As the seasons changed from summer to fall, my body began to feel the effects of the cooler weather. I started to feel run down and noticed small blisters developing inside my nose. Looking in the mirror, it was clear I had developed a cold sore just as the weather was turning cold – the worst possible timing. The itching and discomfort made it nearly impossible to focus at work or get a good night’s sleep. Desperate to find relief, I began searching for natural remedies that could soothe the irritation and help my cold sore heal as quickly and comfortably as possible. Through trial and error, I discovered several gentle home treatments that really eased my discomfort and had my cold sore feeling better in no time. Here are the natural remedies that worked best for me in hopes they can offer relief to others experiencing this irritating nasal ailment.
Natural Remedies for Cold Sores in the Nose that Really Work:
Tea Tree Oil
I had heard tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of the virus responsible for cold sores. I applied a small amount of diluted tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton ball twice per day. The strong yet refreshing scent was relaxing and within a few days, I noticed the blisters beginning to shrink and scab over. Tea tree oil’s natural disinfecting power seemed to be speeding up the healing process. Its ability to reduce inflammation and soothe itching also helped me feel more comfortable. This affordable essential oil definitely brought much-needed relief during an uncomfortable time.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another home remedy I turned to is hydrogen peroxide, long known for its disinfecting and germ-killing abilities. Soaking a cotton ball in 3% peroxide solution and holding it to the sore for a few minutes, two to three times a day worked wonders. The bubbling sensation felt a bit strange at first but the Herxheimer reaction showed the medication was working to eliminate viral particles from the sore site. Within just a couple of applications, I noticed the blisters were no longer as swollen or full of fluid. Continuing this treatment along with others helped keep secondary infections at bay so the cold sore could heal cleanly. The low cost and easy availability of hydrogen peroxide make it a very practical natural remedy worth trying.
Ice
To immediately reduce swelling, redness, and pain, I applied ice wrapped in a clean cloth or towel to the outside of my nose for a few minutes at a time. The cooling sensation felt soothing against the inflamed skin. Iced tea bags are also very effective as they conform to the shape of the nose better than ice cubes. Using ice as often as needed throughout the day helped take the edge off discomfort until other treatments could take full effect. Cooling the area restricts blood flow which can limit the spread of the virus as well as lessen symptoms. Ice is a simple way to get natural cold sore relief very quickly with no side effects.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm contains compounds that have anti-viral and calming properties. I made a strong tea using lemon balm leaves, cooled it, and applied the liquid to the sore site with a cotton ball several times a day. The lemony scent was refreshing and I noticed the reddened area seemed to fade more quickly than when using other remedies alone. Lemon balm’s ability to inhibit viral replication and promote healing of damaged skin tissue clearly supported the recovery process. As an added benefit, its mild sedative effect relieved some of my stress surrounding the situation. Being able to soothe both body and mind offered much-needed comfort. This plant-based home remedy proved itself as a multi-purpose natural treatment.
Nutritional Supplements
Taking nutritional supplements containing lysine, vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants can further aid the healing process for cold sores by supporting the immune system. Lysine Starves” the cold sore virus of an essential amino acid it needs to multiply, zinc speeds wound healing and vitamin C protects cells from free radical damage. During the two weeks following the onset of my symptoms, I added a daily multivitamin, extra zinc and 1000mg of lysine to support my body’s own recovery mechanisms. While not a direct topical treatment, boosting my nutritional status from within helped my entire system fight the viral infection and speed up the resolution of the sore. Supplementation is an important complementary approach when dealing with any health issue.
Conclusion
Trying a variety of natural home remedies allowed me to find what provided the most relief from uncomfortable cold sore symptoms affecting my nose. While no single treatment provided a cure, combining therapies like tea tree oil, ice, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon balm enabled my body to heal efficiently. Learning to listen to my own needs and give myself TLC with simple, substance-free options helped me cope during an annoying flare-up. Natural remedies allowed me to avoid nasty medication side effects and promoted holistic recovery instead. I hope sharing my non-toxic solution offers comfort and inspiration to others experiencing this bothersome nuisance. Taking good care of yourself from the inside out truly is the best medicine.
