Natural
Lysine Supplementation
for Cold Sores
L-lysine supplement (1,000mg daily for prevention, 3,000mg during outbreak) combined with a low-arginine diet.
How it works
Lysine competes with arginine (an amino acid HSV-1 requires to replicate) for absorption. High lysine:arginine ratio inhibits viral replication.
What to watch for
Avoid high-arginine foods during outbreaks (nuts, chocolate, seeds). High-dose lysine (3g+) may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Community experience
Other remedies for Cold Sores
See all 10 remedies →WikiRemedy surfaces community experience, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional.