10 Natural Home Remedies For Cold Sores In 2024

September 27, 2024 by Pranay David

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Cold sores are a super common virus that affects about 80 percent of the world population. These viruses are very contagious and mostly spread through contact with saliva or tooth contact. They are temporary, but nonetheless, it is important to take proper care of yourself.

Almost everyone has had a cold sore at some point in their life. These little sores can be quite annoying and tend to show up when you least expect them. If you’re looking for ways to get rid of a cold sore quickly, here are some home remedies that might help. This blog post will share 10 home remedies for cold sores that can help get you back to your normal self.

Article Contains

What is Cold Sores?
What Causes Cold Sores?
10 Natural Home Remedies for Cold Sores
What Can Trigger Cold Sores?
How to Prevent Cold Sores from Spreading?

What is Cold Sores?

Cold sores are a type of skin condition that can be very itchy and painful. They happen when the herpes virus sits on your skin and makes it sore. Herpes is a virus that is commonly found in the mouth and genitals and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact.

What Causes Cold Sores?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 is most frequently to blame for these sores. If you have this virus, it stays in your body for the rest of your life because there is no treatment for it. And regrettably, this might result in recurrent cold sores.

10 Natural Home Remedies for Cold Sores

There are various solutions available if you’re looking for a complimentary method to treat a cold sore.

You should be aware, nevertheless, that there is not enough evidence to support the regular use of these alternative therapies for the treatment of cold sores. Before using them, you should discuss them with your doctor. They shouldn’t be used in place of more traditional therapies.

Applying any new chemicals to your skin should be done with prudence. Some of these therapies have been reported to cause adverse reactions including itchiness and allergic contact dermatitis.

1. Kanuka Honey

A 2018 study discovered that kanuka honey, which is derived from the manuka tree in New Zealand, may also be effective for treating cold sores. Honey already has a reputation for promoting the healing of wounds and skin ailments.

A medical-grade form of this honey appeared to be just as successful in treating cold sores as acyclovir, according to the extensive random clinical research.

2. Vitamin C

Antioxidant vitamin C helps the immune system and promotes wound healing. The majority of berries, tomatoes, peppers, kiwis, broccoli, and spinach are foods high in vitamin C.

A 1995 research indicated that applying diluted ascorbic acid, a type of vitamin C found naturally in food, to a sore helped prevent symptoms from getting worse. Cold sores cannot be cured by vitamin C, although it may speed up recovery. Various herpes viruses may be fought off by the vitamin, according to another studies. [2]

3. Lemon Balm

Although the research is out of date, a 2008 study by Trusted Sources shows that the HSV virus that causes cold sores can be inhibited by using an extract of the plant lemon balm, which belongs to the mint family. The authors of the study propose that HSV may be treated with lemon balm. To ascertain the full scope of this treatment’s therapeutic advantages, larger-scale trials are yet required. [3]

4. Using Ice Cube

Apply some ice on the affected area to reduce the inflammation and it even reduces the pain caused by the sores. Or you can even suck on popsicles to make it work.

5. Vanilla Extracts

Vanilla extract can also help relieve cold sores. Organic vanilla extract speeds up the healing of cold sores by drying them up. An excellent substitute for rubbing alcohol is this extract. As an alcohol-containing alternative to rubbing alcohol, organic vanilla extract can treat cold sores by reducing the length of the outbreak.

6. Lysine

In a 2017 study According to a reliable source, investigations have indicated that lysine users had a lower risk of developing cold sore recurrences. These studies do have limitations, and some of the evidence is inconclusive. For instance, no specific lysine preparation type or even ideal dosage was suggested. The patient’s “subjective experience” of their illness appears to be improved with dosages larger than 3 grams per day, though. [6]

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

According to a 2019 study, a lot of people are interested in utilizing apple cider vinegar as a cure since it may have the capacity to combat bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Full-strength apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is too potent to apply straight to a cold sore and may cause severe skin irritation. Apply only once or twice per day after diluting it before use. [7]

8. Essential Oils

Numerous essential oils, which are concentrated oils containing plant chemicals, have been shown in studies to have inhibitory effects against the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores. Despite the paucity of research, a 2015 study discovered that a number of essential oils may hinder or stop the herpes virus from replicating, hence assisting in the healing and prevention of cold sores. Some of the best essential oils for cold sores are Tea tree oil, Peppermint oil, ginger oil, rosemary oil, basil essential oil, sandalwood oil,etc.

9. Aloe Vera Gel

Cold sores may recover faster with aloe vera gel that is used to treat sunburns. The gel may aid in the battle against viruses, such as herpes simplex, according to laboratory study.

10. Propolis

Propolis is another bee product, like honey, that shows some promise for treating skin diseases and wounds. According to a 2016 study from Trusted Source, propolis’ antiviral characteristics may make it a contender for helping your cold sores heal a bit faster. [10]

These treatments can help shorten the duration of a cold sore and make it less painful.

What Can Trigger Cold Sores?

1. Squeeze an Open Wound:

You run the danger of infecting someone else when you touch an open blister and then wait a few seconds before washing your hands. Additionally, if you probe or poke the sore, you risk spreading bacteria from your hands into the wound.

2. Consuming Acidic Foods:

Citrus fruits and tomatoes, two foods strong in acid, can burn a cold sore when they come in touch with them. For a few days, you might have to stay away from them and choose blander food.

3. Try to Pop the Sore:

A cold sore is not a pimple which you can just pop out. It won’t become smaller if you press it or try to pop it. You may just squirt viral fluid over your skin. You could unknowingly infect someone else with the virus.

[ Read: 10 Best Foods to Eat When You Have Cold ]

How to Prevent Cold Sores from Spreading?

There are a few things you can do to prevent the spread of cold sores:
Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or towels with someone who has a cold sore.
Avoid kissing or having any close contact with someone who has a cold sore.
Wash your hands often, especially after touching a cold sore.
Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with a cold sore.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth if you have a cold sore.

If a cold sore appears on your lip, you shouldn’t feel ashamed of it. You’re not alone in getting cold sores, therefore it’s likely to cure and disappear on its own.

Try your best to take care of it while you wait. You can choose from a variety of treatments. To reduce the redness, you can also apply a cool, damp compress. If the sore hurts, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Cold sores are a common viral infection that can be treated at home with a variety of remedies. The following tips will help you get rid of this unsightly and often painful condition. Apply any of these remedies as soon as you feel the first tingling or burning sensation around your lips, and continue using them until the cold sore is gone. If your cold sore lasts more than two weeks, consult your doctor for advice.

Getting a doctor’s opinion first before trying any of these home remedies is preferable.Thanks for reading!