Is Coconut Oil Good for Cold Sores?

Coconut oil has hundreds of healthful uses and fighting off cold sores is one of its specialties. To get rid of cold sores fast, you must inactivate the virus that causes them. Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that lies dormant in nerve cells until they are activated by anxiety, stress, cold, excessive sun exposure, or illness. Cold sores are painful, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. They are unsightly and often very slow to heal. Luckily, coconut oil is very good at killing and inactivating the virus that causes cold sores.

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that have antiviral , antibiotic, and antifungal properties, specifically lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These little good fats are capable of dissolving the outer layer of lipid covered bacteria, viruses, and fungus. They are even more effective after being touched by enzymes in the human body, destroying invaders from within as well. This includes the herpes virus that causes cold sores and many other types of viruses like HIV and measles. These abilities are being studied to strengthen immunity, lighten the viral load, and reduce symptoms of many illnesses that are thought to be incurable. Coconut oil may not offer a cure either, but it does help, especially with cold sores.

Dab it on as soon as you feel the blister start forming and take it internally too. One to three tablespoons a day will help kill off that pesky herpes virus and you will see that cold sore disappear much faster than normal. As a bonus it softens, soothes, and conditions skin so the marks smooth out and go away faster too along with other blemishes and wrinkles.