Home Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sores is a viral disease and is contagious. Since anyone catch this ailment, it would be wise to be forewarned and to know what to do about it. Several suggestions have been recommended by both medical experts and former victims on how to treat this kind of sickness.

The most common one is to use ice. Just rub ice on the infected skin for a few minutes and repeat it every hour. Another remedy is to use tea bag. You have to apply a tea bag for few minutes on the blisters and repeat this every hour. Pressing a warm tea bag on the blisters for approximately 30 minutes will also be helpful.

Other remedies include: applying Witch Hazel on sores; dipping your moist index finger in powdered common salt and pressing the sore for 30 seconds using this index finger; gently rubbing aloe vera gel or oil on the sores; and using lemon balm extract can help reduce symptoms and speed up healing.

Moreover, it is not advisable for one to be exposed to sunlight since it will aggravate the condition, thus in case exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use a good quality sunscreen on your lips. Also, make sure that you do not simply attempt to disguise the cold sores by using makeup and other cosmetic products because most often the chemicals in them will just cause further irritation to the skin.

In addition, according to many researchers licorice can actually help inhibit the development of cold sores. The glycyrrhizic acid found in licorice is helpful. You could also simply buy some licorice powder and sprinkle it over the sores. Naturalists, on the other hand believe that cold milk can provide relief and even promote healing. You may simply soak a cotton ball or swab in some cold milk and dab it or apply gently over the sore.

It would be wise to avoid picking or pinching at a cold sore in order to avoid bacterial infection. Touching the cold sores and touching the genitals and the eyes can spread the disease to these parts so always make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after touching a cold sore.

Persian Rugs and their Colorful Revelations

Every time I go to the Mall, I am always attracted with these rectangular and oval rugs on display; and I plan to make them a part of my newly-acquired house soon. I am usually fascinated not only by their intricate designs and colors but also by their prices that are mostly sold at big discounts. It makes me wonder how much do these rugs really cost. Out of curiosity, I asked the salesman why one kind has a higher price than the other when they are both of the same size and thickness. Vaguely, he answered, it was due to the origin. One is locally made while the other one is imported.

            This interest brought me to the realization that these rugs have stories to tell too. They may look innocent and mute but their place in the house signifies more depth and meaning. Actually, they are not simply rugs to be stepped upon and to wipe one’s feet on. They are decorations that speak of the value and economic status of the owner.

            For the Iranians, these rugs are valued possessions passed on from generation to the next. They are woven intricately and have been a part of this Middle Eastern culture for more than two thousand years now. They were originally used as floor coverings of the nomads to protect them from the cold and damp ground; but later on their value increased as they became part of palaces and courts as decorations. From the nomads, these are now owned by wealthy people including kings and noblemen.

            The variety of color, design, size and weave speaks of the diverse culture of the villages that they originate. They are a showcase of the indigenous culture that produced them as “Each rug's particular pattern, palette, and weave are uniquely linked with the indigenous culture, and weaving techniques are specific to an identifiable geographic area or nomadic tribe” (Beringer).

            By looking closely at these beautiful creations, one can guess that the culture and the people that created them are also equally colorful and fascinating. The intricate designs and combination of colors speak of a people rich in creativity and passion. They are showcasing to the world that they are unique, diligent, passionate and beautiful in their own ways.

            The gravity that draws customers from other countries to these Persian rugs is amazing. It is like a potion that fascinates and glues them to acquire these colorful items and make them a permanent part of their beings and their heritage as well. 

Sources: 

Persian Rugs, Persian Carpets & Oriental Rugs – History (Susie Beringer at Texas Christian University).  <http://www.farsinet.com/persianrug/history.html>

Persian Rugs, Persian Carpets & Oriental Rugs . <http://www.farsinet.com/persianrug/>