If you are interested in getting rid of cold sores, we need to address some dietary guidelines first.

• Eliminate foods containing the amino acid L-arginine. L-arginine promotes the herpes virus and is found in chocolate, peanuts, whole-wheat products, brown rice, raw cereals, oatmeal, carob, corn, popcorn, nuts, seeds, raisins and dairy products. (In fact when I see a patient with a cold sore scab, I ask them when the last time was they ate a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup).
• While the fever blister or tongue sores are active, eliminate acidic citrus fruits and juices. If your body is already too acidic, this can slow the healing process.
• To help flush out toxins, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water every day.
• Eliminate processed foods such as sodas, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, caffeine and sugar.
• Eliminate fish or meat of any kind during an outbreak, as the consumption of animal protein increases the body's acidity, which slows the healing process.

If you are suffering from tongue sores or a cold sore scab you may want to start taking the following supplements:

• Garlic
• L-Lysine
• Vitamin B-complex
• Topical grapefruit-seed extract and tea tree oil
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Zinc lozenges

A herpes outbreak is an excellent time to consider a detoxification program, as the virus is not being contained in the nervous system, and is a sign that the body is already in a process of detoxing. Please keep in mind that the herpes virus is extremely contagious. You may be at risk of contracting the herpes virus simply by drinking from the same glass as someone who has a cold sore scab, even if that glass was washed after use. Stress and allergies or too acidic a body are probably the most common cause of tongue sores or fever blisters. Consult a health care practitioner if you have either tongue sores or fever blisters that do not heal on their own after two weeks time.