Treating Cold Sores Naturally

Using Manuka Honey and Other Natural Ingredients to Treat Cold Sores

With the seasons beginning to change, many of us are starting to feel the effects of the colder weather. For those who suffer with cold sores, this is the time of year when we begin to see them pop up on the outer ridges of our lips. Not only are cold sores painful, they are unsightly and those who suffer from them want them gone as soon as possible. Cold sore creams and ointments are expensive, but there are some natural ways to treat a cold sore and help it heal a little bit faster.

What is a Cold Sore?

Many people have a hard time distinguishing the difference between a cold sore and a mouth ulcer simply because most people do not actually know what a cold sore is. A cold sore is caused by a virus known as herpes simplex type 1, which is usually contracted in childhood or during the individual’s adolescent years through the transfer of saliva. The virus generally lies dormant but will flare up when the individual experiences sickness, when they are stressed or anxious, or when the temperatures make a drastic change.

Natural Remedies for Cold Sores

Creams and balms designated for cold sores can be expensive, ranging anywhere from $10 to $20 for a small tube of product. While these products do work, some people cannot justify the price. Luckily there are a number of natural remedies for cold sores with ingredients you can find in your home.

Garlic – Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties that make it great for helping to heal a cold sore. Applying garlic directly to the cold sore may help to reduce the swelling and pain, speed up healing time and may even prevent them from forming if applied at the first sign of the cold sore.

Manuka Honey – Like garlic, Manuka honey is said to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Manuka honey can be applied directly to the cold sore to help the healing process of the cold sore. Since honey is not a medication, it can be applied to the area over and over again as needed.

Vanilla Extract – Many people swear by using pure vanilla extract to treat cold sores. To apply the vanilla extract, simply soak a cotton ball with the liquid and apply it to the affected area, holding it in place for a minute or two. Vanilla extract can be applied up to four times a day until no longer needed.