Home Remedies for Cold Sores?

If you wake up with a cluster of tiny white blisters popping out on your lips or chin don’t panic. This is nothing but cold sores which is caused by HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus), which is usually acquired through contact with infected saliva. These sores can last on your external lip for 7 to 14 days. These are more contagious when oozing blisters are present. They are also known as fever blisters and are very common. In this article, you will find the best home remedies for cold sores.

Causes of Cold Sores:

• Too much stress.
• Depression
• Weak immune system.
• Too much exposure to sunlight.
• Hormonal changes such as menstruation.
• Symptoms of Cold Sores:
• Dehydration
• Blisters in the mouth.
• Headache
• Lip swelling.
• Pain in mouth or tongue.
• Swollen glands.
• A sore throat.
• Difficulty in swallowing food.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Fever and Nausea.
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Burning sensation.
• Itching

Home Remedies for Cold Sores:

1. Alcohol for Cold Sores:

The anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties of alcohol stop the virus cells from spreading. Alcohol contains glycyrrhizic acid, which makes it an amazing home remedy for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take one teaspoon of alcohol.
• Add one teaspoon of water.
• You can also add petroleum jelly as it can speed up the healing process.
• Mix it well.
• Soak cotton in the paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Make sure it is covered completely.
• Leave it for a few hours or overnight.

2. Treat Cold Sores with Aloe Vera:

The anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera accelerate healing and reduce pain caused by cold sores. It contains certain vitamins, enzymes, and minerals, which boost healing and prevents further infection.

Directions for Use:

• Wash an aloe vera leaf and cut it into two halves.
• Extract the gel and apply directly on the affected area.
• You can also use cotton to dab the gel on the affected area.

3. Tea Tree Oil to Get Rid of Cold Sores:

The astringent properties present in tea tree oil makes it an excellent home remedy for cold sores as it accelerates the healing process. It kills the bacteria, sterilizes the wounds and stops the bacteria from spreading. It is one of the best remedies for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Soak cotton in tea tree oil.
• Dab it over the affected area.
• If you have an extra sensitive skin, then you can dilute it with water.
• Apply the oil four to five times a day.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide for Cold Sores:

It helps in disinfecting and drying up the sore. It can be used as a cleansing antiseptic that prevents infection and promotes healing.

Directions for Use:

• Take clean cotton.
• Soak it in hydrogen peroxide solution.
• Dab the cotton on the affected area.
• Place the cotton at least for 5 minutes.
• Rinse it off.
• Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a day.

5. Treat Cold Sores with Peppermint Oil:

The antiviral properties of peppermint oil can be used to take the sting out of a cold sore. It exhibits a high level of virucidal activity against HSV-1(herpes simplex cells) and HSV-2.

Directions for Use:

• Clean the area of sore with water.
• Soak cotton in water and then dip it in peppermint oil.
• Apply it on the affected area.
• Apply it four to five times a day.

6. Consume More Vitamin E and C:

Consumption of vitamins can be a great home remedy for cold sores. Vitamin C helps in boosting white blood cells, which protects the body from infection. Vitamin E helps in relieving the itching sensation and discomfort of cold sores.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E:

• Spinach
• Nuts
• Sunflower seeds.
• Shellfish.
• Plant oils.
• Broccoli
• Pumpkin
• Fruits
• Tomatoes
• Papaya
• Olives
• Dried apricots.
• Wheat

Foods Rich in Vitamin C:

• Strawberries
• Citrus fruits.
• Kiwi
• Bell peppers.
• Melons
• Dark leafy greens.
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Kale
• Guava

7. Cornstarch Paste for Cold Sores:

Cornstarch paste provides relief in the itchy burning pain by neutralizing the pH of the sore. It creates an alkaline state in which the virus cannot thrive. It is a natural home remedy for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
• Add water to it to form a thick paste.
• Apply it on the sore.
• Leave it overnight.

8. Witch Hazel to Cure Cold Sores:

It has astringent properties which help to dry out the cold sore. The proanthocyanidins present in witch hazel exert significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex1. The herb contains tannins that relieve inflammation. It is among the best remedies for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take a clean cotton cloth.
• Soak it in witch hazel solution.
• Dab it on the affected area and leave.
• Repeat this process 3 to 4 times a day.

9. Use a Sunscreen for Cold Sores:

The ultraviolet radiations of the sun can affect the sensitive skin and lead to outbreaks. Use a sunscreen specially designed for the lips. Make sure it has an SPF of 15. You can also use sunscreen lipsticks or lip balm with SPF 15.

10. Lemon Balm for Treating Cold Sores:

Lemon balm is in the list of the best remedies for cold sores. The presence of antiviral properties in lemon balm helps to fight against herpes simplex1. Lemon balm contains polyphenols which help in shortening their duration and reduces the chances of further outbreaks. It is available in the form of capsules, extracts, tinctures and oil.

Directions for Use:

• Put 2 to 3 drops of lemon oil to the affected area.
• Place the ice cube over it for 10 minutes.
• After that, cover it with a layer of petroleum jelly to avoid bacteria.
• Repeat the process several times a day.
• You can also use a lip balm with at least one percent of lemon balm.

11. Echinacea to Get Rid of Cold Sores:

Echinacea boosts the immune system, thus preventing from cold sores. The antiviral properties of Echinacea make it a great home remedy for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take a bowl and add boiling water.
• Place your tea bag in that water.
• Cover the lid and steep it for 10 minutes.
• Squeeze the bag to get the good stuff.

12. Salt to Treat Cold Sores:

Salt is a natural anti-bacterial substance which helps ease the effect of herpes simplex 1. It has several antiseptic properties that help to stop the spread of bacteria. It is considered as one of the best remedies for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take one teaspoon of water.
• Add salt in it to make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area.
• Instead of water, you can also mix milk to it.

13. Ice Cubes to Cure Cold Sores:

It can bring you temporary relief by numbing the searing pain. This can be one of the simple and easy home remedy for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take a few ice cubes and wrap it in a plastic bag.
• You can also use a clean cloth.
• Keep the bag on the sore.
• This will give you instant relief from pain.

14. Chamomile to Relieve Cold Sores:

This sweet smelling plant contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are highly effective against herpes simplex. This is among the best remedies for cold sores.

Directions for Use:

• Take a pan and add water.
• Add some chamomile to it.
• Cover the lid and steep it for 10 minutes.
• Have this tea.
• You can also dab some chamomile on the sore for speedy healing.

15. High-Lysine Food to Relieve Cold Sores:

Lysine is an amino acid which helps in relieving cold sores. It is used for preventing and treating cold sores.

Foods Rich in Lysine:

• Cheese
• Chicken
• Pork
• Soya foods.
• Fish
• Seeds and nuts.
• Eggs
• Pulses

Homeopathic Remedies for Cold Sores:

Calendula Ointment: It helps to keep the lips moisturized and hence speeds up healing.

Borax: It is useful for herpes eruption.

Graphite: It is used when honey like substance oozes from the sore and cracking and crusting begins.

Mezereum: This remedy is used when there is a yellow secretion from the oozing crust.

Dulcamara: It is used when cold sores are caused due to the rainy season.

Preventive Measures for Cold Sores:

• A good sleep will help to reduce stress and depression which is one of the causes of cold sores.
• Change your toothbrush within short periods of time.
• Do not touch or pop the sores.
• Use a hand wash to prevent the spread of infection.
• Avoid junk food and include fiber foods in your diet.
• Avoid coming in contact with a person having cold sores as it is contagious.
• Don’t use lipstick or lip balms that have been used by the infected person.
• Don’t share food, drinks or utensils.