Natural Remedy for Cold Sores

Need a natural remedy for cold sores that works? Let's look at the best natural remedies for cold sores to help you get rid of the pain and tingling. These remedies use simple ingredients that you probably already have.

Cold sores are blisters or sores that form in or around the mouth. They are sometimes confused with canker sores. Canker sores are bacterial infections and cold sore are the result of an outbreak of herpes simplex virus 1. This virus lays dormant in the body and can be triggered by a variety of things. Avoiding these triggers when possible will help you prevent outbreaks. Triggers include:

• colds and flu
• fevers
• stress
• trauma
• dental work
• menstruation
• fatigue

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is anti-viral and works to help kill the herpes virus that causes cold sores. As soon as you feel the tingling that lets you know a cold sore is coming on put coconut oil on the area. You should put coconut oil on the area throughout the day making sure it stays coated in coconut oil. You can also eat a tablespoon of oil daily as a further preventative measure. This will prevent the cold sore from ever appearing.

If you already have a cold sore use the same method to speed healing time. This is my preferred home remedy when I feel a cold sore coming on.

Stress

The hormones secreted by your body when you're under stress trigger the virus. Anything that lowers immune function will unleash the herpes virus if it's laying dormant inside you. Easing stress will help lessen your number of outbreaks. Check out these natural remedies for stress.

Ice

Ice is a good natural remedy for cold sores. Ice will help relieve the pain of the sore. Put ice on the sore for a few minutes every hour.

Tea

Tea is a common natural remedy for cold sores. Steep a normal black tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes. Let the bag cool and hold it against the cold sore for a few minutes. It will speed the healing and help relieve the pain.

Herbs

You can use these herbs in a natural remedy for cold sores.

• Licorice root strengthens the immune systems and stops outbreaks.
• Lemon balm is antiviral.
• Echinacea boosts the immune system.
• Reishi and Astragalus taken together help fight the herpes virus.
• Myrrh tincture dabbed on the sore relieves pain.
• Olive leaf extract can be used topically to speed healing.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Mix 2 drops of grapefruit seed extract with a tablespoon of aloe juice or gel. Dab it on your cold sore 2 to 3 times daily to soothe pain and speed healing.

Salt

Put a small amount of sea salt on the tip of your finger and press the salt onto the sore for a minute or two. This is a good natural remedy for cold sores. It will sting a bit, but it will speed the healing time.

Garlic

Garlic has powerful antiviral properties. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the cut side on the cold sore for a few seconds.

Cornstarch

Make a paste of cornstarch in water. Put the paste on your cold sore as needed to help dry it out.

Vitamins and Minerals

These vitamins and minerals can be used to speed healing and prevent outbreaks.

• L-lysine shortens the duration of outbreaks.
• Vitamin C will also shorten the duration.
• Zinc fights outbreaks.
• Vitamin E oil applied topically will ease pain and promote healing.

Diet

Eating a healthy diet will help lessen outbreaks. Eating plenty of green vegetables will help keep the acidity in your body down and will lessen the severity and length of outbreak. Stay well hydrated and include fresh garlic in your diet. Garlic is a antiviral that boosts the immune system.

Some foods contribute to the outbreak of cold sores. These foods are high in arginine. They include:

• chocolate
• oatmeal
• whole wheat
• grains
• peanuts
• peas
• seeds
• coffee
• tea

You should also avoid processed foods.

I hope one of these home remedies for cold sores work for you. If you're interested in more natural remedies, check out my Free Home Remedies page.

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