Cold sores are a painful condition that is caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV1). Genital herpes, shingles, and the Epstein Barr virus involve a closely related virus. This article focuses mainly on HSV1.

Once contracted, the herpes virus lives in nerve cells. It can be dormant for long periods of time and then become reactivated through a variety of causes including stress, depression, anxiety, an overabundance of sun exposure, reliance on stimulating nervines such as coffee or tea, fevers, menstruation, possibly food allergies/intolerance and more.

Adaptogen herbs can help strengthen our body's response to stress and combined with the lifestyle suggestions above can be a powerful way to being more balanced health to our lives. 

Examples of adaptogens: 

Licorice:  Usually added in small amounts to formulas, this sweet herb is commonly used in Chinese medicine especially and has been scientifically proven to be effective against the herpes virus.)
Holy Basil:  A highly revered herb from India it also has anti-viral capabilties
Ashwagandah (Withania somnifera)
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Eluethero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis)

Relaxing nervines can calm the nerves during times of anxiety or stress.

The following nervines can be taken as teas or tinctures.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Topical Treatments:

St. John's Wort oil or tincture can be applied liberally and frequently. There are times when I've stopped an outbreak solely with St. John's Wort topically.

(All herbs available at Nalinis)

All procedures come with one free Correctional  touch-up valid within 6 months of the procedure.  Corrections only, does not include additional lines or color changes.