The buzz about Cold Sore Free Forever is going around. Here is what one customer had to say:

“If you want to cure cold sores the natural way; you found the definitive solution. I almost gave up to live with cold sores but fortunately I did not. Cold sore free forever is the helping hand that will tell you how to get rid of this condition and not just cover its symptoms!”

If you’ve suffered from cold sores, you know first hand how painful and embarrassing they can be. You don’t want anyone to see you, it hurts to eat or drink, and a date? Forget it. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 causes cold sores and HSV-2 causes genital herpes. Most commonly, both viruses are spread through direct contact.

Derek Shepton, creator of Cold Sore Free Forever, suffered with cold sores for twelve years. He claims to have found a natural, permanent cure and is now sharing it in this electronic guide.

How It Works

Once you purchase Cold Sore Free Forever, you will have instant access to download the guide. Cold Sore Free Forever will show you how to:

• Eliminate a cold sore in as little as three days
• Prevent cold sores from coming back
• Cure cold sores safely and naturally
• Heal cold sores without the use of oral or topical medications
• Improve your appearance
• Relieve pain caused by cold sores

Cold Sore Free Forever is $34.97. Your purchase includes seven bonus guides and is backed by a sixty day money back guarantee.

Benefits

Cold Sore Free Forever is a more economical way to treat cold sores. Rather than paying for doctors visits or medications, you can treat cold sores from the comfort of your own home  saving you time and money.

Cold Sore Free Forever is also a safe form of treatment, and won’t cause harmful side effects. Because the remedies are made with natural ingredients, they are safe for most everyone.

With the sixty day money back guarantee, you can try Cold Sore Free Forever without any risk. If you’re not happy or you don’t see results, simply return the guide for a full refund.

Downside

As you already know, Cold Sore Free Forever is in electronic format and will not be physically sent to you. This means you must have an Internet connection in order to benefit from the guide. If your Internet goes down, your computer crashes, or you’re some place where there is no Internet, the guide will be of no value. Keep  this in mind before buying Cold Sore Free Forever.

Conclusion

Overall, Cold Sore Free Forever looks like a safe and quality product. The customer feed back is positive, the guide is easy to use, and it was created by someone who has actually suffered from cold sores rather than just a large pharmaceutical company.

If you’d like more information on  top-quality treatments for cold sores, click here. To learn more about Cold Sore Free Forever, take a look at the official website.

Beta-mannan is a natural dietary supplement that takes certain extracts of the aloe vera plant that promote immune function and package them in pill form. Beta-Mannan is a proprietary supplement manufactured in the United States and created by Dr. Joe Glickman, Jr.

What’s Inside?

Beta-mannan consists of long-chain, mannose, mucopolysaccharide molecules, also referred to as beta-mannans and beta-glucans found in the aloe vera plant. Although there are a number of other compounds present in aloe vera, Beta-mannan has no other compounds from Aloe vera. These mucopolysaccharide molecules are said to support normal immune function and for that reason can be found in supplements used to treat HSV-1 and HSV-2. Beta-mannans have not been found to be allergenic and also do not have laxative effects.

In addition to the beta –mannan concentrates, which are listed as a proprietary blend, the ingredients of Beta-mannan include, in each serving of 2 capsules: Natural Vitamin E, Microcrystalline Cellulose, and a gelatin capsule of a vegetable source. The gelatin capsule is a brand name capsule called a Vegi-cap which is a 100% vegetarian capsule made from pure carbohydrate gum derived from natural cellulose pulp of the soft tissue of pine trees.

Benefits

Aloe vera has been somewhat of a magic healer since ancient times. It is well documented that these beta-mannans exist in aloe vera and some suggest that they are highly effective immune system boosters. A healthy immune system and proper dietary health are the two main factors in controlling herpes outbreaks. The fact that Beta-mannan is a dietary supplement with no reported allergic reactions ever reported makes it a pill just about anyone could take and see improved control of herpes or herpes-related symptoms.

Drawbacks

The same risks exist with this product as all other natural medications. The research supporting their relationship to the immune system may be solid but the direct effect on the herpes virus is thin at best. This is even more true with Beta-mannan because it makes use of a substance that is not widely used to treat HSV-1 or HSV-2. You run a legitimate risk of paying for a product that will have no direct effect on the herpes virus or its symptoms.

