How effective is Oregano Oil for cold sores? (Updated 2024)

Oregano oil is a product that is made out of the oregano plant termed Origanumvulgare.

It consists of a higher amount of helpful elements present naturally in the plant.

So, today we will look into the Oregano Oil for cold sores along with the benefits of other essential oils.

The oil can be used orally, unlike the essential oregano oil, which is a lot more concentrated and is used in aromatherapies where people ingest essential oils by mouth.

Oregano oil is effective for several conditions, whether the person is applying it topically or consuming an oral supplement.

There are compounds present in the oil that have effective antimicrobial and antioxidant properties explaining various benefits.

There are a few risks and potential issues considered before using oregano oil as it may not be for all, and today will look into its deeper insights!

 

Contents

What is oregano oil? 

The small bushy plant that belongs to the mint family is known as oregano or Origanumvulgare.

It is similar to the herbs being used in Italian dishes.

Oregano oil consists of higher essential compounds in its leaves and smaller stems.

The oil manufacturers dry the stems and leaves and then steam-distill the plant matter to extract several compounds,

The following are the active components present in oregano oil:

  • Carvacrol is the primary active compound present in oregano oil and phenol, an antioxidant.
  • Thymol is effective in safeguarding you against toxins and fighting fungal infections.

The thymol compound occurs most abundantly in thyme, and this compound is available in plenty of oregano oil.

 

Wild Oregano Oil for cold sores

Wild Oregano Oil for cold sores

Oregano oil is a popular and efficient herbal remedy for cold sores derived from several oregano plant sections.

Because of its antiviral effects, it lowers the irritation and size of cold sores.

This cure is only for adults, not for children.

To avoid mistakes, dilute any essential oil first with a carrier oil before applying it.

What will you need? 

  • About 8-10 drops of oregano oil
  • 3 Tsp of Coconut Oil
  • A Dropper Bottle
  • Small Funnel
  • Cotton Ball

Directions

  • Pour about 8-10 drops of essential oregano oil and about 3 tsp of coconut oil into your dropper bottle using a smaller funnel.
  • Ensure to shake your bottle before using it.
  • You are applying the prepared solution over your cold sore using a cotton ball.
  • Repeat this remedy about twice each day to check out the positive results.

 

ReadValor Essential Oil

 

What Is Cold Sore? 

Cold sore is also known as oral herpes, a skin condition occurring in the smaller vesicles collected in patches around your face and lips. It heals within 1-3 weeks, being a transmittable disease. It is the most incurable condition, but you can expedite its healing procedure by reducing recurrences with the prescribed medications and even the home remedies.

 

What are the triggers and causes for its reoccurrence? 

Once the HSV enters a person’s body, no vaccine or medication can eliminate this virus as it sticks with the host for the entire life. Herpes is a simplex virus that stays inactive in the body till it is reawakening, inducing the cold sores once more. The following are the triggers for this reoccurrence:

  • Viral infection or fever
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent exposure to sunlight and cold wind
  • Weakened immune system
  • Skin injury

 

Symptoms of Cold Sore 

Cold sores mainly pop up on the mouth and lips, developing anywhere around your face. A person dealing with cold sores can experience the following symptoms:

  • Itchy and tingling sensation
  • Small blisters filled with pus near or on lips
  • Crusting and oozing
  • Burning, painful, red sores
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Muscle Aches

 

ReadHow to Use Cuticle Oil?

 

Other Essential oils for cold sores 

Oregano Oil for cold sores

The following are the essential oils that are useful to treat the cold sores:

Lavender 

Lavender oil has long been used to cure several ailments, such as skin irritation and bruising.

Lavender oil may help relieve the pain associated with cold sores, even though it has little effect on the virus. Lavender oil proved to have the potential to reduce pain and inflammation in one study.

When using lavender oil for the first time, dilute it with a carrier oil. They might be able to utilize a more potent blend if there is no reaction.

Because lavender oil rarely irritates the skin, it can be used undiluted. Apply about one or two drops of this oil immediately to the area.

 

Peppermint oil

It is noted in a study that peppermint oil has been shown to inhibit the activities of both the herpes virus type 1 and type 2.

The conclusion of your study states that peppermint oil is helpful in treating recurrent infections of herpes.

Just a few drops of peppermint oil can be diluted with mild oil such as almond oil to apply to the sore.

 

Chrysanthemum oil 

Although chrysanthemum oil does not appear to be a specific treatment for the herpes simplex virus, studies have shown that it has a robust anti-inflammatory impact, which may help to alleviate symptoms.

Chrysanthemum oil allergies are somewhat prevalent. It’s best to test the essential oil on a tiny skin patch before applying it to a cold sore.

 

Eucalyptus oil 

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil may be beneficial in treating cold sores.

According to a study, eucalyptus oil can reduce inflammation. Eucalyptus may hasten the healing of a cold sore by lowering inflammation.

To avoid irritation, users should dilute eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Because eucalyptus is a known allergen, persons who are allergic to it should avoid using it.

 

Clove oil 

The effect of clove is studied on the herpes simplex virus and others, including hepatitis C.

Clove may consist of an antimicrobial and antiviral effect on the herpes simplex virus. It can also reduce the pain that is associated with cold sores.

