How to Treat Cold Sores at Home

Updated March 22, 2026

Medically Reviewed By

Sarah Hung, ND, MSOM, LAc

Writers

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that form on or around the mouth, lips, throat, and gums. Brought on by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV–1, or oral herpes), these painful lesions can come and go, as the virus remains dormant in the body.¹^,² Initial infections may be accompanied by symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, and body aches.³

Oral herpes is one of the most common viral infections globally.¹ It’s highly contagious, especially while sores are visible. The virus spreads easily through direct contact (e.g., kissing) and by touching items (towels, dishes, straws, etc.) that have been exposed to open lesions or blisters.²

There is no cure for HSV–1, but most cold sores typically heal in one to two weeks.² The virus settles into a latent stage after an infection heals, but it can become active again later, triggering another outbreak.¹

Common cold sore triggers

Among the many health conditions and issues that can reactivate oral herpes, there are eight primary causes:

Fever
Hormonal fluctuations
Sleep deprivation
Immunosuppression
Surgical trauma
Ultraviolet light
Corticosteroid use
Psychological stress

“Outbreaks are [usually] from some kind of stress,” explains Veronica E. Hayduk, ND, owner of Second Nature Health in Rockville, Maryland. “Stress burdens the adrenal gland, and this weakens the immune system. Thus, those pesky virions can have their way, showing up on the skin.”

Other herpes viruses

Along with activating HSV–1, the virus that causes cold sores, stress can awaken other types of herpes infections, including herpes zoster (shingles), the Epstein–Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes).³^,⁴ Dr. Hayduk notes “extreme stress” has been the culprit of shingles outbreaks among her patients.

Natural strategies for virus protection

Although there is no cure for herpes infections, natural remedies can help fortify the body to fight the virus. Strengthening immunity may also reduce the risk of outbreaks and speed healing.

Stress management is helpful for keeping the virus in check¹^,⁵ and can be practiced in various ways. Exercise, meditation, high-quality and sufficient sleep, and spending time outdoors are a few practical strategies.

The ability to regulate emotional highs and lows is especially important during times of extreme distress. “When I ask [patients] what happened a week or so before the outbreak,” says Dr. Hayduk, “they’ll usually tell me something significant. [It could be] a break-up, move, divorce, accident, or trauma—something sets them off. This is especially true for those who don’t have outbreaks all the time, but [experience them] rarely.”

For those with chronic cold sores, Dr. Hayduk says weakened immunity is to blame. “We need to figure out why that is,” she adds. “Many herbs can help [strengthen immunity], but the entire body needs to be supported, not just [the] immune system.”

Resolving nutrient deficiencies

Diets low in certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can contribute to persistent cold sore outbreaks.¹ Dr. Hayduk recommends loading up on foods high in vitamin A (orange, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables). Many of these foods also contain vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory properties. “Green leafies like spinach and kale count,” she says.

To strengthen the body’s natural defenses, Dr. Hayduk sometimes suggests supplementing with zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and lysine.⁶^,⁷ “I love high dosages of lysine, in supplement form,” says Dr. Hayduk. “[It’s] hard to eat enough [of it].”

Addressing GI health

Poor gut health, whether from dietary inadequacies or persistent stress, can impair the body’s ability to fight infections. “The immune system lives in the gut,” says Dr. Hayduk, who notes that sugar, simple carbohydrates, and other inflammatory foods and beverages, such as soda, can “suppress immunity.”

Alcohol and foods high in arginine (pork, turkey, and legumes) may also increase the risk of outbreaks.⁷

Prioritizing curative sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining immune function, as sleep deprivation can affect immunity, emotional wellness, and skin health.¹^,⁵^,⁸ Dr. Hayduk emphasizes the importance of addressing both sleep deprivation and stress, which often go hand in hand. “Outbreaks triggered by stress can mean [people] are not sleeping well either,” she says.

Protecting against dryness and sun exposure

Dry, cracked lips and exposure to ultraviolet light can trigger cold sore outbreaks.⁵ Taking preventive measures to keep a protective barrier around the mouth may help:

Sun protection. Apply a broad-spectrum lip balm with (at least) SPF 30 before heading outdoors, no matter the time of year.
Lip moisturizers. Natural products with coconut oil, olive oil, or beeswax help keep lips moisturized throughout the day.

