Say Goodbye to Cold Sores with a Simple Herbal Remedy

span style="font-weight:bold;">Oh, not again, another cold sore breakout!

Unfortunately, when a bump or sore appears on the lip, it’s enough to make you feel like a social leper. Although a cold sore is not the end of the world and goes away on its own, it is also a highly contagious blister with an unmistakable appearance. What causes this condition? It is none other than a virus whose name will send shivers up and down your back.

What are Cold Sores?

A cold sore is a painful blister filled with fluid that makes an appearance on or around the lips. It is the herpes simplex virus infection that causes this undesirable visual, and is sometimes referred to as oral herpes, fever blisters, labial herpes, herpes labialis, and herpes febrilis. One of the most distinguishing characteristics associated with a cold sore is the high level of contagiousness they possess. Skin-to skin contact passes these little devils from one person to another. While the greatest chances of passing on the blisters occur when they are dry and crusted over, they may also pass on after they have healed [1]


Cold Sore vs Canker Sore

Another condition with similar symptoms to the cold sore is a canker sore, which both exhibit blister-like sores about the mouth. Canker sores keep to the inside of the mouth, often developing on the tongue or inside the cheeks, while cold sores stick to the lips. The only time a cold sore finds its way to the inside of the mouth is during the onset of an eruption.

Causes of Cold Sores

There are different kinds of herpes virus strands that cause cold sores to form. Often, it is the herpes simplex type 1 virus that is most responsible for this occurrence, although type 2 has been known to cause cold sores as well. The virus can be passed from person-to-person through an active sore. The condition is so contagious that sharing spoons, forks, razors and towels may also spread the infection. If you are prone to cold sores, a variety of triggers, such as fever, menstruation, stress and excessive sun exposure could lead to a reoccurrence [1].

Diagnosis

Oral herpes is quite common and is often diagnosed through visual symptoms. Anyone from your family doctor to a dermatologist can diagnose the onset of cold sores. Physicians may analyze your symptoms by running lab tests. Viral cultures are sometimes taken, where a cotton swab is wiped across an open sore. The results of this test take anywhere from 2-10 days for review.


Natural Remedies for Cold Sores

Although cold sores typically heal on their own without treatment, there are many natural remedies to consider, which ease the symptoms and speed up healing time. While vitamins (like vitamin b12), mineral supplements, and changes to your diet can help treat cold sores, there are plenty of natural and homeopathic remedies, such as:

a) Witch Hazel: When applying witch hazel to cold sores, relief can be achieved.

b) Lemon Balm: This remedy helps to reduce the symptoms of cold sores, as well as speed up healing. Internally, drinking up to 5 cups per day of a lemon balm infusion will do the trick. Externally, combine 3 teaspoons of dried leaves or 1.5 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm to one cup of water and infuse for 10 minutes. Next, strain the mixture and place on blisters about 3-5 times a day.

c) Aloe Vera: Rubbing aloe vera gel or oil on blisters may ease the pain and increase healing time.

d) Echinacea: Taking echinacea tablets or capsules, as well as creating a tincture can treat cold sores.

e) St John’s Wort: Drinking up to one cup per day of an infusion of this herb will help.

f) Garlic: Eating 1-2 cloves of garlic can treat the virus.

g) Ginger: Eating 1-2 slices of fresh ginger per day will treat cold sores.


Cold Sore Prevention

Since there isn’t a cure or prevention approach for cold sores, individuals can reduce their chances of developing these oral irritations through a series of lifestyle changes. Below you will find ways to prevent the spread of or safeguard against cold sores:

a) Avoid Blister Contact: Since the virus passes easily from one person to another, coming into contact with bodily secretions is highly discouraged. This means refraining from kissing people with visible blisters and avoiding other skin contact.

b) Avoid Sharing: This is the one case where your mother won’t frown upon not sharing your things. Keep in mind that the virus easily attaches itself to utensils, towels and other items.

c) Keep Hands Clean: It is important to wash your hands before touching another person if you or they have a cold sore. Also, touching body parts during an active blister moment can pass the virus to other areas, such as the eyes and genitals.

d) Avoid Triggers: Keep in mind that cold and flu, sleep deprivation, and prolonged sun exposure has been known to bring about cold sores. Applying sunblock on the face and lips before entering the sun will help prevent the formation of cold sores. This is true for both the winter and summer season.


Symptoms

While cold sores are often confined to forming on the lips, they can actually appear on other parts of the body. On occasion, a cold sore has been known to take shape on the nostrils, chin, or fingers. In rare cases, they may even form on the gums or roof of the mouth.

