Cold sores are like blisters that appear beneath the surface of your skin around the lips or mouth. They can ooze or break open, causing symptoms like pain, fever, headache, and sore throat, lasting up to ten days. Your best bet against the pain is some of these home remedies for cold sores that can provide you instant relief. Read on to know more.

1. Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a natural remedy against cold sores due to its antiviral properties that can help reduce swelling and protect against infections in the future. You can add lemon balm to your lip balm or make compresses made from lemon-balm-infused tea that can provide you quick and long-term relief.

2. Ice pack
While ice may not reduce the breakout itself, it can work wonders in reducing the inflammation and discomfort caused due to cold sores. You can apply an ice pack directly to the affected area for quick relief.

3. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is a common houseplant that offers plenty of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may have a positive and inhibitory impact on your cold sores. You can apply the gel directly to the affected region to soothe inflammation and alleviate the painful swelling.

4. Reduce stress
Stress reduction is one of the most underrated home remedies for cold sores. Not many people know that stress can activate the herpes virus responsible for your cold sores. However, by reducing stress in your life, you can prevent the onset of the condition altogether. Therefore, you must consider mindful meditation, exercise, and yoga to avoid stress in your life.

5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also an effective treatment to fight bacteria, viruses, and germs. However, be sure to dilute ACV before applying directly to the cold sore because the highly-concentrated nature of it can irritate your skin. You can use it once or twice a day to get relief.

6. Tea tree oil
Research indicates that tea tree oil shows promising results when fighting off the herpes simplex virus. You can dilute some of this oil before applying it to your skin.

7. Kanuka honey
It is already popularly being used to treat wounds and skin injuries. Kanuka honey is now also coming up as a reliable treatment for cold sores. Apply it to the affected area to benefit from its natural healing properties.

8. Propolis
As is with honey, propolis is also a bee product that is considered effective against cold sores and skin lesions. It contains antiviral properties that can help your cold sores heal more quickly.

Using these remedies, you will keep cold sores symptoms at bay and prevent their future breakouts.