Supplements containing black currant extract can be taken to prevent recurrent cold sore outbreaks. It prevents the cold sore virus from binding to the cell membrane. Black currant is good for health and can be taken for a prolonged period.

Echinacea is a natural immune booster. Intake of echinacea helps to heal various viral infections. It can even stimulate the immune cells to fight the herpes simplex virus. However, the herb should not be taken continuously for more than ten days. Prolonged intake reduces the potency of the herb.

Combining rhubarb and sage extracts helps to kill the herpes-simplex virus. Studies with rhubarb and sage cream suggest that the ointment is as effective as conventional pharmaceutical antiviral creams. However, sage by itself cannot arrest spread of the herpes simplex infection.

Resveratrol is a type of antioxidant compound present in red grapes, peanuts, mulberry, cranberry, blueberry, bilberry, cocoa and Japanese knotweed. Applying resveratrol-based ointment two to five times a day to the affected area helps to clear the cold sore blisters within a few days. The duration of the outbreak can be significantly shortened by applying the resveratrol ointment within an hour after the first symptom of cold sore appears. Resveratrol can also treat cold sores that do not respond to common pharmaceutical antiviral medications. You can use resveratrol ointments for a prolonged period without bothering about side effects.

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Asian folk medicines for treating cold sore lesions. The efficacy of the mushroom in preventing replication of cold sore virus has been proved in laboratory studies. The duration of cold sore outbreaks and risk of recurrent outbreaks can be reduced by taking 600mg of reishi supplement daily. The blood thinning property of reishi makes it unsuitable for people on anticoagulant medications.

Zinc is needed for maintaining the health of immune system. This essential mineral helps to activate the immune cells, improving the body’s defense mechanism against viral attacks. According to laboratory studies, zinc can kill the herpes simplex viruses responsible for cold sore outbreaks. Applying zinc oxide daily on the lips can speedily heal the cold sore blisters and reduce the risk of cold sore recurrence. Zinc oxide also acts as a sun block. Sun exposure is often blamed for triggering cold sore outbreaks.

Applying lemon balm on the cold sore blisters helps to reduce the duration of the infection. Regular application of lemon balm extract on the lips can reduce the frequency of recurrent cold sore outbreaks.

Propolis is a resinous substances made by bees. It is obtained by the bees from the buds of confer and poplar trees. Propolis is packed with antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that protect the beehives from microbes. In humans, propolis can provide relief from cold sores. Applying the resin on the cold sore lesions clears the lesions rapidly. By preventing the herpes simplex 1 virus from invading new cells, propolis inhibits replication of the virus.

Lysine is an important amino acid required for producing enzymes, hormones and antibodies. The frequency, severity and duration of cold sore outbreaks can be significantly reduced by increasing lysine intake. This essential amino acid can slow down the growth and replication of the herpes simplex virus associated with cold sore. Wheat germ, meat, poultry, brewer’s yeast, fish, milk and beans are common dietary sources of lysine. However, most lysine rich foods also contain large amounts of arginine, an essential amino acid that competes with lysine for absorption in the intestine. Therefore, people susceptible to cold sores should combine lysine supplements with foods with high lysine to arginine ratio, and avoid arginine rich foods such as nuts and chocolates. Consuming 1000 mg of lysine daily can shorten the duration of cold sore symptoms. Prolonged use of lysine supplement may elevate the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.