Cold Sores

[Alana]

I was reading this article posted on sott today,

Cold sores linked to Alzheimer's: Self-defense?

which says among others:

... The same herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) that causes cold sores on the lips, mouth, or gums can contribute to dementia, according to a study published in the March 31 issue of the journal PLoS ONE.

"Herpes infects mucous membranes, such as the lip or eye, and generates viral particles," lead author Dr. Elaine Bearer, a pathology professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, said in a written statement released in conjunction with the study. "These viral particles burst out of the cells of the mucous membrane and enter sensory nerve cells where they travel inside the nerve toward the brain."

By tagging herpesvirus particles with green fluorescent proteins and then looking at them with an electron microscope, scientists were able to watch them affect nerve cells in ways that seem to lead to Alzheimer's.

"It's no longer a matter of determining whether HSV1 is involved in cognitive decline, but rather how significant this involvement is," Bearer said. "We'll need to investigate anti-viral drugs used for acute herpes treatment to determine their ability to slow or prevent cognitive decline."

In the meantime, researchers say it's smart to treat a cold sore as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of time the virus is active. The faster a sore is treated, the faster HSV1 returns to its dormant stage.

I did a search on the forum, and didn't find a thread dealing with cold sores, so i am starting this one now to compile all the information from various threads and sites that talk about natural treatments for cold sores, and of course, feel free to add to the list with experiences and more info. I am lucky enough to not have had them, but i know that many people are suffering from them, and the implication that the same virus can affect the brain and lead to Alzheimer's is something to take into serious consideration, i think. Especially given from what i hear that the creams or medications people are usually prescribed don't do much to treat the problem, but they are a very temporary solution, even if that. Well, info on the internet is conflicting regarding cold sores and its treatments, but one thing most agree on is that it's incurable: there's only solutions on keeping the virus dormant but not making it go away for good.

In any event, in the thread Complications from Chicken Pox, Kel wrote:

The chickenpox virus is related to Herpes simplex and Shingles. So maybe this is in the same class.

The amino acid L-Lysine helps immensely with these viruses. I have suffered much of my life with herpes--cold sore type, not genital--and know that as soon as I feel that tingly, itchy sensation where a sore will break out I start supplementing the L-Lysine. The sore never forms if I do this.

The amino acid L-Arginine feeds these viruses. Chocolate, nuts, some grains, and popcorn are high in L-Arginine. Exposure to sunlight can also make it worse.

I would bet that if he starts pumping in the L-Lysine--2000mg to 6000mg twice or three time a day, as well as staying away from anything with L-Arginine, the virus will resolve.

A google search on cold sores and L-Lysine shows that many people had the same experience with it as Kel. L-Lysine seems to keep the virus dormant, and either prevents the sore from forming and erupting, or makes this whole process go by faster. Also Psyche posted on the Fasting, Gluten, MSG, Soy, Blood Type Diet thread, about supplements that contain gelatin:

Here's something else about gelatin. Some people are plagued by cold sores and canker sores. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that occur on the gums and the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Whether the virus can act up or not depends on the RATIO of the amino acids lysine to arginine. Arginine triggers the virus into hyperactivity; thus, taking extra lysine changes this ratio and subdues them. It's obviously extremely important, then, to avoid foods that are high in arginine if you want to avoid an outbreak. The three main culprits (foods highest in arginine) are chocolate, nuts, and gelatin. (Yes, gelatin, so taking lysine in a gelatin capsule is a waste of money and effort! The production of such a conflict should not be allowed! Brussels sprouts, corn, oats, and to a lesser extent wheat also are higher in arginine than lysine, but aren't nearly as herpes-happy as the three foods listed above.

Some nutritional supplements that are manufactured in capsule form also contain gelatin (and some "film-coated" tablets often contain gelatin in the coating), but compounded (made-to-order) supplements and medications can be prepared in gelatin-free capsules. If you’re sensitive to MSG, ask your pharmacist if he or she can prepare your supplement or medication in a gelatin capsule that is MSG-free. At The Compounder we make every capsule dose in vegetarian capsules (sometimes referred to as VEGGIE CAPS), ones made from cellulose, not gelatin.

Then i read on the DMSO thread that

DMSO (applied topically) alleviates the lesions that occur as a result of Herpes Zoster (Shingles).

