Cold sores and fever blisters are different names for the same problem. They're both caused by the herpes simplex virus and they're quite contagious. Cold sores usually last about seven to ten days. They start out with a tingling feeling around the outside of your lip, and within a day or two there are red, raised, fluid filled blisters which appear in that same area. In rare cases, a cold sore can form on other areas of your face, including inside your mouth, on your nose, or on your chin. Cold sores can take up to twenty days to develop after someone has been exposed to the virus that causes them.


There are two types of herpes simplex viruses though, mundanely named type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is what causes cold sores, and type 2 is the genital version. Either of the types can cause sores on both the facial areas and the genitals though. And after you've gotten a cold sore at least once, the virus stays in your skin and can appear again chronically throughout the years. Sometimes stress or menstruation can trigger outbreaks.

Cold sores usually clear up on their own unless you have a weakened immune system though. Herbal approaches to treatment include disinfecting the sores, and helping the immune system fight the virus naturally.

Cold Sore Tea

1 teaspoon burdock root
1 teaspoon dried and powdered goldenseal root

1 cut boiling water

Honey to taste

Combine the above herbs in a glass container. Pour the boiling water over the herbs; steep for 30 minutes. Drink one cup a day.

Black Walnut is the herb of choice to use for cold sores and fever blisters. This herb is an antiseptic which is high in natural iodine, and can be used both externally and internally to treat cold sores. Use black walnut extract to coat the cold sores several times each day, and take dried black walnut herb by mouth as well.

Aloe Vera gel is another popular herb to use for treating cold sores. It can be applied to the sores several times each day, and you can drink the juice too.

Comfrey salve will help heal the cold sores as well. This is a cell proliferant which helps your body heal very quickly. Prick the cold sores and apply comfrey salve externally for best results.

Remember that cold sores and fever blisters are quite contagious though, particularly when a sore is present, so you should avoid contact with babies and anyone who has a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV and Diabetes.

Cold Sore Wash

1 teaspoon yerba mansa root

1 tablespoon white oak bark

1 cup boiling water

Combine the herbs in a container. Pour boiling water over the herbs. Steep 30 minutes, cool, and strain. Use this solution as a wash to treat cold sores. When you have active sores, be sure to keep your hands clean, and avoid contact with other areas of your body such as the eyes and genital areas. Also be sure to sterilize or replace your toothbrush when outbreaks occur, and of course avoid kissing anyone until you're healed.