Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Aloe vera has been explored as a supportive treatment for cold sores (herpes labialis), with some scientific evidence suggesting potential benefits. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that aloe vera gel possesses antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Specifically, certain compounds in aloe vera, such as acemannan, have demonstrated inhibitory effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the primary cause of cold sores. For example, a few in vitro studies have shown that aloe extracts can reduce HSV-1 replication and improve cell viability post-infection.

Clinical evidence, however, remains limited. One small randomized controlled trial found that topical application of aloe vera cream reduced healing time and promoted faster resolution of lesions compared to placebo. Nonetheless, the overall number of human studies is small, and sample sizes tend to be limited. As a result, most medical guidelines do not currently recommend aloe vera as a first-line treatment for cold sores, though it may be considered as an adjunct for symptom relief due to its soothing and moisturizing effects.

In summary, while traditional use of aloe vera for skin ailments is widespread, there is a modest but growing body of scientific evidence supporting its topical use for cold sores, primarily due to its antiviral and wound-healing actions. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific indication.

More about aloe vera
More about Cold Sores

Other health conditions supported by aloe vera

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles