According to Mayo Clinic, most cold sores abate within 1 to 2 weeks with no treatment. People who suffer from frequent or persistent cold sores, however, sometimes look to home remedies to minimize pain and possibly speed healing time. Possible home remedies for cold sores include nutritional supplements, medicinal herbs, pain management techniques and heat therapy. Consult a physician if you have a cold sore that lasts longer than 2 weeks as this could be a sign of a serious underlying health problem.
L-Lysine
A naturally occurring amino acid found in eggs, chicken and blue corn, lysine can help boost the body's defenses against cold sores. The National Institutes of Health recommend lysine supplementation for cold sore prevention and treatment. The NIH warns, however, that lysine is not appropriate for people with heart disease or high cholesterol.
Pain Management
According to Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce the pain associated with cold sores. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics such as benzocaine and lidocaine can also ease discomfort caused by cold sores.
Herbal Remedies
According to a report published in the peer-reviewed journal "Phytomedicine," lemon balm--a member of the mint family--is an effective treatment for cold sores. Lemon balm can be taken internally as a tea or capsule; some herbalists recommend applying the oil topically to the cold sore. The herbs meadowsweet and white willow contain salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin, and may help to relieve pain.
Heat Therapy
The National Institutes of Health recommend applying ice to a cold sore. This may numb the pain and help prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Mayo Clinic echoes these recommendations, noting that warm compresses can provide a similar result.
