COLD SORES (Herpes Simplex)

homeopathic

Homeopathic remedies have an impressive history of successful treatment of viral conditions. Although homeopathic self-care may reduce the intensity of a herpes eruption, professional homeopathic care is necessary if a person wants to reduce the frequency of these eruptions.

6th · 12th · 30th potency

Give the 6th, 12th, or 30th potency every 4 hours for up to 48 hours. Stop if significant improvement takes place before this time.
For recurring cold sores, professional homeopathic care is recommended to reduce frequency.

6c · 12c · 30c · every 4 hours · max 48 hours

Natrum muriaticum

dry cracked lips, cold sores with acute infections, sun exposure

This is the most commonly given homeopathic medicine for herpes. It is particularly indicated for people with dry and cracked lips and for people who experience cold sores during various acute infections (the common cold, influenza, sore throat, etc.). When an eruption occurs after prolonged exposure to the sun, this remedy is commonly indicated. If there is any fluid in the blister, it is a clear fluid.

Mental / general

Mental: Reserved, dislikes consolation; weepy when alone; dwells on past.
General: Dry, cracked lips; cold sores during acute infections; after sun exposure; clear fluid in blisters.
Modalities: Worse from sun, heat, consolation; better from being alone and fresh air.

Rhus tox.

small inflamed blisters in cluster, yellow watery fluid

This is another commonly given remedy for the acute phase of herpes simplex. It is indicated when there are small, inflamed blisters that appear in a cluster; usually with yellow, watery fluid.

Mental / general

Mental: Restless, anxious; irritable from pain; worse from being still.
General: Small inflamed blisters in cluster; yellow watery fluid; red and swollen skin.
Modalities: Worse from cold, damp, initial motion; better from warmth and continued motion.

Hepar sulph.

extremely sensitive to touch and temperature, hypersensitive and irritable

When the herpes is extremely sensitive to touch and to extremes of temperature, and when the person also becomes hypersensitive and irritable, consider this remedy. It is especially useful when the cold sore is very painful and sensitive.

Mental / general

Mental: Irritable, quarrelsome, oversensitive; feels neglected or slighted.
General: Extremely sensitive to touch and temperature extremes; hypersensitive; irritable.
Modalities: Worse from cold, touch, drafts; better from warmth and moist heat.

Arsenicum album

burning eruption, better from warmth, restless and anxious

This remedy is indicated when the eruption burns but feels relief from the application of warmth. This remedy is also useful in people who are restless and anxious, fastidious and demanding, and chilly and thirsty (but for only sips at a time).

Mental / general

Mental: Restless, anxious; fastidious, demanding; fear of death.
General: Burning eruption; better from warmth; chilly; thirsty but drinks only sips at a time.
Modalities: Worse from cold, damp, midnight to 3 AM; better from warmth and hot drinks.

Quick quiz · match the remedy

1. Which remedy is the most commonly given homeopathic medicine for herpes, especially for people with dry and cracked lips or cold sores during acute infections?