In this article, I’m going to teach you how to use apple cider vinegar for cold sores. Apple cider vinegar is well-known for having a superabundance of health benefits, but does it really work for cold sores?
I just finished my research on this topic…
And what I found out was very interesting.
So…without further ado, let’s explore the benefits of using apple cider vinegar for cold sores…
Cold Sores
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of small blisters that form on or near the lips. Cold sores are a result of something called herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV, and both can cause cold sores. HSV-1 typically is responsible for cold sores, and HSV-2 is most often the cause of genital herpes.
However, both types of HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.
After primary infection, the virus resides in the associated dorsal root ganglion where it lies dormant until an external stimuli (such as stress or immunosuppression) initiate reactivation of the virus from dormancy.
The virus lives on forever, and that’s why people continue to get cold sores over and over again.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Cold Sores – Overview
Apple cider vinegar, also referred to as cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar that is created from cider or apple must.
Organic apple cider vinegar contains something called mother of vinegar (Mycoderma aceti), which is a substance that develops on fermenting alcoholic liquids – and is added to wine, cider, and other alcoholic liquids to produce vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in:
- Vinaigrettes
- Marinades
- Food preservatives
- Salad dressings
Apple cider vinegar is also a popular remedy in alternative medicine. Many people in this field promote the use of apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment method for certain health issues.
Here are some benefits of apple cider vinegar:
- Antioxidant
- Antibacterial
- Improves digestion
- Increases nutrient absorption
- Aids in weight-loss
- Helps diabetes by lowering blood sugar
- Detoxifies the body
- Lowers cholesterol
- Increases natural energy
- Alkalizes the body
Note: There are even more wonderful health benefits of apple cider vinegar. However, I won’t go into any more detail on this, because the purpose of this article is to provide you with information on using apple cider vinegar for cold sores.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Cold Sores – Does it Really Work?
At the time I am writing these words, there have been no studies on the use of apple cider vinegar for cold sores. There is only anecdotal evidence about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for cold sores.
Yet despite the lack of research studies, science informs us there are indeed some benefits.
Here is the science behind it..
Since apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, this will help prevent infection of cold sores when applied topically.
Furthermore, apple cider vinegar can balance the pH levels of the skin, which helps the cold sore to dry out.
This shrinks the cold sore and helps it heal faster.
Honestly, in my opinion there are many topical cold sore remedies that work better than apple cider vinegar.
However, I believe that drinking apple cider vinegar is a great way to help prevent cold sore outbreaks.
After all, it has antioxidants, it restores pH balance and alkalizes the body, it increases nutrient absorption, and it has many other benefits that help the body maintain peak health and vitality, thus decreasing the risk of getting cold sores.
Note: Since the herpes simplex virus has a greater chance of coming out of dormancy and becoming “active” when the body’s immune system is compromised, it’s very important to focus on nutrition and other healthy lifestyle habits to prevent this from happening.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Cold Sores
If you’re interested in using apple cider vinegar for cold sores, simply follow the directions below.
How to use apple cider vinegar for cold sores:
- Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, and apply it directly to the cold sore 3 times a day.
- Drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day to help prevent cold sores. Mix it with 8 ounces of water if you do not like the taste.
Note: My favorite brand is Bragg USDA Gluten Free Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, With the Mother, 16ozBragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (contains mother of vinegar).
Apple Cider Vinegar For Cold Sores – Conclusion
While there are no studies confirming the benefits of using apple cider vinegar for the treatment of cold sores, science tells us that it could be useful.
Apple cider vinegar has many healthy benefits, and regular consumption may lead to significant and noticeable results.
I remember drinking Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar three times a day several years ago, and I felt more alkalized, more energized, and all-around just healthier.
The key to cold sores is to prevent them from forming in the first place.
Thus, I encourage you to check out my Ultimate Guide to Preventing Cold Sores.
It’s free and has absolutely everything you need to know.
If you have any comments or questions on the use of apple cider vinegar for cold sores, please post them in the comment box below.
jackie says
Cold sore specialist, eh? Well please help me. I get cold sores so incredibly bad. My doctor prescribed acyclovir. But unless I take almost triple the prescribed dosage, it doesn’t work. I’ve tried all the creams. Lately I have started having an allergic reaction to abreva and the topical acyclovir. My lip swelled up like I was stung by a bee. (I always found the creams to make them worse anyway.) I can’t buy lipstick. I can use a lipstick once, sans cold sore, and then never use it again for 3 months, and what do you know the very next day I have one.
I recently had one, took all my meds. It was a mild one. Good thing too because I was meeting someone for a first meet. It was easily covered. Then a week later, I guess the virus felt it wasn’t finished and has now come back with a vengeance. Of course it did, because I have our 3rd date Friday. These effers are so damn unsightly, I can’t leave the house for almost two weeks.
I’m really bummed to read that there are no benefits of the cider for treatment, just prevention. Side note: I recently was put on blood thinners. I am aware the stress of things in my life are causing the sores. But could there be any correlation to the blood thinners? Can they have any effect? Regardless, besides drinking the vinegar everyday from now on until I die, what can I do to treat them? What have you found that really works other than abreva, acyclovir, valtrex, tea tree oil…?
