Peppermint Essential Oil for Cold Sores

Tips and ideas for how to use Peppermint essential oil as a remedy and treatment for cold sores. While I always love Peppermint oil, using it treat a cold sore is one of its more practical uses.

This time of year we always hear about “cold and flu season” but not a lot about one of the side issues – cold sores.  

Just this week I had a terrible cold with drippy nose, chapped lips and coughing, and then got that stupid tingly feeling, not a cold sore too? Yep! I am sure it was a combination of damaging my lips AND a compromised immune system that brought it on!

Cold sores are viral, the herpes simplex viruses, HSV1 and HSV2.  Cold sores viruses are very contagious, just like cold and flu.  If you’ve had them, you know that getting them to go away is paramount.  

I’ve found that OTC treatments are expensive and don’t always work.  Essential oils, fortunately for me, have made a difference. 

Additional resource :: How to use essential oils to treat cold sores!

Peppermint Essential Oils For Cold Sores

Peppermint essential oil has antiviral properties and might help to fight the virus that causes those nasty blisters to pop up.  The problem with the blisters is that when they break, the virus can and does spread. 

And while peppermint can't heal cold sores, the menthol in peppermint moisturizes the skin which helps with the irritability and tightness, keeping it from splitting.  

Plus the cooling of the mint will soothe inflamed skin and help with the healing process.

One caution (ok 2):  don’t use if you have any allergies to mint or menthol.  Also, don’t apply with a finger, and like chips and dip, don’t “double dip” or put the cotton swab back on or in the bottle.  You’ll contaminate the oil and could re-infect yourself.

How To Use Peppermint Oil For Cold Sores

Using it is rather simple.  Put a few drops onto a cotton swab and dab on the affected area.  Do not rub, especially if applying to a scab.  

You can repeat this process several times per day as needed. Waiting for several hours between applications is wise.

Using roller balls for this is not a a great idea as the Herpes virus can spread. Doing a single use application is best for this one!

Diluting The Oil

With your lip all broken open, it might be particularly sensitive. If so, consider mixing your peppermint oil at least 50/50 with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.

Don't make too much since you have to dispose of it after your cold sore goes away to avoid contaminating your other blends.

Additional resource :: What are Carrier Oils?