I wondered then if DMSO had any effect on cold sores also. On the Best Herpes Treatments site, i found the following:

DMSO cold sore remedy has been suggested as a herpes or cold sore cure on so many websites that I've decided to review it.

DMSO is a colorless liquid derived from lignin, the material that bonds together the cells of trees. It has the ability to penetrate the body instantly, even when applied topically. It also has a particular smell, usually qualified as garlic-like. DMSO has been used as a carrier product for herpes medications in Europe and is still used as a herpes cream in Spain .

Here are some of the conditions DMSO was suggested for: Alzheimer's, lupus, arthritis, fibromalgia, pancreatitis, scleroderma and herpes. You can get more information at Dr Stanley's website. Dr. Jacob is the medical doctor who first studied the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of MSM and DMSO. He has developed a very strong interest in DMSO over the years.

You should know, however, that DMSO cold sore remedy is still not acclaimed. Many papers have been written against the health benefits of DMSO especially in the United States. It is illegal to sell DMSO as a supplement. That is why health stores sell it as a solvent. Anyone who buys DMSO takes the risk of using something of low-quality. Dr Jacob’s own DMSO cream may be an exception. If you consider using H202 (hydrogen peroxide) and DMSO for cold sores, I highly recommend you use Jacob's Lab DMSO.

Not only can DMSO penetrate the skin, but also carry other elements through the skin with itself. That's why using DMSO for cold sores could be very dangerous if you used impure products.

Research suggests that DMSO mixed with hydrogen peroxide could be effective in the treatment of herpes when applied topically to the affected areas. My personal experience confirms DMSO coldsore treatment potential. I have been able to stop about 80% of herpes outbreaks at prodrome time when combined with hydrogen peroxide. It's the combination of hydrogen peroxide and DMSO that works not DMSO alone. For your safety you must never mix DMSO with anything else than food grade hydrogen peroxide.

If you want to learn how to use DMSO to treat cold sores effectively and fast, I recommend you read Cold Sore Freedom in 3 Days. It offers supplements and topical treatment information.

The latter link in the above quote takes you to a page of testimonials of people who are now cold-sore free after following the advice of the book the site promotes, which can be purchased as ebook for only $34.95. It sounds expensive, but if the claim is true, it's worth to try it out.

Christopher Scipio, a homeopath/herbalist and as the site claims, "one of the most experienced holistic practitioners treating the Herpes virus", seems to be against the DMSO in general, but more so when it comes to treating cold sores/herpes _http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Herpes-And-The-Dmso-Deception/41266

DMSO has never been shown to be an effective therapy for the treatment of herpes either in peer-reviewed clinical studies or in clinical practice by those treating herpes. In my 16 years of treating herpes I have never met or heard of any herpes treatment specialist advocating the use of either DMSO or DMSO and hydrogen-peroxide therapy.

It's bad enough to promote ineffective treatments to the general public but I consider it a crime to promote the use of unsafe therapies just for the sake of taking advantage of the huge population of herpes sufferers.

But some of the blame has to be placed on the shoulders of those who are buying DMSO for herpes treatment. Herpes is a lifelong viral infection and there are no-magical quick fixes for herpes. Those who either in desperation or ignorance look for gimmick treatments on the internet are putting themselves in a bad situation. If you need help with your herpes treatment plan turn to a professional instead of a anonymous internet company.

Herpes can only be managed over the long-term by either drug therapy or a holistic protocol involving dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes, and anchored with real-herbal medicine. Treating herpes naturally isn't complicated at all but requires patience and effort on your part.

These are some of my thoughts on herpes and the DMSO deception

His article is long, and uses the same arguments that the medical community uses against the use of GMSO, so read the link above. Scipio is also the writer of the book, Making Peace with Herpes.

I haven't found much evidence to support the use of DMSO for cold sores, but then again a very few practitioners advocate it at all, and the medical community does not seem eager to do more research on its benefits at this point in time. So i would be interested to hear in any of our members have used DMSO for cold sores and what the outcome was.

Meanwhile, i found this site that has some more information on alternative treatments for cold sores:

Cold Sores


General Description

Herpes simplex is a nasty virus capable of producing blisters on both the lips (cold sores) and the genitals. These sores are painful and unsightly and afflict millions of people each year. The virus is spread to others by intimate contact.

