin diseases, common colds, or headaches.
Peppermint is believed to contain antiviral components that can be used to treat cold sores. However, to get the most benefits, you need to apply it in the early stages of cold sores because the virus gets activated quickly to spread more sores or blisters.
The goal is to treat pain and inflammation caused by the cold sore. Learn more on how peppermint oil can be used to treat cold sores below by reading on.
Signs and Symptoms of Cold Sores
Typical signs and symptoms of cold sores to watch out for include fevers, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, sore throats, a burning or tingling sensation around the nose and mouth, usually a few days before blisters appear.
Small painful blisters on the edge of mouth or around the lips that keep spreading and expanding are also a sign of cold sores.
Fewer Side Effects
Chances are you’ll be taking medication to relive pain and stop inflammation. Depending on the severity, you might have to take these medications for some time.
Don’t we all know that every drug under the sun has side effects? Some of the common drug side effects are nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, lightheadedness, etc.
It is believed that these numerous side effects are caused by the many ingredients that make up conventional drugs.
Since peppermint is made from natural or organic compounds, they are likely to cause minimal side effects or none at all. This explains why organic and natural products are becoming popular by the day.
No Resistance
Since people with low immunity are likely to suffer from viral infections often, they will be taking antivirals and other medication for a long time. This leads to the virus developing resistance to the drugs.
Resistance to a drug means the causative organism is used to the drug and mutates to form another strain that the drug cannot identify. Peppermint has antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Topical Application
Most essential oils need to be applied topically as opposed to ingestion. It is advisable that you dilute peppermint with a milder carrier oil to reduce its potency and apply it directly on the cold sores.
You can also mix it with a little water and apply it as a compress onto the cold sore. It takes a few weeks for the sores to disappear completely and calls for some patience. Don’t throw it away in 3 days that it is not working.
Disadvantages of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is not supposed to be ingested as it can cause harmful side effects. All essential oils are meant to be applied topically or inhaled with a diffuser. When you ingest it, it leads to side effects like drowsiness, dehydration, allergy, lightheadedness, and others.
Also, if you are having a serious medical issue, do not hesitate to seek out a medical professional because there are limitations to solely relying on essential oils.
Prevention of Cold Sores
As you use peppermint oil, you have got to take precautionary measures to avoid further spread of the virus. They include washing hands with soap and water after touching the blisters, and avoiding kissing.
Final Thoughts
Cold sores are blisters you have seen around the lips and at the corner of your mouth. They are fluid filled and usually painful. Therefore, you’ll need peppermint oil which has antiviral and antiseptic properties that can treat cold sores.
