There’s still something of a stigma attached to cold sores, probably as most cold sores are caused by HSV-1, also known as Herpes Simplex Virus. And let’s face it nobody wants one on their own face do they? They are unsightly and can be itchy or cause burning sensations around the mouth. People can get quite paranoid around others who are suffering from cold sores and while it can be over the top the fact is that while a cold sore is showing it is contagious. Thankfully there are some excellent natural cold sore remedies on the market to help get rid of these nasty little blemishes as soon as possible. It is important to remember that they will usually go away on their own within 10 days, but this is not always the case and why wait 10 days if you can get on with giving them hell in the meantime?!

Some of the natural options available for symptomatic relief of cold sores you will possibly already have in your home. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective remedies and the impact they can have on cold sores.

Ice, ice baby

At the risk of coming across like the school nurse (remember those bags of frozen peas for everything?!) applying some ice to the area can be very effective. Just remember not to apply it directly to the skin (a tea towel or piece of strong kitchen roll is good). Place it wear you feel the irritation for several minutes then repeat later on. It can certainly reduce pain and swelling.

Go lemon balmy

Lip salves with at least 1% lemon balm can help reduce irritation and drinking lemon tea and using lemon tea compresses have also achieved good levels of symptomatic relief.

Candy is dandy but liquorice is quicker(ish)

Willy Wonka reference aside, liquorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which benefits from antiviral properties. You can grind it into a powder and mix it with petroleum jelly to apply it to cold sores, which themselves being caused by a virus, makes perfect sense.

Oregano is not just for pizza!

Oregano oil is one of the most popular home remedies for cold sores, and for very good reason. It has been used for a very long time for a great many conditions as it is a powerful anti-microbial. In 1996 its effects on HSV-1 (the virus causing cold sores) were found to be great. You must dilute the oregano oil in a carrier oil (coconut for example) at a ratio of 4 drops oregano oil and 20-30 drops coconut oil, then dab it on the sore with sterile gauze.

Clinically proven ointments for the win

While each of these home remedies will help, why not opt for a clinically proven ointment that combines ingredients that are tested and proven to help all in one handy tube. Something like this is excellent as it has many active ingredients including caprylic triglyceride from coconuts that come together and work as a team on destroying that pesky cold sore, while nourishing your skin at the same time!