Natural Remedies for Cold Sore
Dealing with cold sores can be a stressful experience. Cold sores can be painful, contagious, and often unattractive, leading to social stigmas and isolation. Fortunately, finding relief is not impossible with the help of natural remedies. These remedies often involve common household products, and they can help soothe the symptoms of cold sores as they heal.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural oil found in the leaves of the Australian tea tree plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including cold sores. Tea tree oil has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. The oil can be applied directly to the sores, but it is important to dilute it first with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or almond oil. Applying tea tree oil undiluted can cause skin irritation.
- How to use tea tree oil for cold sores?
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil.
- Apply the mixture to the cold sore with a cotton swab or q-tip.
- Leave the mixture on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a herbaceous perennial plant that is part of the mint family. It has antiviral properties that help speed up the healing of cold sores. Lemon balm can be applied directly to the sores, or it can be taken orally in supplement form to help boost the immune system.
- How to use lemon balm for cold sores?
- Steep a tea bag of lemon balm in hot water for a few minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and let it cool down.
- Apply the tea bag directly to the cold sore for a few minutes.
- Repeat the process a few times a day.
- Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cold sores. The oil has antiviral properties that can help kill the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Peppermint oil can be applied topically to the sores or taken orally in supplement form.
- How to use peppermint oil for cold sores?
- Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or almond oil.
- Apply the mixture to the cold sore with a cotton swab or q-tip.
- Leave the mixture on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Cornstarch paste
Cornstarch is a common household ingredient that can be used to alleviate the pain and itching associated with cold sores. It works by drawing moisture away from the skin and drying out the sores, which can help speed up the healing process.
- How to make cornstarch paste for cold sores?
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few drops of water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the cold sore.
- Leave the paste on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Ice
Ice can be an effective natural remedy for cold sores as it numbs the sore and reduces inflammation. The cold temperature can also help reduce the size of the sore and speed up the healing process.
- How to use ice for cold sores?
- Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean towel or cloth.
- Hold the ice pack over the cold sore for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Do not apply the ice directly to the skin as it can cause frostbite.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin ailments, including cold sores. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the swelling and redness associated with cold sores, and it can also help speed up the healing process.
- How to use aloe vera for cold sores?
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel.
- Apply the gel directly to the cold sore.
- Leave the gel on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Garlic
Garlic is a common food ingredient with antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Garlic can be applied directly to the sores or taken orally in supplement form to help boost the immune system.
- How to use garlic for cold sores?
- Peel and crush a raw garlic clove.
- Apply the crushed garlic to the cold sore.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process a few times a day.
- Salt
Salt is a common household ingredient that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. Salt has antiseptic properties that can help keep the sores clean and prevent infection.
- How to use salt for cold sores?
- Mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the cold sore.
- Leave the paste on for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid made from apples and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cold sores. It has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
- How to use apple cider vinegar for cold sores?
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Dab the cotton ball onto the cold sore.
- Leave it on for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Oregano oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil that is derived from the oregano plant. It has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Oregano oil can be applied topically to the sores or taken orally in supplement form.
- How to use oregano oil for cold sores?
- Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or almond oil.
- Apply the mixture to the cold sore with a cotton swab or q-tip.
- Leave the mixture on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Honey
Honey is a natural product that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cold sores. Honey has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. Honey can be applied directly to the sores or taken orally in supplement form to help boost the immune system.
- How to use honey for cold sores?
- Dab a small amount of honey onto the cold sore with a cotton swab.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural oil derived from the meat of coconut. It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores and reduce the swelling and redness associated with them.
- How to use coconut oil for cold sores?
- Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the cold sore.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Cucumber
Cucumber is a common food ingredient that can be used to alleviate the pain and itching associated with cold sores. It works by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing inflammation.
- How to use cucumber for cold sores?
- Cut a slice of cucumber and place it on the cold sore.
- Leave it on for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Yogurt
Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that contains probiotics that can help boost the immune system and fight off the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
- How to use yogurt for cold sores?
- Dab a small amount of plain yogurt onto the cold sore with a cotton swab.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated oils that are derived from plants. They have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cold sores. Essential oils have antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.
- How to use essential oils for cold sores?
- Choose an essential oil, like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or oregano oil.
- Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or almond oil.
- Apply the mixture to the cold sore with a cotton swab or q-tip.
- Leave the mixture on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Stress management
Cold sores are often triggered by stress and anxiety. By managing stress levels, it is possible to prevent cold sores from recurring.
- How to manage stress for the prevention of cold sores?
- Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid triggers, like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Sun protection
Exposure to sunlight can trigger a cold sore outbreak. Protecting the lips and face from the sun can help prevent cold sores from recurring.
- How to protect against sunlight exposure for the prevention of cold sores?
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Use a lip balm with SPF protection.
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours from 10am to 4pm.
- Practicing good hygiene
Cold sores are highly contagious, and they can spread from person to person through close contact, like kissing or sharing utensils. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of cold sores.
- How to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of cold sores?
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with others when you have a cold sore.
- Do not share personal items, like utensils or towels.
- Cover the cold sore with a bandage to prevent it from spreading.
- Throw away the used bandage and wash your hands.
- Immune system boosters
Boosting the immune system can help prevent cold sore outbreaks. Anti-viral medications can often be used for severe or frequent cold sore outbreaks.
- How to boost the immune system for the prevention of cold sores?
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Take supplements that contain immune system boosters, like vitamin C or zinc.
- Consult a doctor about anti-viral medications.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help speed up the healing process of cold sores.
- How to use vitamin E for cold sores?
- Break open a vitamin E capsule.
- Apply the vitamin E oil directly to the cold sore.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
- Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is a common ingredient found in many skincare products. It has antiviral properties that can help fight the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.