Conclusion

You have to admit this is a cool product. I think that mostly because it is different. There are a number of natural herbs being sold on the market claiming to boost immune function but the use of beta-mannans is relatively new. I like companies that push the limits of known medicine to try and find better ways to treat us. That being said, just because its new doesn’t make it better. Whenever you decide to buy an untested product you run the risk of being the sucker who bought a worthless supplement. There is not a lot of research into the effects of this product directly on herpes. It may be a better choice if you are looking to improve overall health rather than for a specific treatment.

QuickClear is a natural herpes treatment product that claims to contain a unique blend of powerful ingredients proven to relieve herpes symptoms. Quickclear Claims to contain the “7 most powerful herbs to treat the virus that causes herpes outbreaks and cold sores.” The Quickclear formula promises to be formulated perfectly in an advanced delivery system capsule, which boosts natural defenses in our body to fight herpes.

How it Works

The company says Quickclear works on the basis of restoring your body’s defense system. They accomplish that with a blend of immune system boosting herbs like: Burdock root, Ashwanganda root, Echinacea root, Passion Flower, Hydrangea root, Fenugreek Seed, Barberry Root.

QuickClear offers 4 treatment programs:

• 3-Month (Virus Elimination Treatment): You take 1 capsule 2 times a day for 90 days. They claim you should be “outbreak free” after that point.

• 5-day (Outbreak Elimination Treatment): You take 3 capsules 3 times a day for 5 days. After the five days they say your herpes or cold sore outbreak should be completely eliminated.
• Quickclear Soothing Spray Gel
• Quickclear Cold Sore Lip Treatment

Benefits

Like any natural supplement, you don’t have the risk of harmful side effects when you use a natural remedy as opposed to a pharmaceutical product. The fact that most natural supplements are available without a prescription and can be purchased easily over the internet is also a big selling point for those who like convenience and discretion. Quickclear simply provides a product with several ingredients meant to boost your own immune system.

Downside

Although you do run the risk of side effects with a prescription herpes treatment, you at least can be certain of the main effect. Pharmaceutical companies have to go through a rigorous testing process before a drug can be released to the public. Those tests ensure that the product you are buying does what it says it does. As is the risk with any medication that hasn’t been thoroughly tested, you don’t know if it will be effective or just a waste of money.

Conclusion

Quickclear makes use of a number of ingredients that are widely believed to have immune system boosting properties. It does not have many of the ingredients found in other natural medication that have been said to contain anti-viral properties but there isn’t a lot of evidence that such herbs actually help fight viral infections anyway.

I think Quickclear is right there with most other natural remedies you can find for herpes. I like how they actually list the ingredients but there is very little in the way of differences to distinguish this particular product above any of the other herbal medications on the market. Be careful when considering any such medication because the effectiveness is a matter of debate. There isn’t much research to back up the claims and these pills can be expensive.

Viralprin is a popular medication formulated to relieve the symptoms of a herpes outbreak using a natural blend of herbal extracts. The ingredients in Viralprin have been shown to boost the body’s immune system so it can better combat the viral outbreak of both HSV-1 and HSV-2.

What’s Inside?

I wish I had a better answer for this question but Viralprin uses the ambiguous “proprietary blend” label to describe the actual active ingredient in the pill. You will come across this sort of thing a lot in the natural supplement community. It doesn’t mean that the blend is ineffective but it also doesn’t give you much to go on other than the company-provided claims and testimonials.

The ingredients actually listed on the side of the bottle do include things like Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (a d-alpha tocopherol), Folic Acid, Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin), Zinc (as zinc gluconate), Coenzyme Q10, lysine, Goldenseal (Root), Cat’s Claw (uncaria tomentosa), Astragalus (root) and Hyssop (aerial parts). All of these ingredients have been shown to boost immunity and help relieve viral infections and their symptoms but it is difficult to say how everything interacts without knowing what is in the proprietary blend and in what quantity.

Benefits

The benefits of a natural supplement over a prescription medication are pretty obvious. The potential side effects of substances like Vitamin E or B-12 are almost non-existent whereas a pharmaceutical grade product comes with a list of potential side effects so long I couldn’t fit it in this review. Most of the natural remedies can be obtained without a prescription and don’t run you the risk of any long term damage. In many cases, natural remedies are also cheaper and more readily available.

Drawbacks

There is still little in the way of hard evidence that natural remedies really work. The basis of most herbal medication is their ability to boost the body’s own natural defenses rather than attacking the problem head on. Since there is no FDA approval there is always a risk that what you are buying won’t work at all. This is especially true here because the company provides very little in the way of research to back up their claims.

Conclusion

I have to put this product right in the mix with all the other natural herpes medications on the market. I worry about the “proprietary blend” but I can’t really hold that against a company, especially if the blend actually works. I guess effective medications need to remain secret but it makes it hard to determine if it will indeed be effective.

