The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Susan (New York, New York) on 04/26/2009
It has finally dawned on me that after consuming many cans of Slimfast for weightloss, I now realize that this is most likely the cause for my HB. 4 days after consuming Slimfast, I had a breakout. After reading the ingredients on the can, the company lists "non nutritive" sweetners, which obviously is some form of artifical sweetner. I am wondering now if the manufacturer might realize the problem and never intentionally mension the actual sweetners by name????? So, I will never drink Slimfast again. I do not take any diet products of any kind or artificial sweetners. I think people who are allergy prone have a higher chance of this kind of reaction. I believe that with all of the obesity in this country, more and more people will have outbreaks due to weightloss products. Thanks for this site.
Acetone
Posted by V (Thousand Oaks, CA) on 04/24/2009
Can you put the acetone/polish remover on the sore if you've already had it for about 5 days? Or do you have to do it when you get the first tingle? I have a sore on my lip for about 5 days that won't go away but it's already blistered. I've been putting ACV on it but it's not working. I also put another over the counter med on it, but it's not helping either. I am worried that with the stage it's at now, that putting the polish remover on it will damage my lip and make it bleed or scar... plus, we are going on a cruise in 2 days! Help!
Ear Wax
Posted by Shawn (Rochester, New York) on 04/22/2009
★★★★★
Cold Sores - Earwax: the thought and the taste is rather nasty, but it works better than anything else i've tried. When we were younger my mom use to apply our own earwax, strait from our ears to the effected area, to me sibblings and my sibblings whenever we got one. this really works.
Head and Shoulders Shampoo
Posted by Jennifer (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/14/2009
Hello, to respond and add to your message about herpes, if you use iodine at the first sign of tingling or itching, no cold sores will develop at all and if they do, no scabbing , no swelling , i dont know what is in iodine that doesn't allow the whole inflamation to develop. You can easily get rid of the sore before it develops in 1 - 2 days. Eat healthy, take vitamin C, if you feel it coming on, take echinacea, it never failed me, it stops the cold sores from developing. If you follow this protocol, you can minimize to stop outbreaks altogether.
Head and Shoulders Shampoo
Posted by Varick (Brooklyn, NY) on 04/14/2009
Head and Shoulders shampoo has zinc in it, zinc has been known to help prevent and/or cure herpes.
Pine Pitch
Posted by Hannah (Smithers, BC Canada) on 04/12/2009
cold sores: an old friend of mine (who lives off the land completely) noticed I was suffering toomuch from cold sores. He brought in aspecial little bag for mr and said go put this on it. Not distrusting him one bit, but just apprehensive enough to ask what I was putting on my lips..lol.
his reply was simple... pine pitch...
from a tree? pine pitch? I asked...yup he said
I did so...and in 1 day it was down to almost gone....
amazing in my book because I get massive sized cold sores.
and... the next best thing is definately l lysine, but what do you do if you can't get to a store, can't afford the high prices of medication, or live very remote... that istheremedies I am looking for.
EC: Pine pitch = pine sap/resin
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by IGOTITTO (Martin, TN) on 04/09/2009
I have been able to link one of my worse outbreaks ever to my new diet and these drink mixes. Of course, it has aspartme. I was wondering though, which of you all was able to link it to wine? Thanks for the help guys. A community that is able to help others is a loving thing. Thanks again.
Acetone
Posted by Tom (Panama) on 03/29/2009
Even if it has poison, the Acetone, a few q-tip strokes won't kill anyone. The trick though is to have the virus controlled.
Been reading a lot about foods containing arginine, which is pro herpes virus, and lysine if not mistaken, which works against the virus. If the food balance if maintained you can naturally keep the virus away. Also, I use Valtr ex 500ml 1 day, wait 1 or two more days, and have anotherone. This combination of steps food/medicine if you want to use it, has helped me stay months without even small wart coming; at the same tiem keeping me fro taking too much chemical drugs.
You may try using the food balance method and IT will work I tried it for two three months but it has it's ups and downs, that's why Im combining it with the medication and have gotten very lasting results.
Stress is a main factor also, good sleep and excersice.
You may find information about foods with argine vs lysine in diverse web sites. ( IF you have not seen this comparison already)
Sorry if I wrote too much hope it is useful to all!
PS
Love the Acetone and Apple Vinagger methods will test them when the nasty friend comes by to visit!
Blessings to all.
