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Skin, Hair & Nails

Cold Sores

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Cold sores (herpes labialis) are recurrent blisters on or around the lips caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus remains latent in nerve ganglia and reactivates due to triggers such as UV exposure, stress, fever, or immune suppression. These remedies focus on reducing outbreak frequency and speeding healing.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if cold sores are unusually severe, spread to the eye (ocular herpes - urgent), occur more than 6 times per year, last longer than 2 weeks, or if you are immunocompromised. Prescription antivirals (aciclovir, valaciclovir) have stronger evidence than any OTC remedy.

Natural remedies · 4

Tap any remedy for the full how-to and citation.

How we rate evidenceâ–¾

Strong - Multiple randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews with consistent positive outcomes.

Moderate - At least one RCT or several high-quality observational studies with plausible mechanisms.

Limited - Small trials, animal studies, or traditional use with limited human clinical evidence.

Sources link directly to PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, or NCCIH.

L-Lysine

ingestible
Griffith et al. (1987, PMID 3115841) RCT (n=52) found lysine 1,000 mg three times daily for 6 months reduced HSV recurrences by a mean of 2.4 episodes (p<0.05) and shortened healing time. However, a 2015 Cochrane review (PMID 26252373) found no evidence of efficacy for lysine in HSL prevention across pooled trials. Evidence is mixed and effect sizes are modest.
$8-$15 per month

Lemon Balm Cream (Melissa officinalis)

topical
Koytchev et al. (1999, PMID 10589440) double-blind RCT (n=66) found standardised 1% Melissa officinalis extract cream (Lo-701) produced significantly better combined symptom scores on day 2 vs placebo (4.03 vs 4.94, p<0.05), with superior healing during the period of most intensive symptoms.
$10-$20 per tube (several weeks supply)

Zinc Sulfate Topical Gel

topical
Kneist et al. (1995, PMID 7612066) double-blind RCT found topical zinc sulfate gel was significantly more effective than vehicle gel alone for herpes labialis recidivans, producing less marked symptoms and faster healing with no adverse effects.
$5-$15 per tube or bottle

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhizin) Topical

topical
Wang et al. (2015, PMID 26579460) review in Acta Pharm Sin B documented that glycyrrhizin inhibits intercellular adhesion in HSV infection and demonstrates antiviral activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in preclinical models. Human topical RCT data specific to herpes labialis is limited; most evidence is in-vitro or animal-based.
$10-$20 per tube

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Remedy information is compiled from primary clinical sources including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Evidence ratings reflect published human trial data at time of writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.