Cold sores are a common problem for many people. They may be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it’s important to remember that cold sores are not contagious. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is an infection that is spread by contact with a lesion on the skin or mucous membranes. HSV-1 usually causes infection of the lips and mouth, while HSV-2 usually affects the genitals.

The good news is that there are several natural remedies that can help relieve symptoms and speed up healing time. Here are twelve natural remedies for cold sores:

12 Natural Cold Sore Remedies that Work Fast

Lemon balm

Lemon balm has been used as a home remedy for cold sores since ancient times. It contains antiviral properties and has been shown to reduce pain caused by cold sores.

It also helps with healing time. To treat cold sores with lemon balm, steep two teaspoons of dried lemon balm in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain out the leaves and let cool completely before applying topically three times daily until healed.

Cold Compress

A cold compress can help relieve pain and swelling caused by the sores. Place a washcloth in the freezer for 10 minutes or until very cold, then place on your face for 30 seconds at a time until symptoms subside.

You can also use ice packs if you do not have a washcloth handy or if you prefer not to put something cold against your skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural anti-microbial, so it can work wonders as a home remedy for cold sores. It has antiviral properties, which makes it ideal for fighting off the herpes virus responsible for cold sores.

Tea tree oil also works as an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce pain and swelling associated with cold sores.

You can apply it directly to your lips or dilute in water or coconut oil before applying topically on affected areas. You can also take 2-3 drops internally in water once daily until symptoms clear up.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an astringent that helps shrink blood vessels, reducing inflammation and speeding up healing time. Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey and drink 3 times daily until symptoms clear up.

You can also soak cotton balls in apple cider vinegar and place them over the cold sore while you sleep at night to reduce swelling and pain during the day.

L-Lysine

L-lysine is an amino acid that helps balance the body’s pH levels while fighting off infection and relieving inflammation caused by cold sores. L-lysine can also be taken as a supplement in addition to zinc supplements in order to prevent further outbreaks of this condition (take 500 mg daily).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the body, but it’s also an effective treatment for cold sores. Many studies have shown that taking high doses of vitamin C daily can help prevent cold sores from developing and keep them from getting worse if they do appear.

You should take 500 milligrams of vitamin C each day for prevention. If you get a cold sore, double the dose until it goes away completely (which should be about ten days).

Then drop back down to 500 milligrams per day to maintain healthy levels of vitamin C in your system and prevent future outbreaks.

Lemon Tea Bags

Lemon tea bags contain citric acid, which has been shown to kill viruses such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Put a couple of tea bags in a cup of hot water and let it steep for about 10 minutes before drinking.

You can also use lemon juice from fresh lemons instead of using tea bags. Do this three times per day until your cold sore heals completely (about six days).

Peppermint Oil

A study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that peppermint oil has antiviral properties that can help speed up healing time for cold sores. It’s also easy to apply and smells good too.

The best part is that it’s readily available at most grocery stores. You can either use it straight from the bottle or mix a few drops with some water to create your own lip balm.

Vitamin E

The American Academy of Dermatology says vitamin E is effective in treating cold sores. It is not known exactly how vitamins work in the body, but they may increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, which speeds healing time.

Vitamin E gel can be applied directly to your sore daily until it disappears.

Stress reduction

Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection. Stress also increases blood pressure, which may worsen symptoms of cold sores if you have hypertension (high blood pressure).

If stress makes your cold sores worse, try meditation or yoga as an alternative treatment option.

Zinc sulfate lozenges

A study published in 2007 found that zinc sulfate lozenges were effective at reducing symptoms and healing time for people with cold sores who took them three times per day for five days after symptoms appeared (the total treatment period was 10 days).

Gargling with Salt Water

Saltwater is a natural healer that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It can help reduce inflammation, aid in healing wounds, relieve pain, and more.

It also contains sodium bicarbonate, which helps neutralize acids in the body. For this reason, it’s extremely effective at treating cold sores on the lips.

To make gargling with salt water:

Mix 1 tsp of sea salt or kosher salt with 8 oz of warm water until dissolved. You can also add 2–4 drops of tea tree oil for added benefits.*

Use a dropper or eye dropper to place one drop of the solution into your mouth at a time. Gargle for about 30 seconds each time before swallowing.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dealing with cold sores, there are many remedies you can try. Some are expensive; some don’t work.

We’ve compiled a simple-to-use list of the most effective home remedies on the market for quick relief from cold sore pain and swelling.

With these strategies in your tool belt, you’ll be able to combat that burning, itching feeling of a fresh breakout in no time.