Cold sores are actually known as Herpes simplex 1, a very infectious virus.

Quoted here from my favorite on-line dictionary:

“In simple terms, herpes simplex 1 is most commonly known as a “cold sore”, while herpes simplex 2 is the one known by the public as “herpes”, or “genital herpes”. According to the World Health Organization 67% of the world population under the age of 50 have HSV-1.

Symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection include watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, lips, nose or genitals. Lesions heal with a scab characteristic of herpetic disease. Sometimes, the viruses cause very mild or atypical symptoms during outbreaks. However, they can also cause more troublesome forms of herpes simplex. As neurotropic and neuroinvasive viruses, HSV-1 and -2 persist in the body by becoming latent and hiding from the immune system in the cell bodies of neurons. After the initial or primary infection, some infected people experience sporadic episodes of viral reactivation or outbreaks. In an outbreak, the virus in a nerve cell becomes active and is transported via the neuron's axon to the skin, where virus replication and shedding occur and cause new sores. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.”

So here we have a vey infectious virus, that once contracted, the patient becomes ill with symptoms from fever, to other flu like symptoms, and then the famous herpes outbreak where the virus attacks the ganglion nerve and follows this nerve to the skin where it forms a blister-like sore, usually causing nerve pain and / or itching. If left alone, this blister can go through several stages before the body’s immune system gets the illness under control and the “Cold Sore” heals.

The problem is, that once a person has this virus in the system, it can and most often does lay in latent form where it comes back (though in a milder form) the moment the immune system drops below a healthful level.

So, what can we do?

There are over 240 remedies listed for Herpes virus that affect the lips and face. So, If the correct remedy fails to be found, I suggest that a homeopath be sought out to do a chronic intake case.

Remember; in Homeopathy, we treat the symptoms.

For the primary infection, and all subsequent flare ups, always pay attention to the symptoms. Work to boost the immune system with rest, diet and herbs (Vitamin C, Echinacea, Astragalus, etc).

Then use homeopathic remedies that match the symptoms. Like cures Like.

There are a few major remedies that cover Herpes symptoms quite well. And I’ve listed some here.

Herpes located on Face. Eruptions itching:

Anacardium
Antimonium Crude
Arsenicum
Cantharis
Clematus
Croto-t
Graphites
Mezerenum
Rhus tox
Sarsparilla
Selenium
Sepia
Silicea
Veratrum
Zinc

Herpes, located on Face; Eruptions pearly:

Boric acid,
Natrum Muraticum

Herpes, located on Face; Eruptions purulent:  

Ammonium muraticum,
Natrum muraticum,
Rhus-tox,
Oleander

Herpes, located on Face; Eruptions Burning:

Anacardium,
Aurum,
Bryonia,
Cantharis,
Causticum,
Cicuta,
Mezerinum,
Natrum carbonicum,
Natrum muraticum,
Rhus tox.,
Rhus ven.,
Silicea

My favorite remedies to have on hand are:

Nat. mur, which I use whenever there is a pearly appearance or clear discharge from the eruption.
Graphites: when there is a honey color discharge and itching and pain.

Rhus tox or Anacardium: are very good remedies for many persons where there is severe itching.

Sepia: This remedy is amazing when other seemingly perfect remedies fail. (just like during outbreaks of Posion Ivy when other remedies fail, this remedy often will fit)

May God Bless You and Yours,

Sue Meyer

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