Cold sores are a common ailment that affects people when they least expect it. If you are preparing for a meeting or have an important event to attend, you may notice that a cold sore pops up on your lips. Stress, anxiety, a cold, the flu, or any immune change can trigger a cold sore, and it can often be painful and uncomfortable. Store bought treatments are ineffective for treating the sores in some people, but there are a variety of home remedies for cold sores that can help alleviate your symptoms and reduce the size of the sore.

Ice or Cold Compress

The first of the home remedies for cold sores that you should try is ice. Ice will help lessen the redness and the pain that comes along with the cold sore. You should apply an ice compress to your lips as soon as you notice that you are forming a cold sore. The earlier you apply ice to the site, the better this treatment will work for you. You can also eat a Popsicle if you prefer to cool your lips and help treat your cold sore naturally. Home remedies for cold sores like ice will allow you to safely and effectively reduce the amount of time that your cold sore is present without having to apply harsh chemicals to your lips.

Tea Bag

The second of the home remedies for cold sores is a tea bag. The origin of this home remedy is unknown, but many people have success when they apply a tea bag to the infected area. When you are applying the tea bag to your lips, make sure that it is has been soaked and squeezed. The tea bag should be warm to the touch, and it can be placed directly on your lips for as long as you require. You should only use the tea bag for 30 minutes per bag, but you can use as many as you want throughout the day.

Licorice

Licorice is another of the home remedies for cold sores that has proven to be extremely effective in diminishing the amount of time that the cold sore is present. Studies have concluded that licorice contains glyzyrrhizic acid, which helps stop the spread of the virus and inhibits the growth of the sore. You can either consume licorice or apply a cream of licorice powder and vegetable shortening to the site. Make sure that if you purchase licorice candy, it is made with real licorice mass and not artificial flavoring.

Cold Milk

Similarly, cold milk is one of the home remedies for cold sores that can instantly relieve pain. You won’t need to drink the milk. Instead, dip a cotton ball in some milk and apply it directly to your lips over the cold sore. This will help instantly ease and relieve pain, and if applied early enough, it can trigger the healing process to begin.

Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera

Other home remedies for cold sores that you may want to try are witch hazel and Aloe Vera. Apply witch hazel with a Q-tip to the infected area as soon as you realize that you are getting a sore. Witch hazel is a powerful home remedy, and it will cut the healing time into a fraction. Aloe Vera has been used to treat a number of skin conditions over the years, and it can also be applied when you notice the cold sore to help expedite the healing process and diminish the size and redness of the sore.

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