Info: Available in Two Types
Nobody likes the uncomfortable and embarrassing appearance of cold sores or their aftermath. To help moisturize, soothe, and protect your lips from that blight, Herstat created an ointment (for active outbreaks) and a companion maintenance product which are infused with bee propolis: a natural preservative with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing properties.
Info: Available in Two Types
Nobody likes the uncomfortable and embarrassing appearance of cold sores or their aftermath. To help moisturize, soothe, and protect your lips from that blight, Herstat created an ointment (for active outbreaks) and a companion maintenance product which are infused with bee propolis: a natural preservative with anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing properties.
Product Notes:
Herstat protective ointment is clinically proven to ease the symptoms nearly a third faster than a placebo, and the moisturizing stick not only helps relieve, protect, and prevent cracked or chapped lips like any regular lip balm, but also softens the scabs or crusts specifically associated with cold sores.
Cold sores or fever blisters most commonly occur on the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), with outbreaks manifesting as an itching, tingling, and sometimes painful sensation that culminates in the formation of tiny fluid-filled blisters.
Cold sores usually last about 10 to 14 days without treatment; however, once a person has contracted the HSV, it remains dormant in their body, thus making them more susceptible for future outbreaks, for the rest of their life.
There are numerous triggers for them, such as fatigue, illness, stressful events, hormonal changes, coming into contact with someone who already has a cold sore, or too much sun exposure. If you are prone to cold sores, you should also try to avoid foods that are high in arginine (such as chocolate, wheat, and nuts), as this amino acid supports the replication of the herpes simplex virus in the body.
Herstat works.
A peer-reviewed, double-blind clinical study found cold sores healed an average of 3-1/2 days faster in the Herstat ointment treatment group (at the 6-1/4 day mark) compared to the control group (9-3/4 days), and the pain was completely gone by the seventh day for all the ointment users, while nearly a quarter of the placebo group still found them painful at that point, which lingered for as long as five days more for some.
Related products with Propolis: See Prairie Doctor Bee Propolis Tincture and Beekeeper's Naturals Throat Relief Spray.
Herstat Propolis ACF Ingredients:
Moisturizing Lip Care Stick:
Medicinal ingredient: Standardized Cdn Propolis ACF extract: 3% (30 mg per g)
Non-medicinal ingredients: White Petrolatum: 47.95%, Paraffin Wax, Heavy Mineral Oil, Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Carnauba Wax, Propylene Glycol.
Moisturizing Lip Care Protectant Ointment:
Medicinal ingredient: Standardized Cdn Propolis ACF extract: 3%
Non-medicinal ingredients: White Petrolatum: 89.5%, Heavy Mineral Oil, Ethanol, Lanolin.
The propolis used in Herstat is highly purified and fully tested to be free from impurities such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other contamination. It is sourced from beehives in a well-defined area of Manitoba and the extract is produced in a purpose-build refinery here in our hometown of Winnipeg.
"ACF" is the acronym for Antiviral Complex of Flavonoids.
Suggested Usage:
Moisturizing Lip Care Stick: Apply as often as needed in-between cold sore outbreaks, both to help prevent, protect and relieve chapped lips and to relieve dry lips. Do not use this directly on a cold sore during an outbreak, however - use the ointment for that.
Moisturizing Lip Care Protectant Ointment: Apply directly to the affected area every 2 hours during cold sore outbreaks (or starting with the tingling sensation preceding one), up to 5 times per day.
Close the cap tightly and store below 25°C (77°F), for both types.
Warnings:
Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are allergic to bee by-products, poplar trees, or balsam of Peru.
For external use only. Do not use in or around the eyes. Keep out of reach of children.
Propolis may cause skin irritation; discontinue use if a rash appears. Test on a small area of your forearm before use.
Stop use and consult a doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days.
Health Canada Natural Product Number for the ointment: 80021252.
Supporting Science:
Hoheisel, O. "The effects of Herstat (3% propolis ointment ACF) application in cold sores: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial," Journal of Clinical Research, 2001.
Bankova, V, et al. "Chemical composition of propolis extract ACF® and activity against herpes simplex virus." Phytomedicine, 2014.
Related Reading: Fighting Cold Sores With Food and Coping With Cold Sores Naturally.
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