Natural Pain Remedies for Cold Sores

They can be more annoying than painful, especially if they appear on your lips. But they can sprout inside your nose, at your gums and at the roof of your mouth too. And once they come in contact with pressure, you might feel that sharp burst of pain. These are what cold sores are, and while they heal and disappear naturally, their annoyance and occasional pain might drive you to seek relief.

The following are easy methods to give cold sores that much-needed relief:

• Essential oils. Tea tree oil, which is good against bacteria, is top in the list. Simply apply a drop on the area first thing upon waking up and then at bedtime. Expect to feel relief quickly. Other essential oils effective for cold sores are bergamot, rose, geranium and melissa. So, have a relaxing aromatherapy while getting relief from that cold sore at the same time!
• Lemon balm. This is both soothing and fragrant. The leaves and flowers of the plant are definitely antibacterial and antiviral, which makes them excellent relief for cold sores, which have bacteria. Simply pour half a cup of boiling water to three teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves, cut finely. After 20 to 30 minutes, pass the tea through a strainer then let it cool. Get a clean cloth, dip it into the tea, then dab it into the cold sores.
• Calendula. This is an effective homeopathic remedy for cold sore relief. Calendula can be bought in health food stores. Simply apply two to three drops of a 10 percent tincture on a cotton swab then gently press on the cold sores.
• Ice. Gently press an ice cube on the affected area for about ten minutes and three times daily until you feel relief. Ice is also good for cold sores that are just emerging. Instead of pressing the ice cube, simply rub it on the affected area.
• Yogurt. The acidophilus in this sour treat is a natural antibiotic to the virus that is the culprit for cold sores. You can eat this too while you already have the sore to fight the bacteria and get that relief.
Getting relief from cold sores is quite easy, as you can see from the tips above. But as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, stay healthy – and eat more yogurt.

You may also read the following post for more natural pain remedies for cold sores. And if you have any natural remedies for cold sores or oral ulcers, share them by commenting below.

Natural Relief from Canker Sores

They can be hidden in your mouth and you might not notice them. Not unless you bite into a tomato or orange or any acidic food, and that’s when the pain begins. And you can unwittingly brush them while brushing your teeth, which is definitely not a pleasant experience. But take heart – you can easily get natural relief from canker sores.

There are many methods that can give you natural relief from canker sores. Take your pick as you read on in this list:

• Herbal tea. Calendula or goldenseal are excellent herbs for natural relief. Get either of these two herbs from health food stores. The dried variety is good. Get two teaspoons of it and steep in a cup of boiling water. But instead of drinking the tea, gargle with it as a mouthwash. Do this three to four times a day until your canker sores disappear.
• Yogurt. Not only is yogurt good for your health in general, it gives effective natural relief from canker sores as well. The live bacteria culture in yogurt will kill off the bacteria in your canker sores. And yogurt is not only a cure; it is also a preventive measure. So all the more reason for you to eat this treat more often! If you currently have canker sores, though, eight ounces of yogurt a day should do the trick.
• Vegetable juice. If you’re getting canker sores frequently, a lack of iron or folate may be the problem. So to get a healthy, natural relief is a fresh vegetable juice rich in these nutrients. A power recipe recommended by nutritionist Cherie Calbom is two kale leaves, a handful of spinach, a handful of parsley and four or five carrots.
• Improved eating habits. This is more for long-term natural relief from canker sores. The key here is to cut down on animal products as these produce more acid in the body, which contributes to canker sores. Processed and refined foods, coffee, sweets and citrus fruits are also culprits, as well as chewing gum and lozenges. Add more garlic and onions to your diet. Also, eat more foods rich in iron and folate for good measure like spinach and cabbage.
• Proper brushing habits. This is more for prevention than cure for canker sores. But it is definitely a long-term solution for natural relief. Poor dental hygiene can be a cause for canker sores. And using toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate can also be a cause. So take note before your next brushing.
With most the above methods, you will not only get natural relief from canker sores, you will be healthier too!