Essential oils for cold sores are nowadays becoming very popular due to their amazing pain-relieving properties.
In this article, I’ll let you know about some of the best essential oils for cold sores and how to use them to get maximum and quick results.
All the essential oils mentioned here are backed with studies and considered safe to use for most of the population.
Table of Contents
The Best Essential Oils for Cold Sores + How To Use
1. Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is one of the most effective oils that you can use to deal with cold sores. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has also been seen that the use of this oil on skin shows some antiviral effects on herpes simplex virus (HSV).
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops of the oil on a cotton swab
- Apply it directly on the affected area
If your skin is sensitive then you can mix it with any carrier oil.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
2. Anise Oil
Anise oil is extracted from the anise plant and has shown some positive impacts in treating cold sores.
It has been shown to have the ability to inhabit cold sore infections which means it can reduce the chances of spreading inside the mouth.
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops of it on a cotton swab
- Apply it directly on the affected area
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
3. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has been found to have some positive effects on the herpes virus and is one of the best home remedies in treating cold sores.
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops of the oil on a cotton swab
- Apply it directly on the area affected with cold sores
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
4. Thyme Oil
This oil has some great antiviral effects on HSV and can significantly help you deal with cold sores.
A recent lab study shows that if thyme oil is applied the right way on cold sores, the results can be seen within 3 days.
How to Apply?
- Take some of the oils on a cotton ball
- Apply it directly on the area of cold sores
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
5. Lavender Oil
This essential oil has been in use for a long time to treat a couple of problems including bruises and skin irritation.
Though Lavender oil doesn’t have any impact on the virus it can significantly help deal with the pain associated with cold sores.
One recent study shows that lavender oil has some potential pain-relieving properties.
How to Apply?
- Take some oil on a cotton swab
- Apply it directly on the area
If you choose to use this essential oil, make sure you have diluted it with a carrier oil. If your skin doesn’t show any reaction, then opt for a stronger mix.
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
6. Chrysanthemum Oil
This essential oil may have no impact on the virus but it’s equally relieving. It has been seen that this oil has some strong anti-inflammatory effects which will greatly deal with the condition.
Please Note:
There are some of the people complaining about allergies from this essential oil but these allergies are not very severe. If you have to apply this oil, start testing on a small area of your skin to find out if you have any allergies.
If you are good to go, you can just move on and apply the oil to the affected area. Though, before you apply you have to make sure the oil is diluted with a carrier oil.
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton swab
- Apply it directly on the affected area
7. Peppermint Oil
Here is another very effective essential oil that has been shown to calm the symptoms of an activated herpes strain. It can deal with all herpes strains even those that are resistant to some kind of drugs.
How to Apply?
- Dilute the oil with any carrier oil if you have sensitive skin
- Apply it directly on the affected area using a cotton swab
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
8. Lemon Balm Oil
This essential oil has been found to inhibit herpes virus penetration to the cells.
A recent study shows that it can inhibit the penetration of these viruses by about 96%. This oil can penetrate the skin and hence it should be applied directly to the affected area.
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball
- Apply it on the affected area of cold sores
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
9. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has not been very common in treating such conditions but a recent paper shows that this oil could decrease inflammation. By reducing this inflammation, the oil may speed up the recovery process.
How to Apply?
- Dilute it with any carrier oil in a 1:1
- Apply it on the area of cold sores using a cotton ball
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
10. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is a very active antiviral agent that can have some impact on HSV. It also soothes the skin when applied to the affected area.
According to a study by NCBI, this oil helps to deal with drug-resistant strains of HSV.
How to Apply?
- Take a few drops on a cotton ball
- Apply it on the area of cold sores
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
11. Sandalwood Oil
This oil has a distinct and powerful scent that makes it very popular. It has been in use for treating certain skin conditions like cold sores.
Sandalwood oil has such components that can fight cold sore viruses and eventually help them heal.
How to Apply?
- Dilute it with any carrier oil (due to strong smell)
- Apply it using a cotton swab on the affected area
Want to Buy?
You can get it from here.
Precautions Using Essential Oils for Cold Sores
Before using these essential oils there are several precautions you should take:
- The first and foremost thing is to dilute these essential oils before use. You should do this with a nonabrasive carrier such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
- Don’t overuse essential oils because they can weaken your skin’s epidermis.
- You also have to make sure you don’t have any form of allergies to the oil you want to go for. You can do a spot test before you apply the oil.
The possible side effects for using the above essential oils range from moderate sting sensation to burning.
The Bottom Line!
Although all the essential oils for cold sores mentioned are safe to use, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before use.
All the essential oils mentioned are effective in treating cold sores and you can choose any of them which suits you.
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Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.