5 Effective Cold Sore Remedies You Should Try

Cold sores are irritating red blisters that typically form on the face, usually around the lips, mouth, or nose. They can be painful and not so attractive to look at. They are caused by a virus and usually last a few days. Unlike most viral infections, the cold sore virus can not be entirely eliminated by the body defenses. Once you get this virus, you have it for life, and reactivation of the virus can cause repeated outbreaks of the sores.

With the natural remedies for cold sores—aside from the good ol’ cold compress that’s proven effective—listed below, you can finally find some relief and say goodbye to flare-ups.

1. Hydrogen peroxide

An open blister is vulnerable to getting infected with other organisms—like bacteria—especially if you’re used to touching your face. You can easily prevent bacterial infection, as well as dry out the sore, by disinfecting it with hydrogen peroxide as often as needed. The sore is more likely to heal quickly when you keep it clean. For reasons like this, keeping a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your home is always an efficient thing to do.

2. Lemon balm essential oil

There’s been a study made about how lemon balm essential oil may kill the herpes virus. Also, a research has been made way way back that a lemon’s antiviral properties may reduce swelling and blister redness. So when you start feeling that a cold sore is forming, apply a drop or two of lemon balm essential oil to that area, then hold an ice cube on top of it for 10 minutes. By doing this as soon as possible, you can reduce its severity and save you several days of pain.

3. Aloe vera

The cool aloe vera gel can not only soothe the pain and discomfort from a cold sore, but limited research also suggests that it could have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. It will help soothe your sensitive, blistered skin and protect it from bacteria, which makes it potential remedy for eczema and psoriasis relief, as well. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your cold sore at least three to four times a day.

4. Tea tree oil

Because tea tree oil is antifungal, antiseptic, and antimicrobial, it may help heal your cold sore.

It’s known to be an effective treatment for it dries out the cold sore. Although it can’t heal the sore entirely, it can still reduce the pain by drying it out, which can make the healing process short.

5. Licorice root paste

According to studies, there’s an acid found in licorice root that can prevent symptoms and stop the cold sore virus from spreading. It also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Applying licorice powder or licorice extract may be the one that works best for cold sores. Just mix 1 tablespoon of licorice root powder with 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly, and leave the cream on your sore for several hours or better do it overnight.

It is not something you can just take lightly, and although antiviral medication can help treat it, it will cost a lot and may also have uncalled for side effects that you will have to deal with after. So, in my opinion, it’s always best to try these natural remedies for cold sores.

You May Also Like: Home Remedies For Sore Throat