If you're looking for a cold sore treatment, there are alternatives that you may not have considered. The next time you start to suffer from a cold sore, try using Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids.

What Is a Cold Sore?

A cold sore is a blister that develops on or around the lips. They can be very painful. Cold sores usually form around the outer edges of lips and can even form inside the nose. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. They can be caused by stress or by another infection that the body is carryng, such as a cold virus or immune disorders. They may also be caused by sun exposure, fever, tiredness, diet deficiencies or menstruation in women. Cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is good for the body's defense system. It helps to fight off colds and other types of infections, including cold sores. Vitamin C builds up the body's resistance and helps it to fight off stress and fatigue. It can even help in the healing process of the skin tissues. Vitamin C can be found in fresh fruits and vegetables, or you can take a Vitamin C supplement.

Foods High in Vitamin C

  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Lemons 
  • Broccoli


Bioflavonoids help the body to absorb Vitamin C and resist the infection. If the body has high levels of Bioflavonoids, it can help in healing the skin rapidly and fighting off the infections. It can also help the body to fight off other infections such as colds. Bioflavonoids are found in foods like fruits, vegetables and teas. Bioflavonoids make the rich colors in fruits and vegetables.

Foods Containing Bioflavonoids

  • Oranges
  • Cherries
  • Grapefruits
  • Lemons
  • Cranberries
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Eggplant
  • Black Tea

Benefits of Combining Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids

There are many benefits of combining Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help the body absorb and distribute the Vitamin C where the body needs it. By eating a diet high in Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids, it can help to prevent cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks usually happen when the body is feeling stressed or when the immune system is down. Eating a diet high in this combination can help boost the immune system and therefore reduce the outbreaks of cold sores.

If you suffer from frequent cold sores, there are a number of things to try to avoid the outbreaks. Try to increase the amount of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids in your diet. This may help reduce the number of outbreaks. There are other ways to try to prevent outbreaks such as avoiding sun exposure, avoiding stress and boosting your immune system.

The next time you feel a cold sore coming on, start eating fruits and vegetables full of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids. This may help to heal the cold sore faster by increasing your immune system.