c0818f1a_Health_Information_Library__Why
[Used for] 2 Stars Cold Sores Apply a cream containing 2% extract six times daily for three to eight days [Why] 
Witch hazel has been shown in one study to reduce the size of cold sores and the spread of inflammation. The proanthocyanidins in witch hazel have been shown to exert significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex 1 in the test tube.2 In a double-blind trial, people with acute cold sore outbreaks applied a topical cream containing 2% witch hazel bark extract or placebo six times a day for three to eight days.3 By the end of the eighth day, those using the witch-hazel cream had a pronounced and statistically significant reduction in the size and spread of the inflammation when compared to the placebo group.
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