Cold Sore. A cold sore or fever blister is the result of a herpes virus invasion of the skin in and around the lips. The infection begins with pain or itching, followed by the typical fluid-filled blisters. The sores form a crust and dry up some seven to ten days later. Repeated attacks may occur because the virus burrows deep under the skin and “hibernates.” Sunlight, emotional upset, and illness may awaken the virus and lead to new blisters. Some persons only develop a single episode; others are not so fortunate and develop recurrent blisters once a year or even as frequently as once a month.

Genital Herpes. Chances are great that a painful sore on the genitals is due to a herpes simplex infection. This is a venereal disease spread by sexual intercourse and oral sex. At the present time the condition is an epidemic, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that over one million people become newly infected each year. It is believed that one in five American adults have been exposed to genital herpes. Similar to the cold sore, a genital herpes infection begins with burning or itching, followed by blisters that crust over and finally disappear. The blisters may occur on either the male or female genitalia. Many cases, especially in females, occur without noticeable signs or symptoms, and some individuals remain unaware of their infection. Confirmation of infection is accomplished by a swab taken from an active lesion.

Genital herpes may lead to serious consequences in the newborn. A child born to a mother with herpes blisters at the time of delivery runs a high risk of catching the virus when exiting the birth canal. Such infection may prove fatal; thus, delivery by caesarean section is mandatory

Causes

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus, which can lay dormant in the body and becomes active later when something triggers it. Two members of the herpes virus family are herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Once infected both persist in the body for life. HSV-1 is usually acquired by oral transmission during childhood but can also be transmitted sexually. HSV-2 is transmitted sexually. There is no cure for cold sores, but there are remedies you can use that will reduce the severity and frequency of them. Cold sores may appear after colds, fevers, exposure to the sun, stress, during menstruation, or for no apparent reason. Generally it is felt that anything that compromises the immune system may trigger the cold sores, such as infection, cancer or any illness.

Medical research in England found that many people with cold sores were low in B12, and that by adding 250 mcg. of B12 the condition improved rapidly. This research also suggested taking B complex supplements with emphasis on the B12 and folic acid. Without some of the treatments listed below cold sores may last from 10-14 days. If the sores last longer than two weeks or occur frequently, it is advisable to see your healthcare provider.

Diet may be another culprit. Researchers have found that the ratio of the amino acids arginine and lysine plays an important part in controlling (not curing!) cold sores. Arginine aids the growth and reproduction of the herpes virus, while lysine inhibits it. Foods containing chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat products should be cut out or reduced from the diet. These foods are high in arginine. Check with your nutritionist for foods that contain these amino acids. Brewer's yeast is beneficial. See remedy below for recommendations on taking lysine. Coffee can increase the frequency of cold sore flare-ups in individuals who are already infected with the virus.

Cold sores may indicate a deficiency in calcium. One sign of a calcium deficiency is biting your nails. Take a calcium supplement and see if the problem improves.

Cold Sores can be addressed with anti-oxidants and these anti-oxidants can work more effectively by adding Supplement CHARGE to a glass of water. It also offers an immediate immune boost. It is inexpensive, charges 60 glasses of water and has numerous other health benefits.

Many people can generally feel a cold sore coming on as they are aware of a tingling, burning or itching sensation. They may also have a fever, enlargement of lymph nodes close to the sores, or a general feeling of malaise.

If you have a cold sore already, pop the sore so it will drain and be able to dry out and heal faster.

Traditional Treatments

Traditional treatments using antibiotics can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and worse yet, prolonged use can cause drug-resistant strains of the herpes virus!

To date, herpes is incurable. Three oral medications (Famvir, Valtrex, and Zovirax) lessen the severity of each episode, and when taken on a daily basis, will lessen the frequency of attacks and the amount of viral shedding between outbreaks. Topical antiviral ointments (such as Denivir) are much less efficacious. Various other treatment modalities, including lysine pills and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are without merit. All first episodes of herpes are best evaluated by a physician to ensure correct diagnosis and adequate counseling. Herpetic lesions are best kept clean and dry. A topical anesthetic (for example, Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy) may temporarily relieve the discomfort. The annoying blisters of herpes dry up within a two-week period. Herpes is most contagious when visible lesions are present, and intimate, unprotected contact should be avoided during this period. Between outbreaks of genital herpes, condom use is prudent to prevent transmission.

