Best Homemade Lip Balm for Cold Sores!

You have to try this best homemade lemon balm lip balm that works amazing for cold sores by using lemon balm and tea tree!

Cold sores can be painful, irritating, and persistent. While many over-the-counter treatments promise relief, they often come with unwanted chemicals.

So what's a natural alternative? A homemade lemon balm lip balm that soothes and heals.

Lemon balm, known for its antiviral properties, can be an effective remedy for cold sores, and when combined with other nourishing ingredients, it creates the best homemade solution for lip care.

This article will guide you through the benefits of lemon balm, the power of natural ingredients, and an easy-to-follow recipe to make your own DIY lip balm at home.

Photo byKate Tekurio

Why Lemon Balm is Perfect for Cold Sores

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions.

It is particularly effective against cold sores due to its antiviral properties.

The active compounds in lemon balm, such as rosmarinic acid, can help speed up the healing process, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from the discomfort associated with cold sores.

Research shows that lemon balm may help to:

• Shorten the duration of cold sores: Its antiviral properties can inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores.
  
• Soothe irritation and inflammation: Lemon balm has calming effects that reduce redness and swelling.
  
• Prevent future outbreaks: Regular use may help in preventing future cold sores by strengthening the skin barrier.

Benefits of Ingredients in Homemade Lemon Balm Lip Balm

Each ingredient in this best homemade lip balm recipe have specific benefits in treating and preventing cold sores.

Lemon Balm Infused Oil

Infusing oil with lemon balm maximizes its healing potential. This oil is rich in antioxidants and offers antiviral protection, making it ideal for cold sore relief.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a powerhouse of vitamins A, D, and E, which help nourish and repair damaged skin. It deeply hydrates, which is crucial for keeping lips soft and preventing cracks that can worsen cold sores.

Beeswax

Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the lips, locking in moisture and shielding them from external irritants. It also has mild antibacterial properties, which further protect against infections.

Cacao Butter

Rich in fatty acids, cacao butter deeply moisturizes and provides a smooth texture to the lip balm. It also helps soothe chapped and irritated skin.

I personally like cacao butter instead of shea butter in my lip balm recipes!

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is known for its strong antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can help reduce the duration of cold sores and prevent secondary infections.

It is very powerful, so you only need a few drops!

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can relieve the pain and discomfort of cold sores. It also promotes blood circulation, which can speed up the healing process.

I use affiliate links in this article. If you purchase, I will receive a commission at not extra cost to you. These products are exactly what I used to create this lip balm.

How to Make the Best Homemade Lemon Balm Lip Balm

Here is exactly how to make this amazing homemade beeswax lip balm with lemon balm recipe. This makes around 5 ounces if you use the same recipe as I do.

Ingredients

• Lemon balm
• Avocado oil
• 6 tablespoons lemon balm infused oil
• 3 tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon cacao butter
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• amber container

Instructions

Add lemon balm to a glass jar and pour avocado oil to fully cover it. Let sit for a few weeks, then strain.

Add the cacao butter, infused oil, and beeswax into a heat safe glass container. Slowly melt it on a double broiler or in the microwave, stirring in between.

Once completely melted, add in essential oils.

Pour in the containers and let sit until hardened.

Notes

• You can use any carrier oil.
• Shea butter works instead of cacao butter.
• For extra antioxidant benefits, add a few drops of Vitamin E oil to the mixture.
• Customize the scent by adding different essential oils like lavender or chamomile, which also have soothing properties.

How to Use and Store Your Lemon Balm Lip Balm

Apply the lip balm generously to your lips at the first sign of a cold sore. Use it regularly to keep your lips moisturized and protected, reducing the chances of future outbreaks.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency.

Common FAQs About Homemade Lemon Balm Lip Balm

• Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil? Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. I just like and always have avocado oil at my home.
  
• Is this lip balm safe for children? If you take out the peppermint essential oil, it should be safe for children.
  
• What if I don’t have cacao butter? You can substitute with shea butter or mango butter, which are also excellent moisturizers.

Other Natural Remedies for Cold Sores

Here are some other natural remedies for cold sores that may help symptoms and promote healing:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that may help reduce pain and speed up the healing process of cold sores.

Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the cold sore and let it dry. Repeat several times daily.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antiviral properties that can help reduce the severity of cold sores.

If you need more support than my easy lip balm recipe I mentioned above that uses tea tree essential oil, you can always dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply to the cold sore with a cotton swab 2-3 times daily.

Licorice Root

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, an active compound with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help with your cold sores.

Apply licorice root extract or cream directly to the cold sore. Alternatively, mix licorice powder with a bit of water to form a paste and apply it to the sore.

Honey

Honey has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help speed up the healing of cold sores.

Apply a small amount of raw honey directly to the cold sore 3-4 times a day. I love using honey! You can even try a lavender infused honey recipe for added benefits.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil may help kill the cold sore outside the body and soothe the pain associated with cold sores.

You can again, just dilute peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it gently to the cold sore with a cotton swab.

Echinacea

Echinacea is known for its immune-boosting properties, which can help the body fight off infections, including the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores.

Take echinacea supplements or drink echinacea tea to help avoid cold sores and when you have one.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help dry out cold sores and reduce inflammation.

Apply a small amount of witch hazel extract to the cold sore using a cotton swab, up to three times a day. Be sure to use alcohol free witch hazel!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can help soothe the skin and reduce discomfort caused by cold sores.

Apply vitamin E oil or cream directly to the cold sore to moisturize and promote healing. You can also add it into this lemon balm lip balm recipe too!

Lysine Supplements

Lysine is an amino acid that may help reduce the frequency and severity of cold sores by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

Take lysine supplements or consume foods rich in lysine, such as fish, chicken, eggs, and legumes.

Homemade Lemon Balm Lip Balm Wrap-Up

Now you know how to make natural lip balm for your cold sores using lemon balm and tea tree essential oil.

Making your own lemon balm lip balm is such an easy, natural way to treat and prevent cold sores.

Give it a try next time you feel a cold sore coming on!