Can cold sore remedies work?

Cold remedies: Cold tips: for sore throat – gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz of water). * for congestion – saline nose drops or a netti pot. *for anti-inflammatory effect & mobilizing mucus- homemade chicken noodle soup.**for hydration- lots of water. Try clear broth. * add honey & a small amt. Of lemon juice to chamomile tea. Consider tylenol (acetaminophen) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Cold sore: Applying a lip balm containing 1% lemon balm (melissa officinalis) shortens healing time, prevent infection spread, and reduces symptoms of recurring cold sores. Also taking lysine orally can help. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3115841?dopt=abstract topical treatment with a cream containing sage and rhubarb (rheum officinale and rheum palmatum) may be about as effective as zovirax (acyclovir).