Secret Cold Sore Cure – How to Cure a Cold Sore

It never fails – you have a big presentation at work or it’s class picture day at school and you wake up to find a huge cold sore standing out prominently on your lip. This problem isn’t just experienced by adults. Kid’s cold sores are no different from adults’, but for kids, the experience can be mysterious and embarrassing.

Most cold sores start with a tingling sensation followed by the appearance of a blister on or around the lips that itch and can be very sore. Within a few days to several weeks, they burst, dry, encrust, and disappear. Cold sores can be irritating and embarrassing. Is there any cure to a cold sore?

Well yes and no…

Cold sores are very difficult to cure because of the cause behind them. Cold sores are an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: Type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common form of the virus, causes cold sores (oral herpes) on or near the lips and mouth area. Type 2 (HSV-2) is responsible for the common STD. However, HSV-2 can also cause oral sores.

HSV-1 is incurable as herpes (HSV-2) is incurable. Once you have the virus, it’s in your system for life. Even when you don’t have a cold sore, the virus is hiding below the surface just waiting for a stressor to trigger it. The virus isn’t curable. However, it is possible to greatly reduce the number and length of cold sore breakouts.

Cold Sore Cures from the Kitchen

Milk: Next time you get the tingling sensation that often precedes a cold sore; try putting some milk on it. The secret to this cure is found in the milk fat. There’s a special protein called monocaprin that studies show can kill the virus. Since this protein is contained in the milk fat, whole milk works the best.

Let the milk sit at room temperature for 10 – 15 minutes. Soak a cotton ball in the milk and apply to the affected area. The longer left on the site of the sore the better.

Garlic: This one is a great cure for all kinds of medical issues. Garlic contains a natural antibiotic that fights multiple kinds of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites (and vampires.)

Garlic can be eaten whole, but may upset your stomach and others when they smell your breath. It tends to be much easier to use a garlic supplement.

Licorice: This candy contains glycyrrhizic acid (say that three times fast!) This acid attacks the cold sore virus eliminating the cold sores very quickly.

There’s two ways you can use this. The first and simplest way is to find real licorice and eat it. As your body digests the candy, the glycyrrhizic acid will be absorbed into your system and will go to work on the virus. The second way is to make a licorice cream out of licorice powder and vegetable shortening. Rub this compound onto the sore and let it sit. Don’t go overboard though as this mixture can irritate the skin if used excessively.

Additional Information

Next time you are facing a cold sore try some of the remedies above. However, for even more information on cold sore cures check out Gary Townsend’s incredible book Banish Cold Sores.

(Update: Gery saw our post here on NaturalRemedyReports.com and let us know about some special bonuses he’s just added.  He asked us not to post them here as he’s trying to keep it under the radar. See his page here for more info.)

Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Disclaimer: Natural treatments for type 2 diabetes can help regulate blood sugar and help your body respond better to insulin. However, never use these treatments as a substitute for your doctor’s instructions and always consult your doctor before trying any of the ideas below as they could interact with any medication you may be taking.

To understand how various herbs, vitamins and minerals can help manage your type 2 diabetes, you need to understand what is actually going on in your body. In your body, your cells need energy to perform their cell duties. They get this energy from glucose which comes from the starches and sugars that you eat. However, your cells cannot ingest glucose directly. They need a helper.

Enter insulin. Insulin builds a bridge between your cells and the glucose. This allows your cells to “eat.” The problem with type 2 diabetes is that the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. This leaves you with hungry cells that cannot perform to their fullest.

Knowing this, there are many supplements, vitamins and minerals that can help with the production of insulin and the regulation of blood glucose levels.

1) Ginseng

Ginseng is a species of slow-growing plant with fleshy roots. It can be found growing naturally in many of the countries in the northern hemisphere. However it is primarily found in North America and eastern Asia. It is primarily touted for its anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties.

Some research done on Asian ginseng suggests that it may lower blood glucose levels. Other studies performed on North American ginseng show that it may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

We recommend Panax Red Ginseng.