Matt says
Hi Jackie,
I’m SO SORRY to hear that you’re going through this! I used to get colds sores all the time, and they would also take me about 2 weeks to heal. Oh my gosh it’s been several years since I got one but for decades I had outbreaks.
So ya…I feel your pain! They are the worst. But not to worry, now you found this website and there is plenty of good info on how to prevent and treat cold sores.
I have never heard of blood thinners being cold sore trigger. And I just did a Google search and couldn’t find any proof or even speculation of this.
First of all, you’ll really benefit from reading my free Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores.
That will teach you how to reduce the frequency and even totally prevent cold sores. I haven’t had one in over 4 years using the natural methods in my guide.
Second, I’m going to provide you with some links to the most effective cold sore remedies I’ve found thus far in my research:
How To Use Bactine For Cold Sores>>
How To Use Lemon Balm For Cold Sores>>
How To Use Ice On Cold Sores>>
Please let me know if you have any more questions. I hate knowing that you’re getting cold sores, and I’m happy to help in any way I can!
Carla says
Hi I have what appear to be cold sore on my face had aciclvor for 5 days they went and 4 days later back again. One on my forehead one on my cheek and on my lip, skin around one on my cheek is red and sore, just got another 5 days of acyclovir today but deperate for any advice you can give on this, thanks cj
Matt says
Hi Carla,
I want you to read my article I’ll post below, which will give you lots of tips on how to avoid these cold sore outbreaks.
Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores>>
Meaghan says
Take l-lysine tablets every season. One bottle. You can’t take them year round as your body will become immune. The entire bottle every season change. When i get an outbreak i take 6 tablets at a time or more lol and sometimes they dont stay more than a day or so and are very minor or don’t even pop up, swear by it. They have a liquid tincture as well. It is the best to apply right to the damn suckers. You can get this at your local health store. Argenine is the culprit of cold sores. Don’t drink coffee or eat chocolate while you have one. Need to balance your argenine levels.
Matt says
Lysine is great stuff. I’m going to post an article I wrote on it for reference:
How To Use Lysine For Cold Sores>>
Tiffy says
It don’t sound good but it Really works your earwax soon as you feel it coming put some earwax on it and it will not Survive overnight
Arie says
I was getting cold sores often. Like literally once one healed another arrived. I was also on that medicine you mentioned and it worked at first but after 50 takes my body decided the virus was stronger. I started drinking ACV daily and i also switched my diet to plant based and my cold sores havent been back. Just a heads up it was well worth it for me not to mention i feel awesome.
Matt says
That’s amazing, Aire! Plant-based diets I’ve found can reverse almost any ailment. And ACV sure is a nutrient-dense super-drink. Glad your cold sores haven’t back, and thanks for adding value to this comment thread by sharing your success story. Take care.
Diana says
I have suffered with cold sores for over 35 yrs basically once a month and finally found that taking lysine 500mg daily has stopped outbreaks if i do feel like one is coming I up dose to 1000mg and put lysine cream on the area for a few days 4 days usually and no outbreak. Its been 2 yrs and no outbreak since.
Joanne lowry says
I get cold sore about 3 times a year. I have one right now and it’s the worst. I have tried all the over the counter creams and pills plus some prescription ones and they all make them worse not better. My lips get so swollen and hurt like hell. Please help.
Matt says
Hi Joanne,
That’s awful to hear. 3 times a year is too much that’s almost once every season. I really feel for you because I would get 3-6 a year for a long time, and it just sucked.
Once it’s already big a cold sore is hard to heal. The trick is to catch it right at the first sign of a cold sore coming on (tingle, itch, burn, etc) and use methods such as the ice trick and lemon balm oil, and other remedies. This will either prevent the outbreak completely or at least it will prevent it from becoming as big.
Natilie says
When i feel the tingle on my lip & see a small bumb i rush to clorox bleach pour it on a small ball of tissue put on bump for hours everyday. It will burn but will stop the big blister from coming. It also drys it up faster the waiting its 2wks
Natilie says
This time i use raw apv.on a ball of tissue. Kept it on my lip for hours & you can feel the lip drying up
Tonya says
Yes, using ACV on a cotton ball and putting on the sore 3 times or more a day for a few minutes helps dry up the cold sore and speeds the healing process for sure.
I felt one early Saturday morning started an essential oil remedy and then stated using ACV because the oils didn’t show signs of drying it out fast enough for me. But as soon as I started using the ACV by Sunday mid day I could see drying up occurring. Now it’s Monday morning and they have tiny scabs on them.
So I would suggest using ACV at first outbreak, it really seems to work, (as well as drinking one tablespoon in 8 ounces water daily if that will help me in other areas as well as well as quell my cold sores for life or at least extended periods of time).
PLEASE NOTE BLEACH IS POISONOUS and I WOULD CAUTION YOU TO DISCONTINUE THAT REMEDY FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR LONG TERM HEALTH.
