I am sitting here with two cold sores in the early stage. I used to put ice on them when they first started itching and hold it on for 45 minutes. It only worked about one out of four times so I don't do it any more. I know that L-lysine supplement works for a lot of people, my oldest son included but it doesn't work for me. I would be interested in hearing from others about natural remedies for cold sores.