Natural remedy for cold sores

Lemon Balm is best known for its calming properties, and has been used for centuries as a mild form of tranquilliser, (a sort of medieval form of Valium if you like), and it has properties that inhibit bacteria and viruses. It now appears that it can also help you with one of winter’s biggest bugbears, cold sores. A study carried out in Germany at the University of Heidelberg has found that the plant contains a naturally occurring ingredient that actually stops the herpes virus from getting into the skin cells. If you are prone to this unpleasant and unsightly condition, then get a natural lip balm from the health store that contains the herb, or make a daily cup of lemon balm tea part of your winter regime – it makes a very refreshing herbal tea and would be a very calming start, or end, to the day – certainly a bit healthier than coffee!