Cold sores thrive on the amino acid arginine, found in chocolate and nuts, so you want to avoid these foods. Your body combats arginine with the amino acid lysine, which is concentrated in iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, beans, and believe it or not, certain cereals. You can also take lysine supplements (1,000 milligrams three times a day) when you suspect an outbreak. Also try:

Teas have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from fevers, coughs and nausea to congestion and constipation.

Black tea contains quercetin, which is thought to have antiviral properties, as well as tannin, which is believed to help prevent nosebleeds. Drink one to two cups of strongly brewed black tea if you have suffered from an outbreak of cold sores or are experiencing frequent nosebleeds. A wet tea bag can also be used as a poultice directly on the nose to help stop the bleeding, or on an insect bite to reduce swelling.

Green tea has been used to boost the immune system, treat cardiovascular disease, and help prevent obesity. Green tea should be made with hot, but not boiling water, due to its delicate leaf. Drinking one to two cups daily of strongly brewed green tea if you cold sores can help reduce the length of the outbreak.

Tea Tree Oil has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is well-suited for wounds, insect bites, rashes and for cleansing purposes. However, Tea Tree is a potent essential oil, so you want to dilute it before applying it to the skin area.