The Five Best Natural Cold Sore Treatments In 2021

Cold sores are viral infections that are difficult to cure. Using natural cold sore treatments can help you to reduce symptoms, promote rapid healing, decreasing the frequency, duration, and severity of sores.

What is a Cold Sore?

Cold sores are small blisters that form around your mouth. These blisters are usually gathered together in patches, which break and form a scab that lasts for several days or weeks. Cold sores can spread from one person to another by kissing or sharing hand towels.

Symptoms of a Cold Sore 

 Common symptoms of a cold sore are:

1.Tingling and itching around your lips.

2.Blisters around your nose or mouth.

3.Shallow open pores caused by persisting blisters.

However, these symptoms vary according to individuals and the frequency of outbreaks.

The sores might persist for several days, however, the blisters will heal and disappear in two or three weeks without leaving scars, So if you decide to use natural cold sores treatments, the treatment must last for days or even weeks.

First-time cold sore symptoms include:

1.Swollen lymph nodes

2.Painful and bleeding gums

3.Fever and malaise

4.Muscle aches

5.Sore throat

6.Headache and fatigue

What are the top 7 natural cold sores treatments?

1.Lemon

A lot of studies suggest that lemon essential oil may kill the herpes virus which is the most common cause of cold sores. Plus, Lemon can reduce swelling and sores redness. 

If you decide to use lemon as one of the natural cold sore treatments, Just apply a drop to the area, then hold an ice pack on top of the area for 10 minutes.

2.licorice root

Licorice is one of the most effective natural cold sore treatments as it is considered anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, licorice root has an acid that has been shown in studies to counteract symptoms of cold and stop the virus from spreading.

Some studies have suggested that it can also be an effective treatment for canker sores.

Our 3 Tips for using licorice:

1.Use licorice powder and apply it topically on a cold sore.

2.Licorice works best especially when mixing one tablespoon of licorice with petroleum jelly.

3.Keep using it for 2 weeks.

3.lysine supplements

Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids that your body does not form that come together to make proteins, which is important to immune system functioning and muscle mass. Lysine activates the immune system, especially T cells that help to reduce the duration of cold sores.

You can use lysine ointments or take supplements. Other immune boosters such as echinacea tea can also be considered as natural cold sore treatments.

Foods rich in lysine amino acid:

1.Meat

2.Parmesan cheese

3.Sardines

4.Soybean 

5.Eggs

4.Aloe vera

Aloe vera is commonly recommended for soothing itching skin. It could also do wonders for treating cold sores. One of the natural cold sore treatments which consider antibacterial and antifungal also inhibited HSV-1 virus growth.

Appling a bit of aloe vera on your sore a few times daily may ease your discomfort and help rapidly healing of your cold sores.

Advantages of Using Aloe vera gel:

One of the advantages of this natural cold sore treatment is that you do not have to worry if a little bit gets into your mouth.

Aloe vera plant has also been advised for its benefits in helping the skin heal from minor cuts and sunburns.

5.Use Vitamins

Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E can fight against the Herpes Simplex Virus and prevent cold sores, they are considered one of the most effective natural cold sore treatments.

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has the ability to repair damaged skin and promote the growth of new skin. This means it can heal and soothe your cold sores.

How To Use

You can apply it topically to treat an existing cold sore or ingested through nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables to prevent forming new sores.

Vitamin C:

One of the natural cold sore treatments which have an important role in the healing process of cold sores.

Vitamin C is also considered an antioxidant agent that can enhance the immune system and wound healing.

Many studies have shown that the vitamin might combat various herpes viruses.

How to prevent developing cold sores?

1.Foods you should avoid

You should stay away from certain foods especially those that are rich in arginine. Which is an amino acid that makes cold sores develop quicker and thrive.

Some of these foods include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, chocolate, grains, and peanuts.

Make sure that you take sufficient amounts of vitamins especially vitamin E and vitamin C, they are considered one of the important natural cold sore treatments.

2.Avoid exposure to sunlight

Exposure to sunlight is a common trigger for a cold sore outbreak. UV radiation can suppress and weaken the immune system against the herpes simplex virus. Using sunscreen can help protect your lips from UV radiation and a cold sore.

3.Avoid fatigue or stress

Feeling run down and stressed out can have serious effects on your mental and physical health. Excess stress and exhaustion can even suppress your immune system, causing a flare of the virus and be the reason which reduces the effectiveness of natural cold sore treatments. Stay well-rested to increase your chances of avoiding cold sores.

4.Don’t share

Cold sores are one of the highly contagious diseases, so never share razors, makeup, or face masks with others who have a cold sore.

If you are prone to cold sores, it’s a good decision to sanitize your makeup products after each use.

Don’t kiss partners, children, or friends while you’ve got a cold sore.

Summary 

While cold sores may be incurable, that doesn't mean they have to be dangerous. Your cold sores can heal faster through using one of the natural cold sore treatments like applying lemon balm or taking vitamin supplements.

 

It's also good to be aware of cold sore triggers whether it's fatigue, some foods, and harmful sunlight. That way you can treat lesions early and speed up the healing process of sores.

DR: Mahmoud Khaled Fadel