Cold Sores (Homeopathy)
Remedy Options
Primary Remedies
Calendula Ointment
This remedy keeps the skin or lips moisturized and speeds up healing.
Natrum muriaticum
This remedy sometimes stops a herpes outbreak if taken in the early, tingling stage. It is also helpful for raw, red cold sores that develop on the lips and corners of the mouth, as well as the nostril area, face, and chin. Eruptions may also appear in the genital area. Eating too much salt (which the person craves) and being in the sun sometimes aggravates the symptoms.
Rhus toxicodendron
This relieves small vesicles filled with a clear liquid on red and painful skin.
Other Remedies
Apis mellifica
This remedy relieves swollen, itching, burning skin or lips, relieved by cold applications.
Arsenicum album
Eruptions with burning pain relieved by applying heat suggest a need for this remedy. The person may feel anxious, restless, chilly, and exhausted.
Borax
This remedy can be useful for herpes eruptions in any area, with tense-feeling inflammation. Sensitivity to noise and a fear of falling are other indications for Borax.
Graphites
Herpes eruptions, with oozing of honey-like discharge and crusting and cracking of the skin, suggest a need for this remedy. The person may tend toward many problems with the skin, be stout, and have trouble concentrating.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
Herpes sores that are very sensitive to touch and worse from any form of cold suggest a need for this remedy. A person who needs Hepar sulph is extremely sensitive to cold, and often has a low resistance to infection.
Mercurius solubilis
This remedy may be indicated for sore, infected eruptions—especially if the person has swollen lymph nodes and offensive breath, is extremely sensitive to temperatures, and tends to sweat at night.
Mezereum
this remedy relieves thick, whitish crusts with a yellowish secretion oozing under the crusts.
Petroleum
This remedy may be helpful for genital herpes that spread to the anal area and thighs. People who need this remedy have a tendency toward many skin problems, with rough, dry skin that cracks and bleeds.
Dosage
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that medicines be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the medicine work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different medicine.
Related Information
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Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.
For more information, see Homeopathy FAQs, "What Is Homeopathy?," and “Using Homeopathy with Professional Guidance” in Homeopathic Medicine.
Herpes is a common viral infection that causes painful cold sores around the mouth, as well as genital eruptions. A burning or itching sensation may precede the outbreak by several days. Eruptions are most likely to come out in times of stress and tend to reappear in the same locations. Homeopathic treatment can speed up the episodes of cold sores and limit their extension.
Last Review: 10-31-2012
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