The ingredients, that are actually listed, are well tested and safe but can be found in a lot of other less expensive products. Viralprin does come with a money back guarantee which is something you should always look for.

All in all, I think this is as good a product as a number of others I’ve seen and will likely yield similar results. Use price and promotional offers to differentiate between products when making your choice.

The VyGone Zapper is a mechanical mechanism designed for the treatment of cold sores, genital sores, shingles, molluscum, moles and warts. The VyGone Zapper applies a mild electro waveform to a sore which stops viral activities and allows fast natural healing. The Zapper is meant to be used as soon as you feel the signature tingling before an outbreak or as late as during a full blown outbreak. The mild electronic wave is said to help prevent blisters and lesions from forming.

How Does the VyGone Zapper Work?

A user would place the metal probes across the clean afflicted area as soon as he or she felt the initial tingling of a cold sore or on an already affected area. The device has a RED start button which, when pushed, initiates a mild novel beta electro signal waveform to pass between the probes. Although harmless, some users have reported feeling a slight electronic flow like a tickle or a mild shock-like sensation. Keeping the device on the affected area, watch for the light to turn on, this light then switches colors in a few seconds and will turn off when the process is finished.

Benefits

This electrical device provides a safe, noninvasive remedy as opposed to harsh chemical treatments or expensive creams or pills that have to be used constantly. The Zapper is reported to simulate neural signals to stop herpes activities outside nerves. Without viral interference, the body’s fast natural healing is then allowed to occur. Reports show the Zapper stops damage allowing sores to disappear in days instead of weeks. Some have also claimed to have seen preventative properties associated with its use if applied early at first itching, tingling or burning. Users can also apply the device as often as needed hourly, up to 8 times daily.

Downside

This product does nothing to actually treat the virus. There are no mechanical aids that have ever been shown to help increase the body’s natural defenses against the initial infection that causes the outbreaks in the first place. This device is more of a reactionary tool rather than a preventative treatment for HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the system.

Final Thought

This is by far the most imaginative treatment for herpes related outbreaks you will find on the market. The obvious benefit of having a device that does not have to be refilled as an expensive prescription would is very appealing. Some research does show that these types of electronic waves can be effective at treating skin related ailments and similar products can be found to treat acne. In the end, however, the same principle is being applied here as with any other herpes treatment you have found on the market. The only real relief from these types of sores comes from the body’s own immune system. Whether that is accomplished using a mechanical device or a pill, the results will be the same.

Dynamiclear is a topical solution meant to treat an active herpes related area or cold sore. It is a sulphate based solution which contains copper as a trace metal in an aqueous, odorless herbal base. The product is meant to be applied to an open sore in a single application.

What’s Inside?

Sulphur is one of the main active ingredients and provides the base for the medicinal properties of Dynamiclear. Sulphur is so widely used in herpes medication because it is the basis of the modern antibiotic and is an age-old remedy used against infections and to help the recovery of wounds.

The Dynamiclear formula also includes a healthy dose of the herbal extract St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, which has long been used to treat wounds and infections and has been shown to be an active weapon against viral particles. Some clinical studies suggest that Hypericum extract is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of recurrent episodes of herpes labialis (oral cold sores) and herpes genitalis (genital herpes). Hypericum perforatum is known to have potent antiviral and antibacterial properties which are beneficial in the treatment of the herpes virus.

These two ingredients will be the base of most herbal treatments for herpes and herpes-related diseases on the market. In addition to Sulphur and St. John’s Wort, Dynamiclear includes calendula flower extract, vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish and soothe the skin as it heals. These botanical blends can help to reduce redness, itching, swelling and inflammation and aid the skin in returning to its normal healthy state.

Upside

This is a natural product containing none of the chemical compounds found in pharmaceutical grade treatments. There are no associated side effects or long term damage associated with the use a product with these ingredients.

Users report that single applications of Dynamiclear were effective in reducing pain, irritation, swelling and the duration of an outbreak. That is both convenient and cost effective.

Downside

As with most topical treatments, Dynamiclear must be used on active sores. The company does claim to have some effect on future outbreaks but this product is more of a treatment than a preventative measure. The topical use of a sulphur based treatment on an active area also means a painful burning sensation as the compound penetrates the skin. This is usually mild and does not last however.

Also, Dynamiclear is not effective for all users. This is true of all medications but should be especially considered when purchasing a natural treatment.

