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L-LYSINE

  • Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that occur on the gums and the lips.  They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). 

  • The primary herpes infection usually occurs in children and young adults.  It is usually asymptomatic but high fever, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue may be present.  Recurrences are common in adults and can be triggered by sun exposure, fever, menstruation, stress, upper respiratory infection and other illness.  

  • Blisters are contagious and may continue to be contagious even in the absence of visible cold sores.  

  • Cold sores must be differentiated from Canker_Sores, which commonly occur on the tongue and walls of the mouth, syphilis, carcinoma, hand-foot-mouth disease and erythema multiforme.

Treatments

 

1) Lysine and Arginine

A diet that is high in lysine and low in arginine has been found to be helpful.  In vitro studies indicate that the amino acid arginine is required by the herpes virus to replicate.  Since lysine competes with arginine for intestinal transport, a diet rich in lysine (brewers yeast, legumes, dairy, wheat germ, fish and meat) and low in arginine may have an antiviral effect.  Chocolate, peanuts and almonds are high in arginine and should be avoided.  In addition to dietary changes, lysine supplements are recommended.  A dose of 1,000 mg taken three times a day has been shown to be effective.  This approach is not curative but can help prevent recurrences.   

 

We stock a very high quality brand of L-Lysine tablets.   Click here to order. 

If you suffer from recurring cold sores you really ought to keep a supply of L-Lysine on hand.  It seems to work best when you begin taking it as soon as you feel a cold sore starting.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Whether the virus can act up or not depends on the RATIO of the amino acids lysine to arginine.  Arginine triggers the virus into hyperactivity; thus, taking extra lysine changes this ratio and subdues them. It's obviously extremely important, then, to avoid foods that are high in arginine if you want to avoid an outbreak.  The three main culprits (foods highest in arginine) are chocolate, nuts, and gelatin. (Yes, gelatin, so taking lysine in a gelatin capsule is a waste of money and effort! The production of such a conflict should not be allowed!   Brussels sprouts, corn, oats, and to a lesser extent wheat also are higher in arginine than lysine, but aren't nearly as herpes-happy as the three foods listed above. 

 

2) Zinc

Topical applications of zinc can reduce symptoms and prevent recurrences.  It is applied directly to the skin at the site of the flare-up.  Natural health practitioners may also recommend oral zinc supplements.

 

3) Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral properties.  In a research study conducted in hospitals and dermatology clinics in Germany, lemon balm cream promoted the healing of blisters in 5 days compared to 10 days in the control group.  Used on regularly, lemon balm cream can decrease the frequency of recurrences.

 

4) Other treatments

Supporting the immune system should be the primary goal of therapy.  Natural health practitioners often use thymus extracts, vitamin C, herbs and recommend exercise.

 

 

NOTE:  Do NOT Share Your Lip Balm with anyone else.  Cold Sores are contagious.  Order multiple containers. 

 

 

References 

1.  Lininger S, Gaby A, Austin S, Brown DJ, Wright JV, Duncan A.  The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition. Prima Health and Healthnotes, Inc., 1999.

2.  Murray M.  Dr. Murray's Total Body Tune-Up. New York, New York. Random House, Inc.; 2000

3.  Murray MT, Pizzorno JE.  Textbook of Natural Medicine, Vol 1 and 2. Churchill Livingstone. Edinburgh, 1999

Canker Sores

  • Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, apthous stomatitis and ulcerative stomatitis, are small painful ulcerations that have yellow-gray centers and a red border.  Usually 1-2mm wide, they occur on non-keratinized mucosa inside the mouth: the inner side of the lips, the tongue, the back and floor of the mouth and the wall of the cheeks.  They do not occur on the lips, the gums or the hard roof of the mouth.  Ulcers can be single or can occur in clusters.  

  • The cause of canker sores is uncertain, however, associations with human herpes virus 6, food sensitivities, stress, and nutrient deficiencies have been suggested. They generally take 1-2 weeks to heal and may recur monthly or several times per year.

  • Canker sores must be differentiated from drug allergies, herpes simplex infection, Behcet's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and squamous cell carcinoma.  In some cases, biopsy of the ulcer may be necessary.

  • Conventional treatments include topical steroids, mouthwash, or an oral paste for symptomatic relief.  In severe cases, systemic glucocorticoids may be prescribed. 

Therapeutic Considerations

 

1) Avoid toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an irritant detergent commonly found in toothpaste.  People with recurrent canker sores may benefit by switching to a brand of toothpaste that does not contain SLS, which is believed to abrade the protective mucus layer in the mouth and increase the likelihood of developing canker sores.  Research studies have found a decreased incidence of recurrent canker sores after two months of avoiding SLS, however, one double-blind study did not support this finding.

Here's a great idea ...  Try our Tooth Soap.

 

2) Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

DGL is the herb licorice that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed, the portion that can increase blood pressure.  In one research study, DGL was found to promote the healing of canker sores, with a 50-75% improvement in one day.  This study used a mouthwash made of powdered DGL mixed with water.  Alternately, DGL tablets can be chewed with water, swished in the mouth and swallowed. The Compounder stocks a high quality Chewable Licorice Tablet

 

3) Identify and eliminate food sensitivities with an elimination and challenge diet

Food sensitivities, especially to gluten-containing foods (wheat, rye, barley, oats), have been found clinically to be associated with recurrent canker sores. The microscopic appearance of the sores and the increased antibodies to certain food antigens in some people with recurrent canker sores support this theory.  Double-blind studies, however, have yet to confirm this.

 

4) Decrease dietary intake of nitrites

Cured and processed meats, such as bacon, sausage and ham, are high in nitrites.  One study found that the risk of esophageal cancer was seven times greater in individuals with a history of canker sores.  The authors report that canker sores may be an indicator of a high conversion of nitrites to carcinogenic nitrosamines.

 

5) Vitamin C

Vitamin C works directly against viruses and has been found to inhibit the herpes virus in vitro.  In addition, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines from dietary nitrites, found in bacon, ham, sausages and other processed meats, and from dietary nitrates, found in vegetables and other foods.

 

6) Nutrient Deficiency

Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.  Other nutrients that have been found to be low in people with recurrent canker sores include riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and iron. 

 

Lip Balm Ingredients:  Morgan's Lysine Lip Balm is a pharmacist's medicated formula for healing cold sores fast. Morgan's Lysine Lip Balm contains all natural ingredients; L-lysine, Vitamins A and E, Grapefruit seed extract, in a cosmetic base of Beeswax, Octyl Palminate, Lanolin, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Aloe Oil, Candula Extract and Allantoin.