People afflicted with herpes should derive some consolation in the natural course of the disease: as time progresses, the number of attacks subsides, and each episode diminishes in intensity and duration. Eventually the disease simply burns itself out. Those with herpes should remain hopeful that a cure will be found within the very near future.

Wellness Program

Prevention

Prevention of cold sores is advisable. Herpes simplex is highly contagious! Avoid kissing someone with cold sores or having sex with someone who has genital herpes. Exposure to sun triggers one in four cases of cold sores. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your lips and other susceptible areas. If stress triggers them, practice relaxation techniques. Don't use the same towels, razors or utensils as someone with cold sores. Replace your toothbrush when you feel the tingling sensation at the outbreak of an attack, after the blister breaks and when the sore is gone and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching the sores.

As part of a preventive program for people who get cold sores frequently it is a good idea to boost your immune system. Try taking the herbs echinacea and goldenseal to boost immune system.


Supplements

Vitamin C Take 200-500 mg. of vitamin C along with 200-500 mg. of citrus bioflavonoids three times a day. This remedy will greatly reduce the duration of the sores.

Vitamin E, applied topically, will provide pain relief.

Yogurt Eating plain yogurt (with acidophilus) with live cultures is a good preventive measure. Heat-treated yogurt won't work. People who have added yogurt to their daily diet have discovered that they don't get cold sores, or very few. Yogurt seems to stimulate the immune system.[Dairy is evil, so just take a good pro-biotic brand supplement]

Zinc Using zinc has been reported to reduce the duration of cold sores. Applied topically, it speeds healing. Zinc tablets may also help, but don't take more than 15 mg for more than a week or so without medical supervision. Take up to 60 mg a day for the first week.

Remedies

Folk

Acidophilus Take four acidophilus capsules three or four times a day with milk. The milk is an activating culture medium for the bacilli. This will soothe the sore and speed up healing. If you do this when you feel a burning or itching at the onset of the cold sore, this remedy may inhibit the formation of the lesion. [The human body and digestive system are not made for milk/dairy consumption. Milk will cause other problems in your body, avoid it and read: Why Milk is so Evil]

Aloe When the tingling starts, try rubbing juice from an aloe plant on the affected area. If you are traveling, take a bottle of aloe gel with you just in case a sore begins. This remedy is especially effective if used at the first sign of a cold sore, but will also stop it later on, too, and will begin the healing process immediately and keep the sore from "blossoming."

Chaparral Native Americans used the herb chaparral (Larrea tridentata) as a remedy for colds and viruses, arthritis, burns, sores and other problems. Recently a company has patented a product called Larreastat derived from chaparral that has proven very effective in deactivating certain viruses, relieving inflammation and clearing up certain skin conditions. The product comes in capsules and a spray, which provides almost instant relief from cold sore pain.

Cornstarch Apply a cornstarch paste.

Camphor Have your pharmacist mix up some spirits of camphor and dab it on the sore with a cotton ball.

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) Dab it on the sores twice daily with your fingers or a cotton ball. It stops the growth of the virus by penetrating right to the center of the herpes infection.

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) - mix a few drops of GSE with aloe or another liquid, such as olive oil, and dab it on to the sore. GSE is very strong, so use sparingly!

Ice Another method to ease the pain is to rub an ice cube on the sore for a few minutes. This is especially good to do at the onset of a cold sore. Apply ice every ten minutes for an hour. This process may prevent the movement of the virus from the nerve to the skin.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) German studies indicated that an extract of lemon balm reduced symptoms and sped the healing process. See mint remedy below.

Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) has a long history of use by Native Americans. Research suggests that it may be effective against viruses and is a prime infection fighter. Use an extract instead of a tincture to avoid getting a full-body rash.

* Combine equal parts of tinctures of echinacea, calendula, oats, burdock, and lomatium and take 1/2 teaspoon four or five times a day. This combination of herbs will boost the immune system, soothe inflamed tissues, remove toxins from the body, and kill viruses and bacteria.

