What Are Some Natural Relief for Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, can be quite painful, look terrible, and usually last between a week to 10 days. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores form when a blister appears on the outside of your lips or mouth. These blisters typically ooze, sting and itch before disappearing. Luckily, there are a number of simple methods you can use to find natural relief for these unwanted mouth sores.

Replace Your Toothbrush

One of the easiest ways to find natural relief for cold sores is to replace your toothbrush. Because the herpes simplex virus can survive on your toothbrush for days, it can easily reinfect you over and over again after your cold sore heals. As soon as you notice a blister forming, throw out your toothbrush and use a new one. Continue using the new toothbrush until the sore fully heals, then replace that toothbrush with another new one.

Apply a Whole-Milk Compress or Ice

Another easy technique you can use to find natural relief for cold sores is to use a whole-milk compress on the cold sore blister. First let the whole milk stand at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then apply the whole-milk compress directly on your cold sore for several minutes to ease your pain and promote healing. Be sure to wash your mouth afterward, otherwise the milk residue will begin to taste and smell sour. Applying ice directly over your cold sore is also a highly effective way to find immediate relief from cold sore pain.

Fight Arginine

To survive, the herpes simplex virus needs the amino acid, arginine. Therefore, if you find that you are prone to repeated cold sore outbreaks, you should try to avoid foods that contain high amounts of arginine, such as peas, cashews, beer, chocolate and peanuts. Try to completely cut these foods from your diet whenever a cold sore blister is present to speed the healing process. It may also be wise to take a daily supplement of lysine, an amino acid that counteracts arginine. According to Dr. Mark McCune, chief of dermatology at Humana Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas, the recommended dosage is 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day.

Herbal Remedies

Several herbs are known to ease cold sore pain. A hyssop compress can be particularly soothing. To make a hyssop compress, use 1 ounce of dried herb per pint of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and then allow it to cool. Soak a clean cloth in the steeped hyssop and apply it directly to the cold sore as needed for pain relief. Or try licorice. Licorice stimulates the production of antiviral components in the body, thereby effectively fighting the herpes simplex virus. Simply sprinkle some powdered licorice root on clean cold sores to speed healing. Witch hazel is also used to relieve cold sore pain when applied directly on the blister. It works by drying out the blister, but it can sting when initially applied.