Cold sores are small and round white blisters that are developed on the lips. Other areas like gums and area surrounding the nose also get affected with cold sores. They are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 and can last for seven to fourteen days.
Cold sores are also known as canker sores or fever blisters. These are infections that are caused by bacteria inside the mouth. Swollen glands are the symptoms of first infection which is associated with the cold sores.
They can cause pain and discomfort and thus should be treated properly. Cold sores can be transferred from an affected person to a healthy person.
Top Natural Cures for Cold Sores
Chamomile
Chamomile can be consumed in the form of tincture. Apply this tincture form over the sores for three times in a day. It can also be used in the form of tea. Bisabolol contained in the herb is helpful for healing the sores on the mucous membranes.
Lysine and Arginine
Lysine is helpful in healing and preventing the cold sores. Foods rich in lysine like milk, lean meat, cheese, potato, fish, egg and yogurt can be beneficial for the patients suffering from cold sores. Consuming two hundred milligrams of amino acid lysine for two times in a day is effective in the inhibition of viral growth.
Arginine is a protein that helps the herpes virus to grow and spread cold sores. Seeds, chocolates, nuts and grains are some of the foods that are rich in arginine and should be avoided.
Lemon Balm
Applying lemon balm would help in treating the cold sores completely after five days. It helps in preventing them for further infections and promotes the healing process. It has anti-viral properties that make lemon balm a natural remedy for treating the sores. Apply lemon for two to three times per day.
Lavender Oil & St. John’s Wort
Lavender oil can be applied over the sores for several times in a day. It helps in fastening the healing process. St. John’s Wort can be applied over the sores for several times in a day. It can also be used externally. Consuming it in excessive amount would be dangerous and hence should be avoided.
Avoid Touching the Lips
One should avoid touching, pinching, squeezing and picking the cold sores that can cause further infection which may be caused by bacteria. Also, avoid using towel, hander kerchief etc. used by the other person affected with cold sores.
Wash the hands properly with sanitizer in case touched the lips and do not touch eyes and other parts of the body that can also get infected.
Licorice
Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid that helps in preventing cold sores. Licorice powder can be sprinkled over the cold sores. This powder can also be mixed with cream and a small amount of pure vegetables. This mixture can be applied over the sores. Excessive amount of licorice should be avoided as it can lead to various side effects.
Apply Ice Packs
Applying ice packs over the sores is helpful in providing a temporary relief. Ice can also be used in the form of cold compress. Applying ice helps in reducing itchiness. Rubbing the ice over the infected area for several minutes is beneficial. Repeating this remedy after every hour is beneficial.
Echinacea
Prepare a blend by combining two parts of cleavers with two parts of Echinacea, one part of oat and one part of poke root. Take one tablespoon of this blend and mix it in one cup of boiled water. Keep for ten to fifteen minutes and strain.
Drinking one cup of this herbal tea for two times per day is recommended. One tablespoon of root of Echinacea herb can be taken for three times in a day. Swishing it for two to three minutes in the mouth and then swallowing it afterwards is beneficial.
Zinc & Salt
Zinc can be consumed in the form of tablet. Consuming one zinc tablet per day is recommended and is helpful in preventing the growth of herpes virus.
Salt is useful in treating the cold sores and providing relief. Apply the common fine salt and gently press over the sores for around thirty seconds. This remedy is helpful in treating the sores effectively. Afterwards, any topical oil or aloe vera can be applied over the sores.
Black Tea
Add a tea bag of black tea in one cup of hot water and soak for five minutes. Cool it and apply over the cold sores using a cotton ball. Repeating this remedy throughout the day is helpful for the treatment of cold sores.
Honey
Honey has anti-fungal properties and can be applied over the cold sores using a cotton ball. It is safe for use and kills the herpes virus which is responsible for the treatment of cold sores. It is also beneficial in healing the cuts and wounds.
Milk & Petroleum Jelly
Milk can be applied over the sores. Soak a cotton ball in milk and apply over the cold sores. It would provide relief from the pain associated with the sores. It is helpful in the healing process.
Petroleum Jelly is useful for the treatment of cold sores. It helps in speeding up the healing process and reducing the infection caused by bacteria.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure is not good for the patients suffering from cold sores. Protect the lips from the sun by using a sunscreen lotion. It helps in preventing further occurrence. Lipstick containing sunscreen should also not be used.
Foods to Eat
Eating foods that are good for boosting up the immune system is beneficial. Eating fruits and vegetables in the diet on a daily basis is useful. Eat foods like onion, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and Brussels sprouts that are beneficial.
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar and tomatoes should be avoided. Herpes virus grows in acidic environment and thus avoiding such foods would be beneficial.
Other Natural Cures
Managing the level of stress would be helpful for the patients of cold sores. Relaxation techniques are effective in assisting with anxiety and depression. Replace the toothbrush and use it until the sores are treated completely. Afterwards, throw that toothbrush and get a new one.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