Lysine Many people have reported that taking the amino acid L-lysine has prevented or lessened the duration of their cold sores. Apparently, the herpes virus uses another amino acid, arginine, to grow and replicate while lysine inhibits the virus' ability to replicate itself. Reduce your intake of arginine-containing foods as mentioned above. If you get sores frequently take 1,500 to 3,000 mg. daily as a preventive measure. When you feel a sore coming on, take 3,000 mg daily until the sore crusts over. Experiment with the dosage until you find one that inhibits recurrence by reducing the amount until you find the optimal maintenance dosage, perhaps to 300-600 mg. Lysine may also be applied topically to the sores. If you get a cold sore, taking lysine should shorten the time you have it considerably, generally within five days. Consult your medical practitioner regarding your intake of lysine, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. No amino acid in large doses should be taken for long periods of time. Take the lysine between meals, preferably on an empty stomach.

Mint A topical application of an extract of the mint family herb Melissa officinalis will speed healing of the sore, often within five days.

Myrrh Try a tincture of myrrh to relieve the pain.

Sage Make a tea by adding two or three leaves to a cup of boiling water; steep; add one teaspoon of powdered ginger. Drink several cups a day until the sores are cleared up.

Tea Steep an ordinary tea bag (preferably Earl Grey) in boiling water for a few minutes; cool; then apply to lesions. Within four or five days the lesions should crust over and disappear.

Vaseline Vaseline will help ease cracking and dryness.

Homeopathic

Natrum muriaticum (Nat mur) This is the first choice for cold sores around the lips and mouth, nose and chin. It's especially useful in the early stages of herpes when the upper lip is swollen but no vesicle - or fluid-containing sac such as a blister - has appeared. You may also have dry, chapped lips, your mouth may be dry and you may be thirsty. Nat mur is indicated if the person is emotionally upset.

Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) The herpes that are relieved by Rhus tox usually burns and itches, and acrid fluid may seep from yellow vesicles. Rhus tox is effective for the tissue crusting that occurs with herpes. Can be used after Nat mur to finish off the cold sore.

Sepia (cuttlefish ink) People needing sepia have herpatic eruptions around the lips, corners of the mouth and particularly around the nasal area with crusty eruptions inside and on the nose. People needing sepia often have dark circles under their eyes and are exhausted and depressed. Sepia is appropriate for cold sores that occur during pregnancy, before menses or in menopause.

Dulcamara (bittersweet) People needing this remedy can have thick, brown herpatic crusts with reddish borders. These crusts can bleed when scratched. Dulcamara is appropriate for blisters that appear in clusters and ooze watery fluid. Glandular swelling, burning, stinging and itching sensations may be present. For people needing dulcamara, eruptions of herpes may occur after rain or sudden changes from warm to cold or damp weather. Eruptions are also more likely to appear around menses.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum (calcium sulphide) This remedy is suitable for eruptions around mouth and lips, occasionally following the path of the nerves across the face or even around or into the eyes. Hepar sulph is needed particularly when herpes vesicles have become infected, indicated by formation of yellow pus. Hepar sulph is the main remedy for painful boils, pimples or abscesses. Hepar sulph can quickly control infection in most cases, averting the need for antibiotics.

 

[Ollie]

Thank you for the article Alana, useful for an occasional sufferer. Since taking a healthy approach to my body and diet, as a matter of course I'm taking quite a lot of the supplements and folk remedies recommended.

 

[Keit]

Thank you, Alana, for compiling this information! For someone who have cold sores from time to time, this is going to be very helpful!

 

[Laura]

I have one family member who gets them and we've used DMSO recently and it really relieves the sore and gets it healing fast!

 

[Mr. Premise]

There's a commercial non- prescription product that I've found can actually prevent outbreaks if you apply it at the first signs, called Abreva.

 

[Rabelais]

I ought to mention the nano-catalytic silver hydrosols. On an astronomy star party trip into the Pyrenees in 2005, with Pierre-Paul (who used to contribute daily photos to SOTT), I noticed on the first night that he was worrying a lot over a nasty herpes sore in the corner of his mouth. I went to the car and found a little mist spray bottle of 10 ppm ASAP. Pierre-Paul was quite skeptical but allowed me to pump a couple of sprays onto the sore. I made him let it to air dry without licking. I didn't hear from him after that for several months, but when I did, he related that the sore went away and never returned. He was somewhat dumbfounded as he had been fighting the chronic condition for over a year, with medical assistance. I was also surprised since this infection is often systemically established and is not normally eliminated with a single topical application. It usually involves a few days or so of oral doses of the silver sol, along with topical applications of the sols or gel.

