How To Combat Cold Sores With 5 Natural Treatments

Although cold sores is a chronic infection whose symptoms disappear on their own after one or two weeks, we can resort to natural treatments to relieve discomfort and accelerate healing

Cold sores are the most common form of herpes. It is characterized by the appearance of small blisters on the surface of the lips, which are highly contagious. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I), one of the most widespread herpesviruses in the world.

It can be accompanied by fever and allergies, but the symptoms disappear in a matter of days, without producing serious complications. However, the discomfort it produces can vary from person to person, depending on their immune system. However, these can be controlled with some topical treatments that accelerate the healing of the affected tissue.

How is a cold sore spread?

To begin with, cold sores are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. This microorganism only causes the disease in humans.

• Transmission occurs through contact between people through saliva, skin, or lips.
• If there are visible herpes lesions, the amount of virus multiplies considerably and there is a greater chance of contagion.
• The virus can also be transmitted indirectly, for example, by sharing personal items such as lipsticks, towels or soaps.
• Most people are infected during childhood, and since the virus remains in the body, outbreaks can occur at other stages.

Symptoms of cold sores

The main symptom of cold sores is a reddish sore or blister that sometimes contains clear, yellowish fluid. However, before this manifestation, the patient may experience:

• Itchy sensation on the lips or on the skin around it.
• Burning in the lips
• Tingling in or around the lips

• Throat pain.
• Slight fever.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes.

Natural treatments to fight cold sores

In general, most of the time the symptoms go away on their own within a week or two. However, some natural remedies can be applied to control the discomfort.

1. Black tea

To begin with, the tannins contained in black tea are useful to accelerate the recovery of the skin on the lips in case of ulcers caused by herpes. So you can try this remedy.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of black tea (5 g)
• ½ cup of water (125 ml)

Preparation

• Add the black tea to half a cup of boiling water and let it steep.

Application mode

• To start, when the drink is cold, dip a piece of cotton in and soak the affected area.

• Then let the liquid act for 10 minutes and rinse.
• Repeat its use 2 times a day.

2. Natural yogurt and lemon

Second, the probiotics in plain yogurt are helpful for lip skin. In addition,  these substances enhance the body’s defenses and help fight the virus that causes this infection.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of natural yogurt (60 g)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (5 ml)

Preparation

• Combine the plain yogurt with a teaspoon of lemon juice and chill it in the fridge.

Application mode

• First, when it is very cold, rub it on the areas affected by herpes.
• Then let it act for 20 minutes and rinse.
• Use the treatment 2 times a day.

3. Green tomato and baking soda

The green tomato mask with baking soda is very effective. Helps speed up the recovery of affected lip skin.

Ingredients

• ½ green tomato
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)

Preparation

• Crush half a green tomato and mix it with the baking soda.

Application mode

• To begin, rub the treatment on the lips and their contour, and leave it to act for 20 minutes.
• Finally, rinse with warm water and repeat its use 2 times a day.

4. Apple cider vinegar and honey

The organic acids in apple cider vinegar and the antiviral compounds in honey work together to improve cold sore symptoms. Therefore, this remedy is worth trying.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (5 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

• Mix the apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of honey.

Application mode

• First, apply the remedy on the affected area and leave it to act for 20 minutes.

• Afterwards, rinse and repeat its use 3 times a day.

5. Salt and tea tree oil

Lastly, salt has antiseptic properties that help disinfect the skin. In addition, its compounds join the antimicrobial and antiviral power of tea tree oil to effectively fight herpes infection on the lips.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
• 4 drops of tea tree oil

Preparation

• Mix the salt with the drops of tea tree oil.

Application mode

• First, spread the treatment on the lips, without pressing too much so as not to cause aggression.
• Then let it work for 10 minutes and rinse.
• Use it maximum 2 times a day.

Therefore, choose the treatment that most attracts your attention and give your skin extra help against this infection. However, if you cannot control it, go to an antiviral treatment prescribed by a doctor.