Effective Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Home remedies for cold sores are effective when applied at the early stage of symptoms of cold sores. Cold sores are mostly caused due to HSV1 (herpes simplex virus 1). This virus is from the HSV family. Symptoms of cold sores mostly appear from eight to twelve days after outbreak of virus. The virus once entered, remains forever in the body. It can lie dormant till get triggered by fever, cold or some other reason. Though there is no cure for HSV virus, remedies are available to eliminate the symptoms period and for relief from discomfort during infection.

What are the most common home remedies for cold sores used by many?

Let us have a look towards home remedies for cold sores which are not only effective and easy but inexpensive too.

• Garlic – It contains a compound called cold Kyolic which contains antiviral properties. Raw garlic can be cut into two parts and place one part on the sore. Intake of raw garlic also improves your immune system which can prevent HSV outbreak.
• Salt –  Put a small amount of salt on the sore and hold it for a minute or two with your finger. Though it is little bit painful but a quickest remedy for cold sore.
• Vitamin B complex – It enhances your immune and healing power. It takes part in metabolic reactions, helps metabolize carbohydrates, aids digestion, improves nerve function and prevents depression.  It found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs, fish and cheese. B12 mostly found in non veg sources. Curd and cheese have good level of B12.
• Olive – Olive leaf extracts work as natural antibiotic during viral infections.
• Lemon balm - It helps in minimizing herpes outbreaks because of high concentration of polyphenols present in lemon balm. It has antiviral qualities and hence it can be either taken internally as tea lemon balm or can be applied in the form of cream on cold sore.
• Echinacea - It doesn’t only prevents cold sore outbreaks but also works as an immune system booster. Echinacea combined with goldenseal gives better results quickly. It can be either taken internally as well put some drops on sores for few minutes to get fast relief.
• Ice cube – Rubbing ice cube for a while on the sore helps a lot in eradicating sore quickly.
• Lysine - It works as antiviral in healing during cold sores. But you need to increase water content while taking lysine.
• Baking soda – Put baking soda for a while on the sores. It helps in pulling the fluid out from sores.
• Tea bags – You can place a warm tea bag on the sores as many times as you can during a day. It gives relief from itching and pain during sores.
• Peppermint oil - It is very useful in sores on the lip area. Its strong antiviral properties penetrate the skin and gives curing effect quickly.
• Plum juice – In case of sores which are inside mouth plum juice is a best remedy. A cotton ball soaked in a freshly squeezed plum juice can be kept on the sores.

Along with these home remedies for cold sores, proper diet and avoidance of junk food and unhealthy activities are very important.