I also used to get these sores right on the inside of my lower lip. Since I discovered the sols and began semi-regularly orally supplementing I have never had another one.

I recently received a large spiral ring bound, 503 page, collection of American Biotech Labs published studies to date. These were all either performed in accredited university labs, independent EPA/FDA approved labs or in medical clinics. I decided to go through it to see if there were any herpes simplex studies. I found reams of viral studies performed on the more headline grabbing virii (Hepatitis, SARS, H1N1, H5N1, A/H3N2, HIV, etc) but nothing specifically dealing with herpes simplex.

Laura, the last time I was at the house (last week), I saw that there were still several bottles of ASAP in your supplement storage room. I would suggest that the next resident to present with one of these herpes sores, in addition to the previous suggestions on this thread, get a sol soaked cotton ball and dress the sore with it, as well as a teaspoon full orally, twice daily, for a couple of days. My anecdotal experiences with herpes, and those of our clients who reported to us, have all been positive and fast. I have a feeling that the silver sols will fairly easily and quickly clear the body of herpes simplex.

 

[Vulcan59]

Thanks Alana for compiling this information. As I understand it, mouth ulcers are also caused by the same virus. Would applying DMSO or spraying with ASAP work for mouth ulcers too?

 

[Alana]

I am glad that the information is useful to some and thank you for all the additional input

Thanks Alana for compiling this information. As I understand it, mouth ulcers are also caused by the same virus. Would applying DMSO or spraying with ASAP work for mouth ulcers too?

I guess the answer is to experiment by trying them both out on two different occasions and see what works. My family member who suffers from cold sores just got one again (it seems that talking about it brought it on ) and started using the colloidal silver first (taking it orally and applying it on the sore) and we are observing and taking notes :)

Added: Louise L. Hay, has this to say:

COLD SORES: Festering angry words and fear of expressing them.

 

[anart]

I've been lucky enough to never suffer from cold sores - however - I do know that they tend to 'break out' when the immune system is compromised. In other words, strengthen the immune system and keep the sores at bay. Removing the virus from the body completely would be optimal (and perhaps colloidal silver could help with that) but the base of the formula is the immune system. Stress/toxins/diet are key - if a person is stressed, the immune system dives and, as we know, diet is key to a healthy immune system as well. Up the vitamin C!!

 

[Ady_H101]

ive suffered from cold sores all my life but ive not had a break out since becoming gluten free i havent read the whole thread but i think that may have a baring on it. Its not been a problem at all. Not once.

 

[Vulcan59]

Thanks for the replies Alana and anart. I don't have it but one of my daughters gets it once in awhile. Seems to be quite painful for her and she uses bonjela which does offer some relief. I'll try the suggestions the next time it happens (assuming she agrees to it) and report back here. :)

 

[Ollie]

Adding to Alana quoting from Louise Hay, here’s what Lise Bourbeau has to say:

EMOTIONAL BLOCK
Cold sores signify harsh judgement of someone of the opposite sex, with a tendency toward a generally harsh judgement of the opposite sex as a whole and thinking of someone or something as repulsive. Cold sores provide an excuse to avoid intimate physical contact with a certain someone with whom you are angry, perhaps because he/she humiliated you. You have come close to expressing anger, but recoiled at the last minute and left it unexpressed.

MENTAL BLOCK
A cold sore is a message from your body that you need to discard a critical and unhealthy attitude toward the opposite sex. Recurring cold sores are an urgent message that you are subconsciously distancing yourself from the opposite sex when you actually desire the opposite – to be close to them with a healthy natural acceptance. Although you may think you are punishing them by developing cold sores, you are, in truth, only harming yourself.

I can relate to ‘subconsciously distancing yourself from the opposite sex when you actually desire the opposite – to be close to them with a healthy natural acceptance.’ That’s something that has been on my mind recently - about ‘bonding behaviour’ and beneficial oxytocin production.