The scary part about a cold sore is that the signs and symptoms usually do not show immediately after exposure to the herpes simplex virus. It could take up to 20 days to actually experience any symptoms, and often continues for about 7 to 10 days. Below you will find a few cold sore signs to be on the lookout for:

a) Blisters : The main symptom of cold sores is the formation of a blister, which is small, painful, and filled with fluid. The skin surrounding the blister often appears red, raised, and is also painful to the touch.

b) Prodrome: Pain or a tingling sensation often occurs 1-2 days before the visual sight of a blister.

c) Oozing: As the blisters continue to take shape, they may break and ooze fluid.

d) Crust: After blisters ooze, a yellow crust forms.

e) Discolored Skin: After the crusty part of a blister falls off, the skin may appear pinkish underneath, which heals without scarring.

f) Disrupted Swallowing: Sometimes, individuals may experience problems swallowing food or liquids.

g) Lip Irritation: Itching and swelling of the lips may occur.

h) Drooling: This symptom is sometimes seen among small children.

i) Additional Symptoms: Headaches, irritability, fever, and swollen lymph nodes may also occur.

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High Blood Cholesterol: Information

Cholesterol is found in every cell in your body. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of some hormones. But your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Any cholesterol in your diet is extra — and it's up to no good.

When there's too much cholesterol in your blood, you may develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Your heart may not get as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs, which increases the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to your brain can cause a stroke.

But there's good news. High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is largely preventable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and other lifestyle changes can go a long way toward reducing high cholesterol. Sometimes medication is needed, too.

Signs and symptoms

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol.

Causes

Cholesterol is carried through your blood attached to proteins. The cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. The main types of lipoproteins are:

* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad," cholesterol transports cholesterol throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
* High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

Various factors within your control — such as inactivity, obesity and an unhealthy diet — contribute to high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Factors beyond your control may play a role, too. For example, your genetic makeup may keep cells from removing LDL cholesterol from your blood efficiently or cause your liver to produce too much cholesterol.

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Dealing with Wrist Pain

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI - known in the US as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) is caused by a swelling of the tissue in or near the narrow passageway of the wrist, called the carpal tunnel. This swelling puts pressure on the median nerve, which causes the symptoms of pain, tingling, weakness or numbness associated with RSI.
Any repetitive hand movements, especially in awkward positions, that put direct pressure on the wrist can lead to RSI. This includes typing, using a mouse, operating machinery that vibrates, using a screwdriver, or participating in sports such as cycling.
However, many other factors increase the likelihood of developing RSI. Build-up of fluid (oedema) in the wrist is an indicator, which means that pregnant women or people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are at greater risk. Women taking birth control pills or going through menopause are also thought to be at risk. People who have diseases or illnesses that can cause arm pain, swelling in the joints and soft tissues in the arm, or reduce the blood flow to the hands, including obesity, lupus or thyroid disease, should also be careful.
The preventative measures listed below are simply a matter of changing a few habits. If you are already experiencing pain that could be attributed to RSI, these tips (with the exception of number seven) will help alleviate the symptoms. However, if the pain is severe or lasts longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor immediately. Untreated RSI can cause permanent nerve damage.
1. Stop any activity that you think may be causing finger, hand, or wrist numbness or pain.
2. Spread pressure and motion evenly throughout your hand and wrist.
• Keep your wrists straight or only slightly bent. Avoid activities that bend or twist the wrists for long periods of time.
• Try not to hold objects in the same position for long periods of time.
• Gripping with only the thumb and index finger can stress the wrist. Use your whole hand to grasp an object.
• Reduce the speed and force of repetitive hand movements. Type (or click that mouse) with a soft touch.
• When working with tools that vibrate, such as drills or sanders, use specially designed gloves that support the wrist and have vibration-absorbent padding.
3. Take frequent breaks from repetitive activities to stretch your hands and wrists.
4. Use correct posture.
• For activities such as
typing, keep your forearms parallel to the floor or slightly lowered.
• Position your keyboard so that you do not have to reach up to it.
• When your forearms are hanging by your side, keep your shoulders relaxed, not raised.
• Your wrists should be in line with your arms, not twisted or bent for long periods of time.
• Make sure your fingers are lower than your wrists when typing.
• Position your work at waist height or slightly lower if you have to exert force.
5. Avoid using too much salt if you tend to retain fluid.
6. Train yourself to use techniques that will minimise stress in your hand or wrist. In daily routines or hobbies, consider activities in which you make repeated finger, hand or wrist movements.

7. Do exercises to increase your wrist flexibility and strength.
If you are already experiencing RSI symptoms, use the tips listed above to eliminate the pain before attempting to exercise your wrists.

