How To Fight Cold Sores With 5 Natural Treatments

Although cold sores is a chronic infection whose symptoms go away on their own after a week or two, we can use natural treatments to relieve discomfort and speed healing.

Cold sores are the most common form of herpes. It is characterized by the appearance of small pimples on the lips. It is an extremely contagious infection. However, cold sores can be combated with certain topical treatments that speed the healing of affected tissues.

The infection is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus type I (HSV-I). It can also be accompanied by fever and allergies, but the symptoms disappear within a few days without causing serious complications.

The discomfort it produces can vary for each person, depending on the defense mechanisms that are activated by their immune system.

How cold sores spread

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus . This microorganism only causes disease in humans.

• Transmission occurs through contact between people through saliva, skin or lips.
• If there are visible lesions of herpes, the amount of virus multiplies considerably and therefore there is a greater risk of contagion.
• But the virus can also be transmitted indirectly. For example, by sharing personal items like lipsticks, towels or soaps.
• The majority of people are infected during childhood. Since the virus remains in the body for life, rashes can also occur later.

Symptoms of cold sores

The main symptom of cold sores are reddish sores or pimples that sometimes also contain a clear, yellowish fluid.

However, before this manifestation, the patient may feel:

• Itching of the lips or skin around the lip area
• Burning sensation on the lips
• Tingling on the lips and also around the lips
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Swollen lymph nodes

Natural treatments to fight cold sores

Most of the time, symptoms go away on their own within a week or two. However, some natural treatments can be applied to fight cold sores and speed healing.

1. Black tea

The tannins in black tea are helpful in speeding up recovery of the skin of the lips in ulcers caused by herpes.

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 then let it sit.

Mode of application

• When the drink is cold, soak a piece of cotton wool and then soak the affected area.
• Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse.
• Repeat the use twice a day.

2. Plain yogurt and lemon

The probiotics in natural yogurt are helpful in regulating the pH of the skin of the lips. These substances strengthen the body’s immune defenses and help fight cold sores.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• Mix the natural yoghurt with a teaspoon of lemon juice then put in the refrigerator.

Mode of application

• When it is very cold, rub on the areas affected by herpes.
• Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse.
• Use the treatment twice a day.

3. Green tomatoes and sodium bicarbonate

The mask with green tomato and sodium bicarbonate helps to stop the herpes infection and also speeds up the recovery of the affected lip skin.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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

Mode of application

• Rub the treatment on the lips and around the lips and leave on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and repeat the use twice a day.

4. Apple cider vinegar and honey

• The organic acids in apple cider vinegar and the anti-viral compounds in honey work together to stop the symptoms of cold sores

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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

Mode of application

• Apply the remedy to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse and repeat 3 times a day.

5. Salt and tea tree oil

Salt has antiseptic properties that help disinfect the skin. Its compounds combine with the antimicrobial and antiviral power of tea tree oil to effectively fight  cold sores.

Ingredients

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

Preparation of the preparation

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

Mode of application

• Apply the treatment to the lips, without pressing too much so as not to cause aggression.
• Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse.
• Use it up to 2 times a day.

Choose the treatment that catches your eye and give your skin extra help against this infection. If you cannot control it, get an antiviral treatment from a doctor.