Focusing on prevention

People who experience recurrent HSV–1 outbreaks may notice early symptoms, such as itching, burning, tingling, and stinging, before cold sores appear. These warning signs occur during the precursor, or prodromal, stage of an outbreak and may occur in about 46 to 60 percent of patients.¹^,²

If detected early enough, several preventive measures may be taken to help prevent sores from developing.¹ Early treatments can also speed healing and lower the risk of spreading the virus to others.

To prevent cold sores from spreading, avoid direct contact with others during an outbreak. Avoid kissing, oral sex, and sharing items with an infected person. Traces of the virus may be left on utensils, straws, towels, toothbrushes, cosmetics, and dishes.

After cold sores heal, discard or thoroughly wash any items that may have been exposed to blisters to help prevent reinfection.⁵

Home remedies for cold sores

Lysine, an essential amino acid found in certain foods and supplements, may help prevent and treat cold sores without adverse effects. When taken as a daily prophylactic agent, lysine could even reduce the recurrence of cold sores.⁷

Lysine dosage varies based on its use to treat active infection or prevent future outbreaks. A daily dose of three grams has been shown to decrease the severity and duration of cold sores during active infections, while 1 gram daily may reduce recurrence.¹^,⁷

Zinc-based creams with echinacea and goldenseal could be effective in the very early stages of an outbreak¹; however, Dr. Hayduk doesn’t recommend the topicals as first-line treatments. “If caught early enough—many feel a tingle before they see the lesion—then load up on these,” she advises. “But I see lysine work better for prophylaxis.”

Ice is one of the easiest and most soothing home remedies to relieve early symptoms, such as itchiness, pain, burning, and tingling.¹

Lemon balm

Topical creams containing lemon balm have been shown to reduce swelling and accelerate the healing process.⁸ “Lemon balm is nice and gentle,” Dr. Hayduk notes, “[and it] can be mixed with other herbs.”

Lavender and licorice

Dr. Hayduk often recommends lavender and licorice as topical treatments for cold sores. “Lavender applied topically works better than tea tree,” she says, “and [with] no burning or scaling.”

Applying licorice to cold sores can also speed healing. Glycyrrhizin, a natural component found in licorice root extract, shows promising antiviral activity against HSV–1 in lab and animal studies.⁸^,⁹ “If patients like the taste of licorice, even better,” adds Dr. Hayduk. “Taking this herb doesn’t feel like punishment. [It] can be applied topically too.”

Aloe vera gel extract

When applied directly to cold sores, aloe vera may help relieve symptoms as blisters heal. Although human research is lacking, one animal study found aloe vera gel extract inhibited growth of herpes simplex labialis lesions.¹ An older study in mice showed aloe vera delayed blister development and progression.⁸

Medical-grade honey and bee propolis

Some experience relief from cold sores with topical bee propolis or medical-grade manuka honey. Manuka honey may have antiviral potential against HSV in vitro, and a small clinical study suggests it could help prevent outbreaks when applied topically twice daily.⁹

When applied topically, kanuka-derived honey can also treat cold sores. One sizeable randomized controlled trial found medical-grade kanuka honey treated sores as effectively as topical Aciclovir, a prescription antiviral ointment.¹⁰

Another study comparing L–Mesitran, a medical-grade honey, to conventional cold sore treatments found honey was more likely to reduce healing time, relieve pain and itching, and hydrate the skin.⁹ L–Mesitran also contains vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that may relieve HSV symptoms when applied topically.⁷

Bee propolis contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties that may accelerate healing when applied directly to cold sores.¹^,⁹ Dr. Hayduk suggests leaving propolis or manuka honey on sores for 10 to 15 minutes.

Dietary changes that may accelerate healing

salmon, avocado, nuts, grains, and omega three capsules in bowls and scattered on table

Although diet alone won’t help treat cold sores, the food eaten during an outbreak may promote or delay healing.¹ Alcohol, for example, may delay recovery and trigger outbreaks.

According to a systematic review of preclinical and clinical data, garlic extract may fight HSV–1 and HSV–2. Garlic’s organosulfur compounds (allicin and its derivatives) have potent antiviral properties.¹¹

Fatty acids in fish, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and supplements reduce bodily inflammation, which may help modulate immune responses against viral and bacterial infections.¹²

To prevent further irritation during an outbreak, avoid acidic foods and beverages until cold sores heal.¹³

Antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster

Antiviral medications such as oral Aciclovir (Acyclovir), Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are commonly used to treat cold sores. However, severe side effects and drug resistance can occur with excessive and prolonged use.¹⁴ For this reason, many people prefer natural remedies over prescription drugs, especially if they’re prone to recurrent cold sores.