Not had one for months, and despite my previous post in this thread, but interestingly, since reading this thread, enjoying the recent sunny weather, and a celebratory excess of chocolate, a cold sore has just broken out. Experimenting with treating it with coconut oil – seems to be keeping it at bay, from spreading or breaking out, and so far seems to be reducing the size. Early days.

I've been lucky enough to never suffer from cold sores - however - I do know that they tend to 'break out' when the immune system is compromised. In other words, strengthen the immune system and keep the sores at bay. Removing the virus from the body completely would be optimal (and perhaps colloidal silver could help with that) but the base of the formula is the immune system. Stress/toxins/diet are key - if a person is stressed, the immune system dives and, as we know, diet is key to a healthy immune system as well. Up the vitamin C!!

Thanks for the reminder anart of the underling cause, and upping the vit C, been doing that too, for other reasons – reducing fibre and water intake – which may in the short term be putting more pressure (stress) on the immune system. Certainly, since starting doing this my detoxing sauna sessions have been much more productive. Something’s moving, but more food for thought mentally!

 

[Ollie]

... a cold sore has just broken out. Experimenting with treating it with coconut oil – seems to be keeping it at bay, from spreading or breaking out, and so far seems to be reducing the size. Early days.

Reporting back, after applying coconut oil daily, the cold sore disappeared after two weeks - with no spreading or breaking out.

 

[monksgirl]

I've been lucky enough to never suffer from cold sores - however - I do know that they tend to 'break out' when the immune system is compromised. In other words, strengthen the immune system and keep the sores at bay. Removing the virus from the body completely would be optimal (and perhaps colloidal silver could help with that) but the base of the formula is the immune system. Stress/toxins/diet are key - if a person is stressed, the immune system dives and, as we know, diet is key to a healthy immune system as well. Up the vitamin C!!

considering the advice for internal use of the colloidal silver and it's antibiotic effects; is there any reference for how long or often this is safe, considering it would effect the numerous beneficial internal flora as well as the one you were trying to eliminate? My last use of antibiotic for a UTI, I used the probiotics daily, but still it seemed to be more than 2 weeks for the system to be back to normal. Can't find a specific reference on using the silver internally .

 

[Rabelais]

considering the advice for internal use of the colloidal silver and it's antibiotic effects; is there any reference for how long or often this is safe, considering it would effect the numerous beneficial internal flora as well as the one you were trying to eliminate? My last use of antibiotic for a UTI, I used the probiotics daily, but still it seemed to be more than 2 weeks for the system to be back to normal. Can't find a specific reference on using the silver internally .

First, there is a world of difference in "colloidal silver" and the newer technology nano-catalytic silver hydrosols. For the sake of this post, I am discussing only the hydrosols, or sols for short - not older technology ionic preparations. These pure elemental silver preparations are completely non toxic. I have taken them nearly daily for over ten years with no negative side effects. Here is a page from my site dealing with safety. This also notes the research work done which demonstrates that the sols have no effect on beneficial gut flora (probiotics) - that study begins on page 33:
http://www.lifesilver.com/ABL_SafetyStudies.pdf

Here is the general overview safety page:
http://www.lifesilver.com/safety.htm

I once asked the Cs about why the silver hydrosols do not interfere with gut probiotics - September 3, 2008:

Q: (DD) Quick question about the probiotic thing. Why is [it] that this elemental colloidal silver doesn't disrupt intestinal bacteria?

A: Does not bind in the same way due to "shape".

Q: (DD) Yeah, well, we saw these TDM photographs that showed the shape, but it doesn't have anything to do with the negative particle charge as opposed to the positive charge of ionic silver? Does the positive particle charge, as opposed to the negative particle charge of ionic silver, have some effect that spares the probiotics?

A: Has some effect, but the main issue is the shape which does not fit the same binding site.

In the above statement there are a couple of mistakes. Don't know whether it is the way I worded the question or a transcription error.

The silver sols have a negative particle charge. The conventional ionic colloids have a positive particle charge. This positive charge is what makes ionic silvers readily able to bind with other biochemical compounds in the body creating silver salts, which greatly reduce their effectiveness.

Also, TDM photographs should read - TEM photographs (transmission electron microscopy).