Commonly known as "cold sores", cold sores are manifested by the appearance of a cluster of very painful vesicles around the lips. This infection is caused by the HSV-1 virus (herpes simplex type 1) while HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes. After a primary infection which most often goes unnoticed, these viruses have the particularity of remaining “dormant” in the body. Depending on the person, all it takes is an infectious episode, fatigue or stress, exposure to the sun or cold, the period of menstruation, taking medications with immunosuppressive effects... for them to be " reactivated”. In the event of a herpes outbreak, there are several essential oils with antiviral and analgesic properties known to be particularly effective. It is recommended to apply them as soon as the warning signs of the rash appear (burning and tingling sensation, slight fever, aches and pains).
This article was updated on 04/12/2023Several essential oils such as Ravintsara or Niaouli have long been recognized for their antiviral properties, whether it's a cold, flu or even herpes. In vitro studies have been able to highlight their different modes of action on viruses: by direct destruction (virucides), by preventing them from entering cells (adsorption and penetration phase) or even from multiplying ( replication phase).
This antiviral activity of essential oils would even be particularly effective on so-called “enveloped” viruses such as herpes viruses. Research on essential oils such as Tea Tree and on several isolated molecules (monoterpenes, alcohols, citral and 1,8-cineole) has effectively confirmed their strong virucidal activity. Additional studies are still necessary, but expert advice and feedback on their use confirm an interest in this area, especially since conventional treatments are of limited effectiveness for the moment.
It is especially recommended to use essential oils at the first signs and/or in synergy to optimize their antiviral power. This also allowsact as a complement on pain and skin regeneration, by combining essential oils with analgesic or healing properties. But be careful, this is a very contagious virus. You will therefore have to remain vigilant until complete healing to avoid contaminating your loved ones. As for complications, they are quite rare. However, if signs persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor.
From 6 years old. Dermal, place 1 drop of pure Niaouli essential oil on the affected area. Apply every 2 hours, until the herpes disappears.
From 3 years old and for reactive skin. Dermal, prepare a 20% mixture (60 drops of Niaouli essential oil in 8 mL of vegetable oil). Apply 1 to 2 drops of the mixture to the affected area, every 2 hours, until the herpes disappears.
More details : how to use Niaouli correctly?
Take your empty bottle and add:
Cap (click!), homogenize then label your bottle. Your synergy is ready!
Place 1 drop of the mixture directly on the affected area. Apply every 2 hours, until the herpes disappears.
Wash your hands thoroughly after application in case of direct contact.
YES. Adults, adolescents and children over 3 years old.
NO. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 3 years old.
More details : essential oils for children over 3 years old
These precautions apply under the application and dosage conditions cited above. If in doubt, ask your question on our forum and consult your doctor.
Niaouli essential oil is the one that is most often recommended to relieve herpes. Even if there is no clinical study yet to validate this reputation, several of its components do indeed have complementary properties consistent with use in this indication. 1,8-cineole, the majority in Niaouli (45 to 65%), is in virucidal effect. Associated with α-terpineol, another component of Niaouli, 1,8-cineole also has the ability to penetrate the membrane of the virus and prevent its multiplication.
In addition, the Niaouli has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its content of sesquiterpenes such as β-carophyllene which will act in synergy with eucalyptol and α-terpineol. Finally, nerolidol (5 to 10% in Niaouli essential oil) is a sesquiterpene alcohol with properties healing, capable of acting even at low doses.
Known for its broad-spectrum anti-infectious properties,tea Tree essential oil (or Tea Tree) would be active on the herpes virus HSV-1 by a predominantly virucidal action. A 2010 study notably made it possible to make the link between this property and the presence of alpha-pinene and alpha-terpineol. We also find in Tea Tree essential oil a high concentration of terpinen-4-ol (between 30 and 50%), a monoterpenol that is both very antiviral, but also anti-inflammatory.
All these properties make it another essential oil of choice against herpes. If used alone, it is recommended to apply it as soon as the warning signs of a herpes outbreak appear.
The wealth oftrue Lavender essential oil in linalool and linalyl acetate gives it analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties particularly sought after in cases of herpes. As cold sore outbreaks are most often very painful, Lavender will then complement the antiviral activity of the other essential oils in the mixture. In addition, True Lavender essential oil is skin regenerative. Hence its interest throughout the herpes outbreak until the healing phase.
These are finally his calming and sedative properties which will be appreciated in olfaction, especially when herpes is favored by stress.
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Publication: Astani, A., Reichling, J. & Schnitzler, P. (2009). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research, 24(5), 673-679. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2955
Publication: VALUSSI, M. [Marco V., PESONI, D. [Didier P., FRENNET, P. [Pascale F., Davide Donelli & Michele Antonelli. (in press). Antimicrobial properties of essential oils extracted from plants of the Asteraceae family against Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2): a systematic review. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/ECA2021-09399
Publication: Vakilian, K., Atarha, M., Bekhradi, R. & Chaman, R. (2011). Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: A clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(1), 50-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.05.006
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Website : Cold sore (herpes labialis) - symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention. (n.d.). VIDAL. https://www.vidal.fr/entreprises/peau-cheveux-ongles/bouton-fievre-herpes-labial.html
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This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.