Educational reference, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before changing what you take.Read more.

Research · Randomized controlled trial

Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis

What it found

Lower symptom scores at day 2 and faster resolution versus placebo, especially when started early; small trial of one proprietary extract.

Design
Randomized controlled trial
Year
1999
Sample size
66
Population
patients with recurrent cold sores (≥4 episodes/year)
Intervention
1% standardized lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream applied 4×/day for 5 days vs placebo
Outcome
combined symptom score; healing
Journal
Phytomedicine

Citation last checked 2026-06-21.