Cold sores are unpleasant and unsightly sores that appear on or around the mouth. Do not confuse these with canker sores that usually occur inside the mouth. A surprising fact that not many people know about cold sores is that they can also develop on the chin, fingers, genitals, or nostrils. In some cases cold sores can occur in the mouth, but are still different from canker sores.
Another difference between cold sores and canker sores that some people may not know is that cold sores are contagious, while canker sores are not contagious. Although there may not be a cure for the herpes simplex virus that is responsible for cold sores, there are many home remedies for cold sores that can treat and relieve the pain caused by these nasty blisters.
Look in Your Kitchen for these 8 Home Remedies for Cold Sore
Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil has been found to be a very effective treatment for cold sores on the mouth, because this type of oil has immense anti-viral properties and penetrates the skin.
Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a great treatment for cold sores in the mouth. However, make sure that you do not swallow this and follow the formula for utilizing hydrogen peroxide. Mix water with two ounces of hydrogen peroxide, five teaspoons of salt, and one teaspoon of baking soda. Use this solution to rinse out your mouth for at least one minute. This should also be repeated about 4 or 5 times each day until the cold sore has gone away.
Plum Juice. If the hydrogen peroxide solution is unappealing to you, another home remedy for core sores is plum juice. Just two tablespoons of freshly squeezed plum juice can serve as a mouth wash. For more severe cold sores, soak a cotton ball or swab in plum juice and apply it to the sores. Plum juice is known for reducing inflammation and pain.
Ice. Rubbing ice on the cold sore for a few minutes can provide relief from the pain.
Tea Bag. For those who prefer heat over ice, a warm tea bag can also help assuage the pain caused by cold sores. Just simply hold the warm tea bag on the cold sore for approximately 30 minutes or for a few minutes every hour.
Witch Hazel. Another way to treat cold sores is by applying witch hazel to them.
Cold Milk. Although cold milk has not been scientifically proven to relieve cold sores, many people swear by its effectiveness. Dip a cotton ball into cold milk or a swab and then apply it to the cold sore. This is believed to both relieve the pain and speed up the healing process.
Real Licorice. Eating real licorice has shown to help prevent and treat cold sores. If you do not want to eat licorice, you can also sprinkle licorice powder on the cold sore.
In conclusion, peppermint oil, hydrogen peroxide, plum juice, ice, tea bag, witch hazel, cold milk, and real licorice are all inexpensive and easy home remedies for cold sores. They can assuage the pain and speed up the healing process. Stop reading, and head to your kitchen right now to start applying the cold sore remedy!
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