There are few things as annoyingly painful and embarrassing than waking up to find a cold sore haunting your lip. Especially when you have something very important going on in the day ahead of you. Yikes. When you need to nix a cold sore fast, don’t panic – it can be done! And not with harsh chemicals, either. There are all-natural ways, like these 8 tricks, that can help you get rid of that annoying cold sore quick. No one will even know it was there.

1. Milk

It sounds surprising but that half gallon of milk in your fridge might just be your answer! Soak a cotton ball with your 1% (or whole, whatever you’ve got will work) and let it sit for a few minutes. Apply milk repeatedly and let it stay – don’t go washing it off.

2. Licorice

This favorite kid’s candy is actually a cold sore remedy in disguise. Licorice root has an acid called glycyrrhizic which will stop the virus from growing and developing and equips the body to counter an attack on the sore. The best way to do it? Mix licorice powder or extract with water to make a paste, then apply it directly to the sore.

3. Peroxide

This one shouldn’t be too surprising. With its amazing antibiotic properties, peroxide cleans out a sore and helps it heal faster than most methods. This works especially well if the sore has started to bleed. Apply the peroxide every 2-3 hours and watch it disappear.

4. Garlic

Most people remember their mother’s telling them that garlic is great for a cold. What mom may NOT have told you is that garlic is great for cold sores, too. The healing, antiviral, and antibiotic properties of garlic make it the perfect all-natural solution. Crush a clove and put it directly on the sore…as smelly as that might be.

5. Peppermint Oil

The antiviral powers of peppermint oil makes for a much more pleasant smelling solution. Apply the oil to your sore 3 times a day for instant relief and no cold sore. Plus, a really lovely smell under your nose all day long

6. Tea Tree Oil

There are few things tea tree oil CAN’T do. The antibacterial healing properties of this oil are renown, and it’s guaranteed to dry up and banish your cold sore within a day – if you apply it throughout the day and before you go to bed, that is. Diligence is the key to defeating cold sores, friends.

7. Vanilla

One of the easiest remedies is probably in your pantry right now: vanilla. Vanilla extract is one of the easiest remedies to get a hold of, plus the extract is known for its powerful medicinal purposes. Vanilla is high in alcohol levels, which means it’s hard for a sore to survive and thrive when confronted with vanilla. Use 4-5 times a day for a quick-healing sore.

8. Ice

Too simple, you say? Well, it may not have miracle properties like the other entries on this list, but it is the easiest of them all. Who doesn’t have ice (or at least a tray to make some ice) hanging out in the freezer? And if you don’t, it’s super cheap to buy at the store.

Apply ice on the sore throughout the day, especially when the sore first begins. The cooling of the ice can take away the swelling and pain on you lip, helping you resist the urge to pick at the sore and worsen the situation.

Do you use something specific to get rid of a cold sore fast? Share your genius ideas in the comments section below.