Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1)
Cold sores are caused by HSV1 and are relatively common. It’s estimated that around 90% of people carry HSV1 antibodies, meaning that they have been exposed to the virus at some point in their lives, and yet only about one third will ever experience a cold sore. Once you have been exposed to HSV1, it tends to lie dormant in the nervous system until triggered by an event, and in some cases, this can be many years after the initial exposure. When triggered, HSV1 travels through the nerve endings until it reaches the skin where many small, and often painful, vesicles or blisters erupt.
HSV1 triggers
HSV1 is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with a blister, such as kissing, or through indirect contact, such as sharing drinking glasses, cups, straws etc. There are no known antidotes for HSV1, however triggers for future outbreaks have been identified and include:
- A weakened immune system
- Recent cold, flu or upper respiratory tract infection
- A high arginine to lysine ratio in the body
- Stress and fatigue
- Sun or wind exposure on the lips
- Hormonal fluctuations
How to reduce the occurrence of cold sores
By being aware of triggers that cause a cold sore outbreak, you can take preventative measures to reduce the occurrence of future outbreaks. Supporting healthy immune system function and reducing your stress levels are important in managing HSV1 outbreaks. Supplementation with herbs and nutrients may also be beneficial:
-
Lysine hampers the activity of arginine, an amino acid that promotes the growth of HSV1. Therefore, lysine helps to decrease the frequency of cold sores and to relieve the symptoms. Lysine and arginine compete for absorption, so supplementing with lysine is best combined with a diet low in arginine-rich foods. Foods high in arginine include chocolate, nuts, some seeds and chick peas. See Lysine 1000 + Olive Leaf.
-
Olive leaf contains high levels of oleuropein, a key pharmacologically active component. Olive leaf is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support healthy immune system function. See Olive Leaf.
-
Vitamin C and zinc both support the immune system. Zinc is required for enzymes and proteins involved in skin renewal. Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen and connective tissue, which are structural components of the skin. Zinc and vitamin C support wound healing and skin health. See Zinc Forte + C.
-
Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Licorice can help support a healthy stress response in the body. Rhodiola is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help the body adapt to stress and to relieve symptoms of stress. Rhodiola supports exercise performance and maintains both physical and mental stamina. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic tonic herb, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen and to restore vitality. Licorice is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as an adrenal tonic to help maintain the tone and function of the adrenal glands. See Stress Ease.
