How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Natural Cold Sore Treatment

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic with antifungal properties. It's been used in Australia for many years in skin care and in the treatment of many and various ailments.

With summertime and long, sunny days upon us, many who are susceptible to cold sores feel that they can be triggered by time spent in the sun. Prevention is key, and a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher is an absolute must even on cloudy days.

But there are times when the cold sore virus will have its way, no matter what. In these times, it's understandable that you'd want the sore gone fast!

It's been shown that tea tree oil can reduce healing time by as much as half ~ this means only a couple of short days!

Things You'll Need

• Tea tree oil (available at many health food stores)
• Cotton swab

Instructions

1. To use, apply a drop of pure tea tree oil to a cotton swab, then dilute the drop with two drops of filtered water.

2. Apply the swab to the infected area 2-4 times a day.

3. The tea tree oil may dry out the skin on the surrounding area, so be careful not to spread the diluted mixture beyond the sore. If the mixture is too strong, dilute further before reapplying.