Is There Really Any Evidence That Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is Helpful to Effectively Care For Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex)?
The Answer is Most Definitely a YES! Much Medical Research Shows That This Herb is a Definite Help With Cold Sores.
What is Lemon Balm??
Lemon Balm is scientifically named Melissa Officinalis.
This plant is an herbaceous perennial which grows to about three feet tall and is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, This herbaceous plant appears as toothed leaves which have a fragrance and flavor of lemon. It is classified under the mint family.
Lemon balm has shown antibacterial activity in several resistant bacterium. However, extracts of Melissa officinalis have been shown to inhibit protein synthesis and exhibit antiviral action against the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Click Here to learn more about the research done.
These viruses are also responsible for not only Cold Sores, but for Herpes, and Warts as well. Medical studies have verified the effectiveness of Lemon Balm to help with these conditions. Click Here to learn more about the effective nature of Lemon Balm.
OK, So What Are Cold Sores?
The herpes simplex virus is an infection which causes cold sores. These problematic sores can appear in various parts of the body however it is very common around the mouth and mucous membranes. These sores appear as small red blisters around the mouth and can result in pain and discomfort. The onset before the appearance of the sores is often described as a “tingling” or “itching” sensation at the site.
What are the Options in Caring For Cold Sores??
There are both clinical medications and natural alternatives used for Cold Sores. The drug Acyclovir is commonly prescribed as an intervention to treat Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex). This drug has some scary side effects and research is showing that the virus is developing an immunity. The use of this drug has shown a 60% to 90% effectiveness in treatment but what about the risks??
With the side effects it is wise to look at safe and natural alternatives. Again, research comes to the rescue giving us a number of natural solutions. Interesting to note that they provide the same percentages of success. These natural alternatives include Lysine Supplements, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and yes, our favorite: Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis). Learn more about the risks and the benefits of drugs vs. natural alternatives by clicking here.
It is clear to note that Nature, once again, provides us the beneficial alternatives that we need.
Did You Know That Lemon Balm Also Helps With Shingles!
Shingles is a painful outbreak of blisters on the skin caused by the Herpes Zoster virus (the same virus that causes Chicken Pox). The outbreak usually occurs on one side of the body in an isolated area and begins with an itching or tingling sensation. Shortly after blisters erupt that can cause intense pain, itching and swelling.
Lemon Balm is the best natural alternatives that is available. Its use has been recommended by herbalists for a very long time. It has been proven to shorten the recovery time for all types of Herpes sore by as much as several days.
The Lemon Balm Lips stick shown in this post is effective for this use and it is convenient and easy to use. Simply apply it several times per day as desired.
OK, One BIG Question – Do These Natural Remedies Really Work??
The simple answer is yes indeed they absolutely work!
Lemon balm exerts its antiviral properties through speeding up the recovery process of cold sores and reducing the severity of symptoms when applied topically.
A five-day intervention involved 34 adults with recurrent herpes simplex infections. The intervention required the participants to apply a lemon balm cream four times daily. Response rate to the treatment of lemon balm extract group showed 64.7% of participants had an excellent or moderate response. And 58.9% of participants either had none or one blister on day two of the lemon balm treatment. The results were positive and showed a reduced recovery period, reduced spread of the infection and rapid effect on typical symptoms. Click Here to learn more about the study.
Beeswax and Vitamin E are also added in combination with Lemon Balm Essential Oil and Lemon Balm Herb. Vitamin E is known to help effectively care for Cold Sores. The Beeswax acts as a carrier and exerts beneficial effects.
How Do I Use Lemon Balm??
How Difficult is Using it Going to Be?
Using Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is not hard at all! With a properly compounded lip stick you can carry it around in a pocket or purse. It can be applied throughout the day with no mess and no problems.
We have formulated a lip balm using Lemon Balm Essential Oil as well as the actual Lemon Balm herb. Please note in the picture above the beautiful green color the natural Lemon Balm Herb imparts to this lip balm. We also add Vitamin E to the balm. This gives it all the useful properties that are desired. Click here to visit the store and view this great lip balm.
Conclusions to Draw Upon.
We invite you to study the information given above. Visit the site links and review some of the research that has been done on this subject. With confidence we can highly reccomend that Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) will be of value and benefit to you. Remember that “knowledge is power”!
**PLEASE NOTE: Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Before using any new product containing essential oils, it is recommended to do a spot patch test to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
This information is for educational purposes and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.