Cold sores—also called oral herpes—are painful, blistering outbreaks often triggered by stress, fatigue, or illness. While they’re caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), there are natural cold sore remedies that can help ease the pain and speed up healing—without medication.
Passed down from Grandma, these old-school tips are still effective today. Here are 12 natural and time-tested cold sore remedies to try at home.
Black Tea
The tannins in black tea offer antiviral and antibacterial benefits. Steep a tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and apply directly to the sore. Repeat until it disappears.
Ice
An accessible and easy remedy, applying an ice pack for 45 minutes, three times a day, can shrink a cold sore in two days. It also soothes pain and reduces size.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera acts as a disinfectant. Apply gel directly to the sore and let it absorb. Cleanse the area with warm water before reapplying.
Garlic
Garlic is effective against herpes. Rub a fresh clove on the area as soon as you feel tingling for best results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps dry and slow growth. Mix with warm water to form a paste, apply, and let sit for half an hour before rinsing.
Chamomile
Chamomile soothes cold sores. Mix chopped dried flowers with warm water to make a poultice, apply to sore, and leave for a few minutes. Repeat as needed.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Effective against viruses, apply a diluted mixture of tea tree oil as soon as tingling starts. Dab with a cotton swab up to five times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a swab in vinegar and dab on the sore to soothe tingling for quick relief.
Lemon Balm Water
Available at drugstores, lemon balm water dries out sores quickly. Apply with a soaked cotton pad.
Lemon
With antiseptic properties, lemon juice can treat sores. Apply with a swab, leave for a few minutes, then repeat up to four times daily.
Green Clay
Mix ½ tablespoon of powdered green clay with water to form a paste. Apply to sore, let dry for 30 minutes.
Honey
Apply honey to the sore, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Repeat three times a day. Propolis can also be used.
These natural cold sore remedies offer a gentle, effective alternative to chemical treatments. With a little patience and the right approach, you can shorten the healing process and ease the discomfort—just like Grandma always said.
**Bouton de fièvre : 12 remèdes incroyables de grand-mère à tester !**
This article first appeared on viepratique.fr – Author: Yamina