Tom
Tea Bag
Posted by Cathy (Pocatello, Idaho) on 03/24/2009
★★★★★
Tea bag soaked in cold water stops cold sores and fever blisters. I think the tannic acid is what does it. Just soak bag a few minutes then squeeze it slightly and apply. Apply as often as you can through out the day. Really soothes and takes out the pain and swelling. Put bag in a dish or cup to keep moist. If you keep it in the fridge it will keep cool and feel better.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by K (Atlanta, GA) on 03/21/2009
★★★★☆
Using peroxide on gential herpes at the sign of itching is a sure way of stopping the itch and speeding up the healing process. Have used it and it does work. Must try the other remedies I have read about.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 03/21/2009 490 posts
Hello B, I am definitely no expert to answer your question, but taking into consideration the other things the excitotoxins cause, the answer would most likely be that it damages the immune system along with other parts of the body. It might be a good idea for you to research excitotoxins and print out the things they cause and present them to your friend.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by B (Washington DC, USA) on 03/21/2009
I have a question. So we know there's an artificial sweetener link to cold sores. Is it the ingestion of the product or the mere contact of it. Here's my dilemma. The girl I'm currently seeing is a hardcore Diet Coke fiend. We may very well be doing some kissing tonight and I'm afraid if I kiss her right after she had a diet coke I may get a cold sore. Does aspartame cause cold sores because of the ingestion and weakening of the immune system or is it a contact thing? Does anyone have experience with this? Anybody date someone who consumed a lot of aspartame and did it spread cold sores? Am I being paranoid? Will I be okay? Thanks.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Jason (Miami, Fl) on 03/18/2009
OMG, u guys are saviors. I have not had an outbreak in almost a year. A week ago my roomate brought home a box of Sugar Free Popsicle. Although I hate sugar free products, one night last week I wanted some ice cream and I had 2 of the popsicles the first night and 1 the next night. Can you believe I'm having the worse outbreak right now? it's been over a week now. I was wondering why am I having an outbreak so bad, like I've never had before. Usually I have one red spot around the head of my genital, now it's two and so painful. Worse of all, right before I came to this site I had another one of that poison popsicle last night during my outbreak, so u know I'm f----d. I can't believe this. I'm about to throw away these suckers right now. And someone please tell me, can I get L-Lysine over the counter?
EC: Yes, L-Lysine is an OTC supplement. Some grocery stores and pharmacies even carry it, but you may want to check out a health food store first.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by L (Boston, MA) on 03/16/2009
cold sore prevention: About 12 years ago, I figured out that artificial sweeteners triggered my cold sore outbreaks. I removed all artificial sweeteners from my diet but would still have outbreaks twice a year. Then, I noticed the outbreaks coincided with my teeth cleanings. Prophy paste contains artificial sweeteners. I now have my teeth cleaned with pumice and never have outbreaks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bob (Somewhere, Ma) on 03/16/2009
even if you have GH, you can still have a family. It does not pass the fetal/blood barrier.You would be given surpressors a few weeks prior to delivery to help ensure a clean vaginal delivery. The only draw-back is if you have a break-out and are ready to deliver. The doctor/mid-wife will not deliver vaginaly if you have a break-out (a) becasue you will most assuradely pass it on to your newborn and (b) it can cause blindness. A break-out will garuntee a c-section.
Bleach
Posted by Amber (Portland, Oregon) on 02/27/2009
I am happy to hear about your success Gloria, and while I see that your sharing of it is intended to be helpful, I feel I must express my sincere concern about the safety of your remedy. Bleach is very toxic, even to breathe. I know that many of us use or have used it in our homes and for laundry, etc...and have probably absorbed it into our skin, without noticing, but I cringe to think about someone applying it to the mouth area, or getting the idea that this is a safe remedy to use in the future. I would hope that anyone reading over this remedy would take this into consideration and pursue other methods of healing, that are natural and work with the body instead of against it. In my opinion, it would be safer to just 'wait out' the sore than to apply a toxic substance to it. I hope you understand my need to mention all of this, as I feel that certain people could be harmed by this remedy.
Bleach
Posted by Gloria (Plano, TX) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
My son got cold sore, i heard about apple cider vinager, hp (hydrogen peroxide) and all of that store stuff. My co-worker told me about clorox bleach. After trying carmex, and hp, we applied bleach, and every time it stopped burning we applied more. After 3 applications it went away in 30 minutes.
Tea Bag
Posted by Kelly (Nashville , TN) on 02/20/2009
★★★★★
I have had clients who had very good success using Earl Grey tea bags as a compress for the cold sore. Wet a tea bag in barely warm water, squeeze just a little until not dripping and then use as a compress for 20 minutes at a time several times a day. The bergamont oil and tannins in the tea should heal the sore.
Hydrogen Peroxide and DMSO
Posted by Rob (SRB, FL) on 02/19/2009
I have had a terrible time with Cold Sores on my lower lip. I noticed a couple of posts about the cure listed above. Is there anyway to contact these individuals about their results? Thanks in advance!
EC: People generally don't send in their email addresses on herpes feedback. Best to leave your questions here in case they return!
Lecithin
Posted by Freddie (Buckeye, AZ, USA) on 02/17/2009
★★★★★
I tried Lecithin. A Bechtel engineer who worked at a laboratory when he was younger told me that they grew the herpes virus. They used Lecithin to control and kill the herpes virus. He saw the herpes breakout on my face one day at work. He told me to take 2500 mg each day for a month. I asked him why he hasn't come forward with this information. He said that the FDA was too powerful to fight.
