Lips and mouths come in for their fair share of hyperbole—whether compared to a cupid’s bow or accused of talking like a sailor. When it comes to matters of the mouth, we’re told to keep a stiff upper lip, stop mouthing off, and bite the bullet. Unpleasant sounding options, all.  

On the subject of lip health in particular, stiff is exactly what we don’t want. As colder weather approaches, our lips can be a barometer of the chill—drying, cracking, and peeling like a little piece of desiccated fruit. Time to plump, protect, and moisturize.

Natural Support

It’s easy to ignore our lips, but nothing grabs our attention like a raging case of chapped chops. Heat and cold take their toll on the only area of our body that doesn’t produce any oil or sweat. Unable to moisturize themselves, lips can become dehydrated if not properly protected.

Clearly a first line of defense against dehydration is hydration—that is, drinking plenty of water throughout the day. While that advice is a no-brainer during the hot summer months, we’re often inclined to forget that it’s equally important during the winter. Another defensive player in keeping lips moisturized: lip balm that has a rating of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15.

That said, you might also consider adding the following to your beauty regimen. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is well-known for supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as overall growth and eyesight. But you may not realize that it’s also an important component in lip and tongue health. Signs of B2 deficiency include itching skin and lips. Food sources for this vitamin include leafy greens, fish, and yeast; in supplemental form, the European Union recommends 1.6 mg daily.

A best-selling herb in the U.S. health food market, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is well-respected for a variety of uses, including anti-inflammatory applications. It’s also effective for treating mouth and gum sores, cracked and bleeding lips, and canker sores. One of this herb’s major alkaloids, the antibacterial berberine, has also been reported to stimulate bile and lower blood pressure in laboratory animals.

The Pampered Lip

Don’t forget to call on outer as well as inner lip support. Stephanie Tourles, author of The Herbal Body Book, recommends cocoa butter as a lip balm for men as well as women. She also notes that a bit of honey on the lips attracts moisture and keeps them soft and hydrated, while vegetable glycerin and vitamin E together create a moisture shield.

Remember to read ingredient labels. When looking for lip products that hydrate and heal, avoid those containing mineral oil or petroleum, which cause irritation and dryness. Check for protective ingredients like cocoa and shea butters, aloe, calendula, and vitamins C and E.

A happy, hydrated mouth requires more than mere lip service.     

The Sore That Came in from the Cold

While more than half of all Americans get them, they’re still a sore subject. Once the cold sore virus enters your body, it never leaves, lurking and waiting for just the right conditions of stress or infection to emerge. Highly contagious, cold sores can appear on the lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks for up to three weeks.
An alkaline diet emphasizing cooked and raw veggies and whole grains, rich in vitamins and minerals, may help discourage an outbreak. Victor Zeines, DDS, MS, FAGD, recommends Vitamin C (500 mg, six times daily) to inhibit the virus and support the overall immune system. Lysine (500 mg, three times daily) also fights the virus and works together with B complex (100 mg, three times daily) to keep it from spreading.