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Natural Cure for Sinus Infection

Alternative medication for sinus infection is a great way to avoid some of the side effects that prescription treatments tend to offer. When taking a sinus infection homeopathic approach towards treating the symptoms of this painful and often energy-zapping condition, there are many different herbal and natural remedies to choose from. Below are a few to consider:

a) Ground Ivy: The leaves of this sinus infection herb can dry out the bronchi and sinuses when used in an infusion or tincture.

b) Goldenseal: The root of the goldenseal plant is a powerful astringent and coolant, which comes in a powder capsule form. Take one or two 200 mg capsules or create a tincture, where 1 ml is taken for three times per day.

c) Bayberry: Bayberry bark is known to stimulate the circulatory system and also possesses warming properties that helps with nasal discharge, pain, and sinus tenderness. The powder can be used as snuff, or used to create a tincture. Add 5ml of tincture to 20ml of emulsifying ointment to make a substance that can be used for sinus massage.

d) Long Pepper: It is the fruit of this herb that is useful in treating sinus headaches and infection brought on by allergies. You may use the fruit to create a milk infusion or choose the capsule form (1-2 200mg powder capsule per dose).

e) Colloidal Silver: Sinus infections respond to this safe and non-toxic approach that has been known to treat more than 500 illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

f) Apple Cider Vinegar: An apple cider vinegar sinus infection treatment can be used to thin out mucous. You should add the vinegar to large glasses of water and drink throughout the day.

g) Oregano: The wild oil of oregano can be used as an effective sinus infection treatment that possesses powerful anti-bacterial properties. The capsule form is considered best when taking two every 3-4 hours.


Sinus Infection Prevention

When it comes to preventing a sinus infection, there are a few steps to take. To decrease the chances of developing an upper respiratory infection, you should avoid people who are dealing with colds or the flu. You should also receive your flu shot every year.

Washing your hands with soap and water as much as possible, especially before eating will help avoid the spread of infection. Sinus passages also stay clearer when using a humidifier; limiting alcohol and tobacco use; and avoiding polluted air.


What type of sinus infection do you have?

When the mucous membranes start to act up and cause you a great deal of discomfort, you are probably suffering from a sinus infection (also known as sinusitis). Besides feeling pretty crappy, it is the nose, throat, eyes, cheeks, and even your teeth, which may suffer during a sinus infection. Hopefully, you will experience an acute bout of the infection because long-term sinus problems (chronic sinus infection) can really slow you down and make things much harder to accomplish.


What is a Sinus Infection?

When an infection or inflammation affects the mucous membranes, sinusitis is the result. The affected areas of the face include the inside of the nose and the sinuses, which attacks around the eyes, cheeks and nose. When the mucous membranes become inflamed, swelling strikes, which blocks the normal drainage of fluid associated with the nose and throat. Pain and pressure occur, as well as a possible accumulation of bacteria and fungus [1].

There are two different kinds of sinus infections to consider:

a) Acute: This sinus infection is characterized by a sudden blow to the system, resulting in a wide-range of cold-like symptoms, which fade with time.

b) Chronic: This type of sinus infection lasts quite a bit longer, where sufferers exhibit sinusitis symptoms on a regular, longer basis.


Symptoms

As the sinuses become blocked during an infection, a wide range of symptoms that resemble a cold or flu will emerge. With sinusitis symptoms, the effects are longer and have a tendency to get worse after 7 days. They include:

a) Pain: Pain and pressure often occurs throughout the face during a sinus infection. The particular sinus that is affected at the time will determine where the pain lies.

b) Nose Symptoms: The nose may run or become stuffy during a sinus infection. People often have trouble breathing out of their noses.

c) Discharge: A discharge that is yellow or greenish in color may appear from the nose or in the back of the throat, which is called postnasal discharge.

d) Tenderness: Sinus infections have been known to create tenderness throughout the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead area.

e) Swelling: The eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead may swell during sinusitis.

f) Dental Pain: Sinus infections have been known to mimic the signs of a toothache.

g) Cold and Flu-Like Symptoms: A fever may appear during a sinus infection. An individual may also suffer from fatigue, nausea, sore throat, and coughing [2].


Causes of Sinus Infection

Sinus infections are instigated through an inflammation of the upper respiratory system. The nose, sinuses, throat, and pharynx all play a role in the development of this condition. The cause of the infection is quite often viral, but can also be caused by bacteria or fungus. Additional causes of sinus infection include:

a) Allergies: Allergies have been known to block the sinuses, which often leads to inflammation.

b) Deviated Nasal Septum: The septum is the wall located between the nostrils. When this becomes crooked (either during surgery or by injury), sinus passages may become restricted or blocked.

c) Nasal Polyps: Sometimes tissue growths can cause a nasal passage restriction.

d) Additional Medical Conditions: Individuals suffering from conditions, such as HIV, cystic fibrosis, or gastroesophageal reflux, have a higher chance of developing nasal blockage.

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