Cold sores are transmitted by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nearly 90 percent of all adults in the United States carry the virus. Some people have to deal with regular outbreaks, while others may only experience one outbreak and then never see another cold sore. Cold sores do not causes serious complications, and most outbreaks last several days. A variety of natural home remedies can relieve symptoms and decrease duration of cold sores; however, there is no cure for the condition.
Step 1
Apply heat or cold compresses to the cold sore, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Use ice or a warm washcloth and press against the infected cold sore as often as needed. Dispose of the ice bag and clean the washcloth thoroughly after use to avoid spreading the virus.
Step 2
Boil 1 cup of water and add 2 to 4 tsp. of crushed lemon balm, advises GrannyMed.com. Allow the tea to sit for about 15 minutes and then remove the lemon balm. Set the tea aside and allow to cool. Apply the tea to the affected cold sore using a cotton ball. Lemon balm contains eugonal, a numbing and antibacterial agent.
Step 3
Consume more of the amino acid lysine in your diet by eating foods such fish, chicken, eggs and potatoes, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lysine may speed up recovery time and reduce current breakouts. You can also take between 2,000 and 6,000 mg of supplementary lysine daily.
Step 4
Blend tea tree oil with an equal portion of olive oil, suggests the book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems." Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture onto the cold sore daily to take advantage of tea tree oil's antiseptic properties.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Washcloth
- Water
- Lemon balm
- Cotton ball
- Lysine supplement
- Tea tree oil
- Olive oil
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes Simplex Virus
- Granny Med: Lemon Balm for Cold Sores
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Readers Digest; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Sore: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Granny Med: Lysine for Cold Sores
