Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1.
They begin with a tingling sensation that is usually felt around the lips.
Fortunately, they can be treated quickly and aggressively when detected early on, helping to prevent their spread and shorten their duration.
Tea
Tea is a commonly used herbal remedy to address various health problems, such as cold sores. Not only does it soothe and heal the skin, but also reduce inflammation, with possible antiviral properties to prevent future outbreaks.
Green tea is a popular natural remedy for cold sores because it contains antioxidants which speed up healing time compared to other beverages. Furthermore, it contains the polyphenol ECGC which may prevent virus reproduction within the body.
Lysine, an amino acid that has been demonstrated to block the herpes virus, can help prevent and reduce cold sores. You may want to supplement with 3,000 milligrams of lysine daily by taking a supplement or eating more poultry, eggs, dairy products and turkey – all great sources of this essential amino acid.
Licorice is an herbal remedy that can help relieve the pain and discomfort of a cold sore. Simply mix equal parts liquorice root extract or powder with petroleum jelly and apply it directly onto the sore; this overnight cure will dry it out and speed up healing time for your sore.
Yogurt
One of the most effective home remedies for cold sores is yogurt. Packed with probiotics, it can boost your immunity and help prevent outbreaks.
Yogurt is also packed with selenium, zinc and various B vitamins. Plus, it contains an amino acid called lysine which acts as a natural immune booster.
Lysine can be found in many foods that support healthy skin and immunity, such as eggs, red meats, dairy products, potatoes and brewer’s yeast.
However, if you suffer from cold sores, it’s wise to avoid foods high in arginine as this amino acid helps the herpes virus spread and cause cold sores. Some experts have even advised against consuming milk and yogurt due to their arginine content.
Honey
Honey is a popular natural remedy for cold sores, which can cause intense pain. Not only does it speed up healing time and reduce infection risk, but it’s also an antiseptic.
Honey is mainly composed of sugars, with fructose and glucose making up 38.2% of its weight in a jar. The remaining portion consists of water, ash and other solids.
Honey has long been thought of as just sweet and nourishing, but recent research suggests it could also possess medicinal benefits. Medical grade honey made from kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) blossoms is now found to be just as effective at treating HSV, the virus responsible for cold sores, as anti-viral creams.
A clinical trial randomly assigned nearly 1,000 adults with HSV to either aciclovir cream or “medical grade” kanuka honey on their skin. The findings showed that the honey was just as effective at preventing cold sores from forming and healing them faster than anti-viral creams were.
Essential Oils
Essential oils possess antiviral properties that can help relieve the itching and discomfort associated with cold sores. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, mixing essential oils into a blend with carrier oil reduces skin irritation risks and promotes faster healing timeframes.
Tea tree oil, hyssop, lemon balm and lavender are just a few of the essential oils that can help soothe your cold sore and speed its recovery. Be sure to dilute any essential oil treatment with a nonabrasive carrier oil like jojoba, coconut or sweet almond oil before applying it on the sore.
If you want to try essential oils for cold sores, start by doing a patch test. Apply the blend onto either the inside of your ear or wrist and see if there are any reactions such as skin-colored bumps, hives or red skin.