2) Chromium

Chromium known to enhance the action of insulin. A shortage of Chromium inhibits the body’s ability to use glucose requiring the levels of insulin needed to meet energy needs. Studies suggest that 200 to 1000 mcg of chromium daily can improve insulin efficiency and glucose tolerance.

Chromium can be found naturally:

Food	Chromium (mcg)
Broccoli, ½ cup	11
Grape juice, 1 cup	8
English muffin, whole wheat, 1	4
Potatoes, mashed, 1 cup	3
Garlic, dried, 1 teaspoon	3
Basil, dried, 1 tablespoon	2
Beef cubes, 3 ounces	2
Orange juice, 1 cup	2
Turkey breast, 3 ounces	2
Whole wheat bread, 2 slices	2
Red wine, 5 ounces	1-13
Apple, unpeeled, 1 medium	1
Banana, 1 medium	1
Green beans, ½ cup	1

 

However, due to the relatively small amounts found naturally, it is generally much easier to take them in a concentrated form. Chromium can be found here.

3) Magnesium

Magnesium is a naturally occurring element that is used in nearly every major bodily process.

According to the U.S. Government’s Office of Dietary Supplements:

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.   Source here. Emphasis added.

Magnesium can be found in most multi-vitamins. It can also be found as a stand-alone supplement – Dyno-Mins Magnesium.

4) Cinnamon

Cinnamon: Good for baking, good in apple cider, good for your diabetes?

Multiple studies have been published on the effects of cinnamon on blood glucose levels and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). In one study participants were given approximately one quarter teaspoon to one teaspoon of cinnamon for 40 days. At the end of the study all groups saw significant reductions in their fasting blood glucose levels, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

For more on the effects of cinnamon see this article on About.com

One of the best sources of cinnamon for diabetics is Enhanced Cinsulin with Glucose Management Proprietary Blend.

5) Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gels is typically used for burns and various other skin conditions. However, recent studies have shown that Aloe Vera can have an effect on blood sugar levels. Scientists have identified certain compounds in the gel that reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

Aloe Vera can be found in a pill form, but is usually only carried by specialty health food and natural supplement stores.

6) Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants – most notable are peanuts, pomegranates, beer, olive oil, chocolate, coffee and tea. They are an antioxidant and can help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Studies suggest that a polyphenol found in green tea may have a positive impact on insulin levels and glucose control. However, small clinical trials have been inconclusive. However, it has been proven that the polyphenols in green tea inhibit amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down simple sugars that can travel through the blood stream. Thus helping to control blood sugar levels.

Don’t like to drink green tea? Try Green Tea Extract.

7) Vanadium

Vanadium is a naturally occurring element found in about 65 different minerals. While typically used in steel production, Vanadium has shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body.

The use of this supplement does not come without a warning though as the levels required to be effective can be toxic. As with all supplements, be sure to consult your health care professional before using.

Vanadium can by found in products such as Vanadyl Sulfate.

8) Momordica Charantia

Momordica is a plant that is native to tropical locations in South America, Asia, East Africa and The Caribbean. It can also go by the names of bitter melon, Karela or balsam pear. Ancient Indian practitioners have used the extract of the unripe fruit of the plant to treat conditions such as diabetes, infections and cancer.

Momordica works in much the same way as insulin to reduce blood sugar levels. A study published in the British Biomedical Journal of Science in 2005 “showed that M. charantia extract normalized blood glucose level, reduced triglyceride and LDL levels and increased HDL level. The animals reverted to a diabetic state once the M. charantia extract was discontinued.”

Momordica Charantia can come in a pill or liquid form and is usually only carried by specialty retailers.

And Many More…

This is only a short list of supplements that have been found to be a natural treatment for type 2 diabetes. Stop by your local health food and supplement store sometime. The people working there are usually very knowledgeable and can offer guidance on natural remedies to help improve insulin efficiency and control blood sugar levels.