It worked for me. I haven't had a breakout in 20 years.
As I understand it, hospitals use Lecithin based baby formulas on new born babies born to women with genital herpes.
Lecithin 2500 mg a day for a month
Dietary Recommendations
Posted by Glenn (Perth, Australia) on 02/13/2009
★★★★★
I suffered frequently from cold sores most of my life. The embarrassment of a large outbreak on the lips is enough to want to hide away at home until the sore dimishes to just a small scab. But that's not possible when you need to work. It's even worse if, like in my job you need to interface with the public a lot.
A few years back I changed my diet by excluding or seriously restricting all wheat flour products because I was getting overweight and could hardly tie my shoe laces without needing to come up for air to finish the knot. It was hard to start with because these foods are so tasty and addictive. But as a result of the diet change I not only lost 15 kilograms but also found that I no longer suffered from cold sores or head colds either.
On the very rare occasion that I do get a cold sore now I can immediately trace it to a binge on bread, pizza, pasta or rice the previous day, and the lesion is tiny in comparison with the past. To control it I abstain from the flour products and rice and try not to lick my lips, and it goes away within days. Nuts, chocolate and citrus fruits are not a factor in my case nor are diet drinks because I don't really go for them much.
I wonder if genital herpes would respond to the same dietry restrictions.
Honey
Posted by Vic (Agadir, Morocco) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★
Honey for Cold Sores: I had this horible Cold Sore all over my mouth together with cracked and chapped lips and nothing seemed to help. Thought about hearing something about honey being used to heal such issues. Tried it and my mouth is almost healed after just 24 hours. MIRACULOUS!!!
L-Lysine, Licorice Tincture
Posted by Bettina (New York, NY, USA) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
Cold sore remedy: I have found that L-Lysine and Licorice tincture help the best. When I feel an outbreak coming on (in my case usually around the nose, inside the nose or around the lips) I start taking 2-3000mg of L-Lysine spread over the day and dab the cold sore spot with Licorice tincture several times throughout the day. I also try to cut out all caffein (coffee, chocolate etc.) all sugars (natural and artificial) and processed foods and increase eating eggs, plain natural yoghurt and leafy green veggies.
Licorice tincture is made by soaking licorice root in brandy or vodka for about 6-8 weeks. Shake daily, if possible. After it has soaked for the required time, strain and store in a dark glas bottle, that has been cleaned thoroughly and sterilized. It keeps a long time. ALWAYS use a clean Q-tip EVERY SINGLE TIME to dab tincture on the cold sore.
Artificial Sweetener Link to Herpes
Posted by Patricia (Elmont, NY) on 02/02/2009
emergen-c caused a herpes simplex outbreak. I was shopping at Trader Joes and I picked up a pack of emergen-c. thinking that it will supply me with needed vit-c. I took one packet right at the store with water that I bought there. I felt really weird after taking it. I read the ingredients and I noticed natural flavors and natural sucrose. I know from previous time that anything edible containing natural flavours it is MSG. No sooner did I get into my car to leave,my lip became inflamed and I had the start of a cold sore. I returned to the store and got my money back. I later spoke to the manager about the situation and he said he cannot pull anything off the shelf. It has to be done by headquarters. Now I only depend on good quality Vit C. Emergen-C is on my not-to-buy-list!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Lauren (Whitehorse, YT) on 01/27/2009
★★★★★
I have used peroxide for the last 3 years. Before that my doctor gave me this cream to put on but it didn't work. And abreva never worked for me either. And a family friend told me that she uses a needle to pop the little blisters, if its just forming and there are no little blisters visible, then she just poked holes in it, as much as she could stand, then she would use a q tip and dab on peroxide. It really works. I use the spray on peroxide myself. I prefer it, i just hold a Kleenex under the cold sore and spray it. And i keep spraying over and over until it stops foaming. And as for dieting to help, taking calcium pills will help. Also when its forming get some milk dip a cloth into it and press it against the cold sore, it should stop it from getting any bigger. The virus is always there, never gone, but it is contained by calcium like a big bubble, and when your stressed or sick, the walls of the bubble fade and weaken, then the virus gets out. So take lots of calcium! It does help. And any time i forget to take my pills, i get a damn cold sore!
Honey
Posted by Sara (Albertville, Alabama USA) on 01/26/2009
★★★★★
I have used HONEY to stop and cure cold sores for years. Honey is a natural virus killer. Also bacteria. When I read about honey i didn't believe it but tried it when I started getting the next cold sore. Lo and behold it never went beyond the first little blister-stopped the pain and itching instantly. When I first feel one coming on I dab honey on it and it never gets worse and is gone within 2/3 days. Dab on often-3/4 times a day. It also works on gastrointestinal virus- I work in a nursing home and we are constantly getting that bug. When I feel a little nauseaed I go home and take a big spoon of honey and have only gotten it once in 4 years and that was when I didn't take the honey! I believe n natural cures and believe that God gave us all we need to cure disease in nature.