Conclusion

Dynamiclear is much like the majority of treatments on the market. There is very little that can distinguish it from any of the hundreds of competitors. Although each product tries to differentiate itself, there is no effective difference between Dynamiclear and most of the other herpes treatments I have investigated. You could be just as happy with this product as any of the others so use price and company guarantees to choose which one is right for you.

Oxy-Fend is a combination of several natural anti-viral ingredients infused with oxygen meant to treat the symptoms of genital warts, genital herpes, cold sores, HPV, syringoma  and other related infections. The anti-viral properties of the blend along with the oxygen create an environment they claim is deadly to the herpes virus.

What’s Inside?

The formula of Oxy-Fend is called a bio-oxidative product, which essentially means that it uses ozone to create an effective “Kill-Zone for wart causing agents” according to the Oxy-Fend web site. The compound does contain FDA-approved Salicylic Acid which is a treatment for the removal of warts associated with HPV. Salicylic Acid can also act as an antiseptic which will Oxy-Fend claims will help prevent future outbreaks. Recently, Oxy-Fend added Green Tea Catechins which have been used more recently as a treatment for wart removal.

These ingredients, meant mainly for genital warts and genital herpes, can also be effective treatments for syringoma and cold sores.

Why is Oxy-Fend Effective?

The claims made by Oxy-Fend to be “the most effective genital herpes treatment & genital warts treatment available” are based mostly on their use of ozone. Ozone is a molecule of oxygen similar to the one we breathe, however in large amounts would be toxic if inhaled. Oxy-Fend cites research done by Dr. Paul Wentworth Jr. and his colleagues at the Scripps Research Institute which indicates that your body produces ozone naturally. This research supports their claim that the “oxy” in Oxy-Fend has significant virus killing properties.

This information is the basis for the concept of ozone as a medicine. According to the research cited by Oxy-Fend, cells produce ozone in order to combat infection. This ozone kills dead, diseased or dying cells in the body by disrupting and destroying their cell membranes. By harnessing the immune properties of ozone with an effective delivery system, such as a topical cream applied to the area affected by the herpes virus or genital warts, Oxy-Fend purports to mimic and greatly enhances the body’s own immune response.

Thumbs Up

I give a lot of credit to those on the cutting edge of treatment. This is not a widely known or used treatment for genital herpes, HPV or genital warts and, if effective, could be a good natural alternative to harsh medication.

Thumbs Down

“If effective” is a big caveat to my thumb up. There is some research to back up Oxy-Fend’s claim but it is a single report and companies have been known to spin research in to their advantage even if the claims made by the researchers are not as groundbreaking as the company might intimate.

Conclusion

There is a movement within the herpes treatment market toward the introduction of oxygen as a treatment for herpes and herpes-like diseases. It is still not the “go-to” treatment but that does not mean these types of treatments are not effective. More research is sure to follow but at this point this method of treatment is in the beginning stages and could prove to be ineffective.

Acyclovir is the active ingredient in a number of drugs, including Zovirax, and is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. Acyclovir is also sometimes used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus.

Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body.

How Should It Be Used?

Whether Acyclovir comes as a tablet, a capsule, or a suspension (liquid) it is traditionally taken orally. It is usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes (HSV-1), it is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months. Acyclovir is a prescription medication and should be taken carefully following the directions on your prescription label or of your doctor. Taking more of it or for longer than prescribed, will not speed recovery or help prevent outbreaks.

Use of this product has been well documented to alleviate the symptoms of all forms of the herpes virus. If symptoms do not improve you should talk to your doctor. Also, Acyclovir operates much like an antibiotic would in your body. It is important to take the entire prescription as directed even if you start to show improvement before the entire regimen is complete.

Other Uses

Acyclovir is sometimes used to treat eczema (a skin infection also caused by the a for of the herpes virus.) In cases of HIV, Acyclovir can be used to treat and prevent herpes infections of the skin, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Benefits

Acyclovir is the tried and true treatment for the herpes virus. There is very little to debate at this point as to the effectiveness of the drug.

Drawbacks

Like any prescription drug, Acyclovir has known side effects that you would not find with the use of a natural substance. The list of potential side effects listed with the FDA is so long I can’t even include it here. It is unlikely that you will experience any or even some of these side effects but the increased risk should give you a reason to think twice before going the traditional route. In addition to the side effects, there is mounting evidence that long term use of the drug could lead to resistant strains of the herpes virus.

