Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Luckily I haven't had many cold sores, but I know they're painful and somewhat embarrassing since they're difficult to hide. A friend of mine suffers from occasional cold sores, especially during the cold months of winter, and she offered a number of great home remedies and ways to get rid of them fast. These home remedies and ways to get rid of cold sores are very simple, and if you're suffering from cold sores give these easy home remedies a try. You have nothing to lose but painful cold sores!

Vitamin E Capsules

Many people find relief from cold sores with vitamin E capsules, and this is one of the most effective home remedies you can try. You'll find the lowest prices on vitamins at Dollar General, and the vitamins they sell seem to be every bit as good as expensive brands sold in pharmacies. Make sure to purchase capsules that contain liquid instead of hard tablets.

Begin by sterilizing a needle by holding the tip in the flame of a match or a lighter for several seconds. Poke the capsule with the sterile needle, and squeeze out the liquid. Apply liquid vitamin E directly to the cold sore a few times each day until it goes away, and keep them on hand in the event of future outbreaks.

Lysine

Those who are seeking home remedies and haven't heard of lysine and suffer from cold sores may benefit from this over-the-counter nutrient in tablet form. It's an amino acid that is the basic component of all protein and is required to repair tissue. When taken at the first sign of a cold sore it helps prevent recurrences.

The recommended amount according to UC Berkeley Wellness Letter dated December 1995 is 1,000 milligrams per day. Lysine supplements are not recommended on a regular basis and for best results should only be taken when a cold sore first begins to develop.

Raw Honey

Some who suffer from cold sores use honey to heal them faster, and it apparently works because some over-the-counter products contain honey. It's a home remedy that's completely natural, and it's well worth a try. Dab a little raw honey on your cold sore as soon as it begins, and hopefully it will go away within a matter of days.

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