Matt says
Clorox Bleach!? Isn’t that stuff very poisonous?
Kristen says
I currently have a cold sore. It started 3 days ago as a small pimple on my lower lip. This is my first outbreak so I didn’t know it was a cold sore. I popped the pimped and dabbed the pus with cotton. Since then i have more sores on the skin below where the initial pimple appeared. I started applying apple cider vinegar to the sores. I then followed up with cold pressed hemp oil compress for 1 hour to reduce the pain, swelling and redness. I repeat this process 3x day. Since i began the regiment I have noticed the apple cider vinegar helps to dry and remove the scabbing. I also notice the size of the sores to be reduced. The hemp oil is helping to reduce the redness and overall stinging feeling. I also want to add that I take 2-4 tablespoons of hemp oil and apple cider vinegar orally a day. I am hoping this will be cleared up in a week. My only concern is that this outbreak may be impetigo. I am going to the doctors tomorrow for diagnosis. Thanks for the great article.
Matt says
Sorry this happened to you, Kristen. But you’ve really treated it well and that’s a great idea to see the doctor. I’m glad you enjoyed the article, and I wish you the best. ????
Rai says
I have suffered with massive cold sores since I was 7. They used to be a lot more frequent but now they only come when my immune system is down or I am REALLY stressed. I am an avid menthol chapstick user, always have lotion, and make a point to NEVER rub anything on my mouth / lips the wrong way. Its weird but I always think this will cause a cold sore. Such as a towel on my face getting out of the shower, a shirt sleeve, a cloth napkin, or accidently stabbing my lips with a straw. My cold sores have been so large in my childhood years, the staff in the children’s home I was in or whatever set of foster parent’s I had at the time , have had to take me to the ER to have mt lip drained. So I know that chapstick has always worked to prevent them for me, and now ACV.
Matt says
Hi Rai,
I actually just published an article 30 minutes ago that talks about how “trauma” to the lips can trigger a cold sore. Whether it’s a dentist using a dental dam, someone accidentally elbowing your lip, or a sunburn on your lips, all of these types of physical trauma can trigger a cold sore, so it’s not weird at all that you NEVER rub anything on your mouth/lips the wrong way. That’s actually very smart.
Olivia says
I feel milk helps prevent my cold sores, I get them less frequently since having 300ml of milk a day.
Matt says
Hi Olivia,
I actually wrote an article on that topic and believe mild can help some people. Here is the article:
How To Use Milk For Cold Sores>>
Christy says
I have a cold sore now I put Apple sidder vinegar on it it burns a little I just want it to go away I haven’t had one in 4 years or more this time I have 2 on top of my lip.im using camphor phenique hope this heals it fast.
Matt says
I hope it heals fast too, Christy. I’ve also heard really good things about Campho Phenique.
M. Naliwko says
Honestly I don’t know where to start.
I’m 21 and have been getting cold sores for years.
I usually get about 6 at a time on my lower lip around the time I start my period and they leave red scars every time. This happens every single month. I try so many remedies but nothing seems to work. I get a bunch every single month, every single year, and I’m at the end of my rope with these cold sores. They hurt, they’re ugly and leave scars on my lips which makes my lips look constantly infected with something. I don’t know what to do.
Matt says
I’m going to send a link to an article I wrote that has my best tips for preventing cold sores. You should get some good tips that can help you from reading this:
Ultimate Guide To Preventing Cold Sores>>
Kiki says
Have you tried prescription Valtrex or acyclovir? These natural remedies are great but in your case the meds might be more effective. I used to get sores regularly and the meds have made them less frequent and severe.
Nico D says
To prevent cold sores, regularly take L-Lysine. It is an amino acid that prevents cold sores.
Shauna Fraser says
I got a cold sore on Sunday I’ve been using ACV do
You think it will be gone by Friday as I’m going on a date and I think he’ll run a mile if he see it ????
Darren says
I get cold sores every month and have done since I was about 10 years old. All around my nose and lips. It’s really not nice to look at. I was giving alcicvor tablets from the doctor which i took twice everyday, they seemed to help as they didn’t look so aggressive but unfortunately my doctor has stopped prescriping me these tablets. So decided to use apple cider vinegar (ACV) which has been a godsend, they dry out quicker and heal quicker
Judy says
ACV is amazing! I had surgery 10 days ago, and the breathing tube caused a puffy, bruised lower lip and I developed a cold sore on my inner lower lip and one on the outer corner from the stress and trauma of a 3-hour operation.These lingered for 12 day’s until I found your website and tried ACV. In just 1 day the sores have nearly dried up! I use cocoa butter lip balm after applying ACV full strength on the sores. Thank you for the tip!
Dawn says
I haven’t had a cold sore for approximately 30 years or more and all of a sudden bam two one on each side of my mouth, right one worse. Thanks for the advice on acv. I do take that periodically but haven’t for a while, hope it works!
Matt says
Oh no!!! That’s awful! But at least you’ve gone 30 years without one! And after this one heals you probably go another 30 years or longer without one!