Conclusion

It is hard to argue with decades of scientific research into the treatment of herpes. As I said, this is the tired and trusted treatment for both symptoms of HSV-1 and the virus itself. There is a lot of evidence showing the effectiveness of this product that you will not find with any other treatment. Weigh the financial and health risks and benefits carefully before deciding.

Nexcare is an over-the-counter topical ointment produced by the company 3M and is marketed as a topical treatment for cold sores. The makers of Nexcare report that the active ingredients in the ointment include benzocaine, allantoin, vitamin E and tea tree oil.

What Does It Do?

When applied to your skin, the main ingredient in Nexcare, benzocaine, interferes with the actions of sodium in your nerve cells. This is a well known way to decrease the sensations of pain. Allantoin, the other main ingredient in Nexcare, is a substance that helps protect your skin and keep it moist. The vitamin E and tea tree oil essentially perform the same function as the Allantoin.

Does It Work?

It is well documented that the ingredients in Nexcare are effective remedies for the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores; however, there is no real evidence its ingredients have any properties that would actually affect the HSV-2 virus that causes the cold sore. Nexcare is an effective treatment for the symptoms of HSV-2 but does little to combat the virus causing the sore.

Benefits

With Nexcare you know exactly what you are getting. This is a topical cream meant very specifically to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a cold sore. The ingredients have been proven over the past hundred years to accomplish both those tasks and there is nothing extra added that does not help perform one of those functions. 3M is one of the most reputable companies in the world so you can be confident that the product will do what it says it will do. They recommend you apply the cream up to four times a day and claim you should see results within the week. If symptoms do not improve, you should contact a doctor.

Downside

This product does nothing in the way of treatment or prevention of the root cause of the cold sore. There is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores to appear, but there are a number of things you can do to kill that virus as it flares up in your system. Nexcare is simply a band-aid and really takes no steps toward treating what is actually ailing you. Also, 3M does not list specific side effects but both benzocaine and tea tree oil have been known to cause skin irritation. Since that would defeat the purpose of using a product meant to help alleviate irritation, take that into consideration when using this product.

Conclusion

There really isn’t much to say about this product. It is a simple topical cream with ingredients you can find in dozens of similar products. The price will vary widely depending on where it is purchased so I would use that as the determining factor when choosing a cold sore remedy. You can also look for generic compounds with similar dosages if price is an issue.

Never an Outbreak is an all natural herpes treatment kit. The company claims that once you start using the product you can live “outbreak free” for the foreseeable future. The claims basically state that their system, when taken correctly, is a cure for the symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

What’s Inside?

The Never and Outbreak kit relies primarily on DMSO and what they call Liquid Stabilized Oxygen to fight the herpes virus. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless liquid and is an important solvent. It has the distinctive property of penetrating the skin very readily, which is why Never an Outbreak touts the effectiveness of the compound in delivering their herpes treatments. There really isn’t much of an explanation available as to what Liquid Stabilized Oxygen is or what it does, except the company’s claim that a virus can’t live in the elevated oxygen environment.

The kit comes with a container of rose-scented DMSO cream and a bottle of the Liquid Stabilized Oxygen along with a book outlining the best way to use the product and control herpes in general.

Benefits

The Website for Never an Outbreak has a long list of users giving glowing testimonials about its effectiveness. If these testimonials are an accurate picture of the facts, the claims made by Never an Outbreak would appear to be accurate and a user could expect to live a life free of herpes outbreaks. Although it wouldn’t technically cure the disease it would, for all practical purposes, do just that.

On the Other Hand

There are several serious questions that immediately arise if anyone is actually paying attention when they look at Never an Outbreak:

• All Natural: Contrary to the claims made on the website, there is really nothing “all natural” about DMSO or Liquid Stabilized Oxygen. DMSO is derived from wood pulp, which is natural,  but then again gasoline is derived from decayed organic matter. The latter, Liquid Stabilized Oxygen, seems to be more of a fabrication of the marketers than an actual chemical compound.
• Never an Outbreak basically claims they can permanently eliminate outbreaks which may not be a cure but is basically the same thing. That sounds a little too good to be true…
• Where is the clinical research? Even the official website offers nothing more than testimonials and claims without anything to back them up.

Final Thought

This is a very interesting product. The claims are out of this world which always gives me pause, but there is very little evidence available that would either prove or disprove them. The treatment is different than most other products on the market which also can’t be determined to be good or bad since there is no research available saying the treatment is effective at all in treating herpes. The product is pretty pricey and is to be used for the rest of your life so there is some financial risk being placed solely on the shoulders of customer testimonials. I wish I could say one way or another if this was a good product but there just isn’t anything to sway me either way.