Those who suffer from herpes already know that there is nothing more distressing, painful, and embarrassing than to wake up with a sore on their lips, especially when it comes to a day when we have a very important meeting or event. The herpes virus tends to attack the body in situations where the immune system is weakened, therefore, we can expect a herpes sore soon after the onset of an illness that is accompanied by fever, as well as during transitional seasons, stressful situations and periods of extreme hormonal changes.
The solution for most of those suffering from this problem is a special ointment that can be bought at the pharmacy. However, if you have a herpes sore on your lips and find that you have no such remedy on hand or want to treat it in a more natural way, here are nine natural methods to help you get rid of herpes quickly and efficiently. Note that these treatments are only for herpes sores found on the lips.
If you also find that you're suffering from a sore throat as well, these natural gargles will sort it out in an instance!
It may surprise you to discover that the simple milk in your refrigerator can provide you with an effective solution for herpes. All you have to do is soak a cotton ball in milk and leave it on the sore for a few minutes. Repeat this several times a day and don’t rinse the area after soaking, so that the active ingredients in the milk can work against the troublesome sore.
Licorice root is an effective remedy for herpes sores because it contains an acid called glycerin, which helps stop the development of the virus and "equips" the body with what it needs to fight the virus. You can try eating licorice root when you find yourself in a situation that might preempt a herpes sore outbreak, but the best way to use it is by mixing licorice powder (available in nature stores) with a little water to make an ointment, and applying it directly on the sore a few times a day.
Some of you may remember your mother saying that garlic is an excellent cure for colds and the flu, but what she may not have known is that garlic also helps get rid of pesky herpes. The antiviral abilities of the garlic make it an excellent solution if your lips have a herpes sore. All you have to do is crush one clove and place it directly on the wound for a few minutes and then rinse the area with lukewarm water.
The essential oil of mint also has anti-viral properties, and there is no doubt that its smell is preferable to that of garlic. If you have mint oil, you should use it. All you have to do is soak the sore in a little bit of oil using a Q-tip, 3 times a day.
Tea tree oil has many useful uses and is also known as a natural remedy that helps to relieve wounds of all kinds. Applying it to the herpes sore will help dry it and get rid of it within one day. Just make sure to apply it to the sore several times during the day, and before bedtime.
Vanilla extract is used mainly in baking but is also known for its various therapeutic abilities, because it has high levels of alcohol, which makes survival difficult for various viruses. Apply it with a Q-tip directly on the wound 4-5 times a day to heal it.
Ice has no health benefits worth mentioning, however, it still makes the list of natural remedies for herpes sores, and its advantage is that it is the simplest and most common of all natural treatments on this list. Once you notice that a herpes sore is starting to develop on your lips, take an ice cube and hold it on the area where you feel the sore. Cold ice will help to prevent the pain and swelling, which will also help you avoid the urge to pick at the sore and peel it, consequently worsening its condition.
Olive oil is known to be an excellent skin moisturizer, but it is also used as an effective remedy for the treatment of herpes sores. Heat a cup of olive oil in a pot and add a little honey and lavender oil. After a few minutes remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool down. After it has cooled, apply it to the affected area.
