Homemade Relief for a Cold Sore in the Mouth

Cold sores in the mouth are the result of the herpes simplex virus 1 and typically appear several weeks after exposure to the virus. These sores are often painful and easily irritated, making eating and drinking particularly problematic. Additional symptoms may include headaches, swelling of the irritated area around the sores, and swelling of lymph nodes. Sores may last up to five weeks. There are multiple home remedy options that may reduce the irritability of cold sores or eliminate them.

Cold Sore Treatments

• Perhaps the simplest homemade cure for cold sores is ice, which can numb the irritated area and greatly reduce your pain. Apply ice to the affected area, massaging the area for no more than a few moments. Repeat this ice massage repeatedly throughout the day, especially before eating. You can also apply a tea bag to the cold sore for a few moments repeatedly and throughout the day. You can also apply a warm tea bag to the effected area for 30 minutes to obtain more substantial, long-lasting relief. It is also advisable to apply petroleum jelly to the cold sore, as this will help to both heal the sore and protect it from bacterial infection and greater irritation.

  Chewing on real licorice (which you can determine from searching the ingredient list for "licorice mass") can also help, as licorice contains the glycyrrhizic acid, which can stop the cold sore virus from spreading. Drinking milk, or putting milk on a cloth or cotton ball and applying it to the sore in the beginning stages, can help to stop a cold sore from spreading or worsening. The same goes for echinacea and goldenseal extract, which can be applied to a cotton ball and pressed against the sore. Finally, drinking lemon tea or applying lemon balm will help to fight the cold sore virus.

What to Avoid

• Avoid foods that are spicy and/or salty, as such foods will significantly irritate cold sores. Stick with fresh, unprocessed foods, such as fruits and vegetables (especially green, leafy vegetables), that are high in antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. It is also important to avoid germs from the virus through your toothbrush (don't share with others and be sure to toss your old brush after your cold sore has cleared up) and sharing food or beverages with others. Finally, be sure that you do not touch your cold sore, as this can cause bacterial infection.