It is worth mentioning that cold sores are caused by HSV-1, which is a form of Herpes Simplex Virus. The most common symptoms of this problem are painful ulcers around your lips and mouth. This health problem is also called fever blisters. This virus is quite similar to the one that causes genital herpes.
Although these are different viruses, both may cause sores around genitalia and lips. People infected with these viruses can even spread them through close contact during oral sex, kiss etc. Fortunately, there are some effective cold sore natural remedies. In this post, we have discussed some of these.
Vanilla Extract
It is worth mentioning that vanilla extract is an effective and natural cold sore treatments. The simple thought process underlying this remedy is that it contains an alcohol base. Therefore, the virus is unable to thrive. It either gets wiped out or reduces the severity of symptoms. In case you use vanilla, it?s better to purchase some organic vanilla extract. You should use it right from the beginning of the outbreak.
Licorice
This is considered to be a random natural remedy for people suffering from cold sores. Glycyrrhizic acid is an active ingredient in the licorice root. According to some studies, it can stop virus cells from increasing in number, and even counteracts the symptoms of this condition. This is possible due to the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root.
When you plan to use licorice root to get some relief from cold sores, you should use it in powder form. You can even make a paste with powdered licorice. A lot of people even drink licorice tea on a daily basis. These days, you can even purchase a high-quality topical ointment containing licorice.
Toss your toothbrush
Once you notice any blisters on your lips, you should throw away your toothbrush. It is important to understand that a toothbrush is often the most common vessel to carry the HSV-1 virus. If you use the same toothbrush you have been using, you could end up triggering another outbreak. Since throwing away your old toothbrush can cut short and even eliminate an outbreak, it is considered to be a preventive measure.
Get milk
If you put a gallon of milk on the cold sore, it can speed up healing. It may also ease the pain. This is considered one of the most effective cold sore natural remedies. It is worth mentioning that milk contains immunoglobulins, which are important antibodies required to prevent and fight off several viruses.
In addition to this, milk also contains L-lysine. It helps inhibit the progress of symptoms and makes sure you get some major relief from pain. It also inhibits the production of Arginine, which is considered to be a major cause of cold sore outbreaks.
In simple terms, when you want to prevent cold sore, you should drink lots of milk. You can even place a packet of milk on cold sores. In order to suppress outbreaks, you can use milk to soothe pain and fight the virus.
Hydrogen peroxide
If you have ever put hydrogen peroxide on a scratch or scrape, you already know that the feeling is not pleasant. However, there?s some good news. When you get used to the feeling, it can be less traumatic. Moreover, when you have grown into an adult, it doesn?t hurt a lot.
According to most healthcare experts, this solution could be a very effective cold sore remedy. It can disinfect the affected area, heal up speeding, and make it quite hard for the sore to worsen or spread. It is worth mentioning that the blister is already infected or bothered. Therefore, you should keep it clean.
Minty fresh
Peppermint oil contains properties that kill virus particles directly and keep them outside your cells. Thus, they do not accumulate in the erupted cold sore. It?s important to understand that it doesn?t help when you ingest peppermint oil. This only attacks the virus escaped from the body?s cells.
You need to understand that Herpes Simplex Virus resides beneath your skin. It waits for a trigger to appear and cause the outbreak. When cold sores erupt, you should treat them with peppermint oil. When this oil is applied directly on a cold sore, symptoms heal faster.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins are an essential part of your diet. When it comes to cold sore natural remedies, vitamins are considered to be quite important. Vitamin C can boost your WBC or white blood cell count. These cells defend your body against infections. When a virus infects your body and causes symptoms, Vitamin C fights off the infection to make sure you get relief. In this case, Vitamin C fights off the herpes virus.
On the other hand, when Vitamin E is applied topically, it can provide some relief from the painful and irritating discomfort of the cold sores. Along with that, it can also minimize scarring. Vitamin E can be acquired from oral supplements. These days, you can easily purchase them on the Internet.
Cornstarch paste
In case you?ve worked with high-quality cornstarch before, you must know that it has a very silky, fine texture. From the appearance, it seems like it gives you instant relief from cold sores. Cornstarch paste can help relieve pain and itching when you apply it directly on the sore.
It?s worth mentioning that cornstarch paste is considered to be a highly effective cold sore remedy because it neutralizes pH level of a cold sore. The herpes virus thrives in an acidic environment, and eve creates an alkaline state. In order to reduce the duration of a cold sore and seek relief, you should use some cornstarch paste on the sore.
In the end, it?s important to understand that cold sores are caused by a condition that can not be cured. However, you can still get relief from symptoms, and get rid of pain and discomfort. But if you?re looking for a solution, you will have to wait until healthcare experts find a cure for the problem. Last but not the least, it?s better to consult a professional before you start using any of these remedies.