Cloves can be irritating when they are applied directly to the skin. Mild oil should be used before its application, such as coconut, and the users should be cautious while applying the mixture to the sore.

 

Chamomile oil 

Chamomile oil will interrupt the absorption of the herpes virus into the cells quite differently than the antiviral drugs, as noted from the sources.

The oil is helpful to treat drug-resistant herpes strains. Chamomile oil is used in diluted form before its application.

 

Tea tree oil 

According to the review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, tea tree oil has shown its ability to stop or kill the herpes simplex virus.

The oil is quite strong; therefore, it is best to use it cautiously. Users should dilute it with a carrier oil to decrease their chances of skin irritation.

 

Hyssop oil 

According to the research, it is seen that hyssop oil is the essential oil that happens due to the reduced viral activities.

You should dilute it before use.

 

Lemon balm oil 

Melissa extract, often known as lemon balm oil, may have an antiviral effect on the herpes simplex virus.

According to one study, the oil stops the herpes virus from entering the cells.

Users must administer the concentrated oil to the cold sore with a cotton swab three or four times per day for optimal results.

 

Thyme oil 

The ability of thyme oil to treat herpes simplex virus type 1 has been investigated. According to the findings of one study, the essential oil has antiviral properties against the virus.

Before applying thyme oil to a cold sore, it should always be saturated with a carrier oil.

 

ReadDoes Beard Oil Work?

 

Risks and considerations 

It’s necessary to be aware of the hazards while utilizing essential oils to treat cold sores.

Some essential oils are unpleasant to the skin and can cause damage if used excessively.

When utilizing essential oils, an allergic reaction is possible. An allergic response manifests as hives, redness, or itching at the application site.

People should stop using the oil immediately if symptoms of an adverse reaction appear.

It’s possible that diluting an essential oil with a carrier oil is beneficial and necessary.

Dilution means the carrier oils are more easily absorbed and cause minor skin irritation. The common carrier oils that are used for diluting the essential oils are:

  • coconut oil
  • sweet almond oil
  • olive oil

The ratio of the essential oil to the carrier oil varies. Generally, a ratio of 2-5 drops of essential oil diluted in 1 ounce is used in a carrier oil.

 

ReadSesame Oil Benefits

 

FAQs

Below we share some FAQs related to the “Oregano Oil for Cold Sores”

1. Can oregano oil be used to treat cold sores?

One of the most common oils for treating cold sores is oregano oil.

Because of its health benefits, this oil has been utilized for a long time. Oregano oil can speed up the healing process while reducing inflammation and swelling.

 

2. What is the most refined oil for cold sores?

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil may be beneficial in treating cold sores.

Eucalyptus oil reduces inflammation, and eucalyptus may hasten the healing of a cold sore by lowering inflammation.

 

3. Does oregano oil help with canker sores?

You can resolve your canker sores in as short as a day by swishing through a solution of coconut oil and water or simply dabbing a little on your problem region.

You can pace up the healing process by adding a drop of oregano oil.

 

4. How much oregano oil should I take if I have a cold?

Because oregano oil might irritate mucous membranes in the throat, esophagus, and stomach when taken alone, it’s best to take it with a carrier oil.

She recommends a single dose of 50 to 80 milligrams (two or three drops).

 

5. Can I get rid of a cold sore every day?

Cold sores usually recover in 5–15 days without treatment, and Antiviral drugs can shorten the healing time by around one day.

Symptoms are relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers, topical medicines, and warm compresses.

 

6. Which vitamin can help with cold sores?

Flavonoids and Vitamin C can help heal cold sores as vitamin C is proven to reduce the herpes virus in a test tube.

In one research, people with herpes infections were given a placebo or 200 mg of vitamin C + 200 mg of flavonoids three to five times per day.

 

7. What transpires if oregano oil is consumed?

In addition to curing bacterial infections, oregano oil also contains Thymol, a natural fungicide.

This substance boosts your immune system, protects you from contaminants, and enables your body to recuperate properly.

 

8. What is the time taken to do oregano oil work?

Those who used the spray experienced fewer symptoms of sore throat, wheezing, and cough 20 minutes after using it than those in the placebo group.

However, there was no significant difference in symptoms between the two groups after three days of treatment.

 

9. How many days might you take oregano oil in a row?

It isn’t a good technique because it’s your gut bacteria that manage your immune system at the moment.

My general rule is to take oregano oil for no more than two days in a row and only when I’m experiencing the early signs of a viral infection.

 

10. How do you tell the difference between oregano oil and oregano oil?

It’s necessary to distinguish between essential oregano oil and oregano oil.

Oregano oil is fragrant oil extracted from the oregano plant’s leaves, and it is offered as a liquid or as edible capsules.

 

ReadEucalyptus Oil For Hair

 

Key Takeaway

  • Oregano oil is known for its potential to help with several issues.
  • For instance, it can become an antimicrobial remedy as it should not be replacing the medical treatment.
  • Oregano is an herb used to make oregano oil as it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The health benefits of oregano oil include warding off bacterial infections, digestive issues, fungal infections, tumor growth, and inflammatory conditions.
  • The Oregano Oil for cold sores can be used on the skin, taken internally, or diffused as it can aid digestion to promote gut health.

 

ReadMaracuja Oil Benefits

Blake