People who get cold sores a lot can usually tell when an outbreak is going to happen. The telltale signs begin with an itchy or burning sensation on the lip or mouth area. Before you know it, tiny blisters appear, most commonly occurring in the same place they appeared before.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about two-thirds of adults over the age of 50 have herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV-1, and about 50% of American children between the ages of 3-5 have already contracted HSV-1. The reason for the high percentage of children with HSV-1 is because the herpes virus can be passed orally, e.g. an infected adult kisses a child or uses the same cup as the child. An adult with HSV-1 can also wipe his or her mouth on a towel and a child, who uses that same towel, can become infected.

What Happens After You’re Infected?

Upon contracting the virus, the person will most likely experience recurring outbreaks. Even if the person rarely has an outbreak, it is still possible to transmit the virus to others because it can lay dormant in the body. An outbreak exponentially increases the risk of passing the virus to other people, and precautionary measures need to be taken to prevent this.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies will work for some, and they won’t work for others. It should be understood that most home remedies might provide relief from symptoms, but they will not necessarily reduce the duration of the outbreak. Cold sores typically last about one week or more and there are currently no known cures. Using ingredients that have powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties are the most beneficial for providing relief from the pain and discomfort of cold sores.

Choose Vitamins C & E

Vitamin C works to boost the production of white blood cells, which the body uses to fight infections. Vitamin E, on the other hand, works to help grow new skin cells and repair damaged skin cells. Both of these nutrients can be found in many plant-based foods. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include kiwis, broccoli, spinach, peppers, berries, guavas, spinach, and citrus fruits. Vitamin E-rich foods include whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens.

Apply An Ice Pack

While it won’t make the cold sore go away, applying an ice pack works to reduce the pain or itchiness by numbing the area. The cold temperature helps to reduce inflammation in the area by restricting blood flow.

Avoid Spicy Foods

When you feel a cold sore developing or if you already have an outbreak, don’t go out and eat hot wings, curry, or any other spicy foods. Most spicy foods will irritate the area and can even worsen the pain.

Homemade Cold Sore Balm

Ingredients:

• 30 drops melaleuca oil
• 25 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops each peppermint, lemon, oregano, ginger, and sandalwood essential oils
• carrier oil (we recommend fractionated coconut oil)

Instructions:

• Add all of the essential oils to a dark glass roller bottle and fill the rest of it with the carrier oil. Cover and shake to combine the oils.
• Apply this oil blend three times a day on the outbreak.
• Make sure not to touch the bottle with the finger that was used to apply the oil on the sore.
• Do not apply to sores inside the mouth.

Herbal-Infused Cold Sore Remedy

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon each dried chamomile, nettle, sage, peppermint, licorice root, and Echinacea
• 2 tablespoons elderberries

Instructions:

• Bring one cup of water to a boil in a sauce pain.
• Place the herbs and elderberries in a small bowl and mix to combine. Add one tablespoon of this mixture to a large mug.
• Pour the boiling water into the cup and let it sit until the liquid cools. Pour the liquid through a strainer into a cup and drink the tea to help naturally boost the immune system.

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Even if you new to the world of essential oils, you have probably heard of or even used tea tree oil. Similar to eucalyptus, tea tree oil has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. The oil you get in little bottles is actually extracted via steam distillation of the twigs and leaves of the tea tree plant. It takes roughly 1,000 pounds of the plant to yield 10-15 pounds of essential oil.

The tea tree is native to Australia, but tea tree essential oil has reached people all around the world. It’s important to know that the tea tree was known as the melaleuca tree. Captain Cook, upon getting sick in Australia, was given a tea of melaleuca leaves, and so he dubbed it the “tea tree.”

Tea tree oil is typically used as a topical remedy, helping to heal cuts, wounds, or infected areas on the skin. People also used to inhale the vapors of tree leaves in boiling water to help remedy respiratory illnesses. Many cultures have also brewed tea from the leaves in order to help get rid of cold or flu viruses. Below are some of the reasons why tea tree oil is always good to have around the house.

Cicatrisant

We figured that we should start out with a unique property of tea tree oil. The cicatrisant property helps open wounds heal quickly and prevents them from getting infected. It is also great to rub on scars that are the result of skin blemishes.

Insecticide

Since tea tree oil helps to fight bacteria and viruses, it makes a great insect repellent. There are properties in the oil that steer insects like mosquitos, flies, lice, or fleas away from you. Tea tree oil can also help rid the body of intestinal worms (roundworms, tapeworms, or hook worms) because the body absorbs the bacteria fighting properties of tea tree oil.

Anti-Inflammatory

Tea tree oil has a variety of anti-inflammatory properties, helping it to boost your immune system. Certain studies have even discovered that tea tree oil can stimulate the production of a specific white blood cell, which plays a role in destroying cancer cells, microbes, and bacteria.

Anti-Viral

Many people who get the chickenpox or cold sores often use tea tree oil as a topical remedy to sooth the itching or pain. The anti-viral properties also help to fight against influenza, for example, the H1N1 virus.

Hair Care

If you have dandruff or are experiencing hair loss, tea tree oil contains a stimulant property that can help improve the health of your scalp. This property increases blood flow in your scalp, which helps to strengthen your hair follicles and keep them healthy.

Acne Control

Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema are extremely common. When the oil glands on your skin are unregulated, the skin’s surface can suffer from accumulated bacteria. Using tea tree oil can help get rid of bacteria, which in turn promotes healthier looking skin.

Improved Hygiene

Tea tree oil is commonly used in the composition of deodorants because it has a powerful and pleasant scent. Since it can help eliminate body odor by attacking the bacteria and toxins, it can help to improve your overall hygiene, especially in places that are hot and humid.

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