29 Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Cold Sores

9. Vanilla

Vanilla is used as a natural remedy for a number of things including acne prevention, promoting a healthy digestion, and reducing inflammation. But one main reason why it’s effective as a cold sore treatment is also because of its healing properties. It is rich in antioxidants, lessening the likelihood for the breakdown of cells and tissue within the body. This means that there are less chances for the virus to survive within the body, making it harder for cold sores to appear in the first place. As a topical treatment, soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and apply it to the sores, allowing it to saturate the area for at least one minute. Do this at least four times a day until you see visible changes in the affected area.