With prescription antivirals, it’s best to start treatment during the precursor stage of a herpes outbreak.¹ Efficacy and timing go hand in hand with these drugs, which best reduce HSV severity, duration, and spread when taken during the first 72 hours of symptom onset.³ Although oral antivirals are most effective when initiated during the precursor stage of herpes outbreaks, they can also be taken once cold sores form.

Other HSV treatments

Over-the-counter and prescription creams may help treat active cold sores on the face and lips¹^,²:

Prescription antiviral ointments
OTC creams (e.g., Abreva)
OTC pain relievers
Topical anesthetics

While some people have used baking soda or cornstarch paste to soothe and dry out cold sores, there’s no evidence supporting their use for cold sores.⁷

Footnotes

1
Gopinath D, Koe KH, Maharajan MK, Panda S. A comprehensive overview of epidemiology, pathogenesis and the management of herpes labialis. Viruses. 2023;15(1):225. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15010225
2
Herpes—Oral. MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. Updated July 8, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000606.htm
3
Nagarakanti SR, Zikri AM. Is there a role for chronic suppressive therapy in herpes simplex virus infection?. Cleve Clin J Med. 2024;91(3):151-153. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.91a.23099
4
Nair PA, Patel BC. Herpes Zoster. StatPearls Publishing. Updated September 4, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441824
5
Cold Sore Remedies Dermatologists Recommended. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated February 1, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-self-care
6
Huang J, Wu Y, Wang M, Lin S. The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the prevalence of herpes simplex virus. J Med Virol. 2023;95(1):e28297. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.28297
7
Chang JY, Balch C, Puccio J, Oh HS. A narrative review of alternative symptomatic treatments for herpes simplex virus. Viruses. 2023;15(6):1314. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061314
8
Garber A, Barnard L, Pickrell C. Review of whole plant extracts with activity against herpes simplex viruses in vitro and in vivo. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2021;26:2515690X20978394. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20978394
9
Naik PP, Mossialos D, Wijk BV, Novakova P, Wagener FADTG, Cremers NAJ. Medical-grade honey outperforms conventional treatments for healing cold sores—a clinical study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(12):1264. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14121264
10
Semprini A, Singer J, Braithwaite I, et al. Kanuka honey versus aciclovir for the topical treatment of herpes simplex labialis: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2019;9(5):e026201. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026201
11
Rouf R, Uddin SJ, Sarker DK, et al. Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;104:219-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2020.08.006
12
Husson MO, Ley D, Portal C, et al. Modulation of host defence against bacterial and viral infections by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. J Infect. 2016;73(6):523-535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2016.10.001
13
Overview: Cold Sores. InformedHealth.org. Updated January 14, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525782
14
Xu L, Zhong XL, Xi ZC, Li Y, Xu HX. Medicinal plants and natural compounds against acyclovir-resistant HSV infections. Front Microbiol. 2022;13:1025605. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1025605

This article is provided by

The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform health care in the United States by increasing public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic medicine, with its person-centered principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness overwhelming healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain optimal lifelong health. INM strives to fulfil this mission through the following initiatives:

Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
Access – Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
Research – Expand quality research on this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

Medically Reviewed By

Sarah Hung, ND, MSOM, LAc

Sarah Hung is a board certified Naturopathic Physician, licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. Her goal is to bring natural healing methods such as looking for the root cause, medicinal plants and herbs and utilizing food as medicine to others so they can feel empowered to heal themselves. Her tools of choice in her clinical practice include nutrition, functional laboratory testing and custom herbal formulations, and she specializes in reproductive and endocrine disorders, cardiometabolic wellness, healthy aging, as well as nutritional and herbal strategies to support brain and neurotransmitter balance. In her free time, she enjoys spending time performing music and enjoying time with family and friends. As a natural foods enthusiast, she enjoys preparing a variety of delicious and healthy meals from a variety of cultures and spending time in nature.

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How to Treat Cold Sores at Home

Common cold sore triggers

Other herpes viruses