5 Natural Remedies To Fight Cold Sores
Cold sores are the most common form of the herpes virus. They are characterized by the appearance of small blisters on the surface of the lips, which are also highly contagious. So in this article we are going to talk about natural remedies to fight cold sores.
This infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), one of the most common herpes viruses in the world. Cold sores are sometimes accompanied by a fever or allergies, but the symptoms disappear after a few days without causing serious complications.
The level of discomfort can vary from person to person, depending on how strongly your immune system reacts. These symptoms can be managed with a number of topical remedies that speed up healing of the affected tissue.
How are cold sores spread?
Cold sores are caused by an infection from the herpes simplex virus. This microorganism only causes the disease in humans. The transmission mainly takes place through contact between people via their saliva, the skin or the lips.
The virus can also be transmitted indirectly, for example by sharing items for personal use, such as lipstick, towels or soap. If a person has visible herpes sores, the potency of the virus is significantly stronger and there is a greater chance of infection.
Most people become infected during childhood, but because the virus remains in the body, outbreaks can occur at any time in life.
Cold Sore Symptoms
The main symptom of a cold sore is a reddish sore or blister that may also contain a yellowish, clear fluid. Before the cold sore appears, you may experience the following, among other things:
- An itchy feeling on the lips or the skin around the lips.
- Burning sensation on the lips.
- Tingling on or around the lips.
- Sore throat.
- Mild fever.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
Usually, cold sore symptoms go away on their own over the course of one or two weeks. However, there are a number of natural remedies that can be used to manage the discomfort and speed up healing. So let’s check them out!
5 natural remedies to fight cold sores
1. Black tea
The tannins in black tea help speed up the recovery of the skin around the lips when there are sores caused by herpes.
Ingredients
- 5 grams of black tea (1 teaspoon)
- 125 ml water (1/2 cup)
Preparation
- First, add the black tea to half a cup of boiling water and let it steep.
Way of use
- When the drink has cooled, dip a piece of cotton in it and cover the affected area with it.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
- Then repeat this process twice a day.
2. Yogurt and lemon
The probiotics in yogurt are useful for regulating the pH of the skin around your lips. These substances improve your body’s defenses and help fight the cold sore virus that causes this infection.
Ingredients
- 60 grams yogurt (3 tablespoons)
- 5 ml lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
Preparation
- Combine the yogurt with the lemon juice by stirring well and then place it in the fridge to cool.
Way of use
- When the mixture is cold, apply this remedy to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
- Then use this remedy twice a day.
3. Green Tomato and Baking Soda
A mask with green tomato and baking soda can help slow down the herpes infection and also speed up the recovery of the skin around your lips.
Ingredients
- 1/2 green tomato
- 5 grams baking soda (1 teaspoon)
Preparation
- Cut the tomato in half and then mix it with the baking soda.
Way of use
- Smear this remedy on your lips and around the edges and then leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Then rinse with warm water and repeat twice a day.
4. Apple cider vinegar and honey
The acids in apple cider vinegar combined with the antiviral compounds in honey can help stop cold sore symptoms.
Ingredients
- 5 ml apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon)
- 25 grams of honey (1 tablespoon)
Preparation
- First, mix the apple cider vinegar and honey.
Way of use
- Apply this remedy to the affected area and then leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off and then repeat this process three times a day.
5. Salt and Tea Tree Oil
Salt has antiseptic properties that help disinfect your skin. The compounds work well together with the antimicrobial and antiviral powers of tea tree oil to fight cold sores.
Ingredients
- 5 grams of salt (1 teaspoon)
- 4 drops of tea tree oil
Preparation
- First, mix the salt and tea tree oil together.
Way of use
- Apply this remedy gently on your lips.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
- Then use it twice a day.
Choose the remedy that appeals to you the most and then give your skin some extra help against the infection. If you can’t control it, use an antiviral treatment prescribed by a doctor.
