Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Swollen Lips
Unnaturally swollen lips can be quite troublesome. The abnormal enlargement of lips might not be painful, but can be stressful and scary. Hence, you need to take steps before the condition gets worse. There are some natural remedies that one can follow to get rid of swollen lips. Read on to know about the causes of swollen lips and some simple remedies that may help minimize them.
Note: Consult a doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen even after using natural remedies.
Causes Of Swollen Lips
Swelling of the lips may happen due to any trauma to the soft tissue. However, there are various other reasons that may cause swollen lips. Some of the common reasons are:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Viral infection
- Dryness
- Injury or cut
- Allergic reaction to a food product
- Insect bite
- Bad lip care products
- Extreme climatic conditions
Often, swollen lips may be accompanied by cuts and bleeding. This may make it difficult for the person to eat, drink, or talk properly. Use the remedies listed below to treat this condition.
Home Remedies For Swollen Lips
- Ice Cubes
- Warm Water
- Turmeric Powder
- Aloe Vera
- Baking Soda
- Honey
- Witch Hazel Extract And Salt
- Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera
- Coconut Oil
- Epsom Salt
- Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Ice Cubes
Ice may reduce edema by decreasing the amount of blood flowing to the affected site (1). Using ice cubes on the affected area may help in healing the swollen lips.
You Will Need
- 1-2 ice cubes
- A soft washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Wrap the ice cubes in the wash cloth and press the ice pack gently on the affected area for 8-10 minutes.
- Take a break of 10 minutes and repeat the process.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat every few hours.
Note: Avoid applying ice cubes directly on the skin as it may result in mild frostbite or soreness.
2. Warm Water
Warm water therapy promotes blood circulation in the human body (2). Applying warm water on the affected area may cure swollen lips. It may also soothe the pain one might experience from the swelling.
You Will Need
- Warm water
- A washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Soak the washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess water from the cloth.
- Place the washcloth on the lips for 8-10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this process every hour (if required).
3. Turmeric Powder
The curcumin present in turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (3). Turmeric is also known for its antiseptic and healing properties (4). Hence, using turmeric powder may help in treating swollen lips.
You Will Need
- Fuller’s earth
- Turmeric powder
- Cold water
What You Have To Do
- Prepare a herbal ointment by mixing turmeric powder with Fuller’s earth and cold water.
- Apply the prepared ointment on the swollen area.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- Wash your lips with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera exhibits anti-inflammatory and healing properties (5). Using aloe vera may reduce swollen lips caused by mosquito bite, insect bite, or allergic reactions.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera Leaf
What You Have To Do
- Extract the aloe vera gel present inside the leaf.
- Apply a small amount of gel on the affected area and massage gently.
- Leave it on for as long as possible.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (6). It may help in treating swollen lips caused due to fever blisters, allergic reactions, or insect bites.
You Will Need
- Baking soda
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Mix the baking soda with some water.
- Apply a thick coat of this paste on the swollen area.
- Keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it off with cold water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once every 3-4 hours.
6. Honey
Honey has natural healing and antibacterial properties (7). It may also help soothe any itching or irritation that may accompany a swollen lip.
You Will Need
- Honey
- Cotton ball or cotton swab
What You Have To Do
- Use a cotton ball to apply honey on the affected area.
- Wash it off with cold water after 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
7. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a popular astringent that cleans and disinfects the skin surface (8). It may reduce the inflammation around the swollen lips.
You Will Need
- Witch hazel extract
- Salt
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Mix salt and witch hazel.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area with a cotton ball.
- Rinse it off with cool water after 30 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times a day.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial agent (9). It may help reduce swelling caused by infections and insect bites.
You Will Need
- A few drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
- Apply this mixture on the lips and massage gently for a minute or two.
- Rinse with cool water after 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times a day.
9. Coconut Oil
The lauric acid in coconut oil exhibits strong antimicrobial properties (10). These properties may eliminate harmful bacteria, fungi, or viruses while absorbing all impurities from the skin pores. It may also act as an emollient and keep the skin nourished and supple.
You Will Need
Organic coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage a few drops of coconut oil on the swollen lips.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day until the swelling goes down.
10. Epsom Salt
It is believed that Epsom salt may soothe the swollen lips and help them heal quickly. However, there is no scientific research to back this claim.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- Washcloth
What You Have To Do
- Mix the Epsom salt in the water and dip the washcloth in this solution.
- Place the washcloth dipped in the warm water on the swollen lips for 15 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this procedure a few times a day until swelling subsides.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it may help in treating swollen lips.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of water
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the apple cider vinegar and apply it on the lips with the cotton ball.
- Leave it on for a couple of minutes.
- Rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
These were the best home remedies for swollen lips. In addition to following them, you should also follow a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in vitamins. However, if your lips are swollen despite following the remedies discussed above, consult a doctor immediately.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
What are the symptoms of swollen lips?
The main symptom is a localized swelling of the lips that may or may not be accompanied by pain. As a result of this, you may experience difficulty in talking, eating, drinking, and even opening your mouth. Some other symptoms include chapped skin, blisters, lip discoloration, and headache. You may also experience fatigue and tiredness.
How long does it take for your lip to heal if you cut it with your tooth?
A bruise or cut may develop at the site of injury on the lip. Depending on how badly your lip is injured, it may take a week to 15 days to heal completely.
Why is my lip piercing making my lip swell?
When a lip is pierced, there are chances that harmful bacteria were introduced at that site. This causes an infection, which leads to your lips swelling up and also hurting. It is essential to give this immediate attention and maintain proper oral hygiene. This issue may need medical attention, so please check with your doctor if swelling persists.
Can too much kissing cause swollen lips?
When the kissing is too intense, it can cause irritation and also damage the blood vessels in your lips, causing them to swell.
10 sources
- Deal, D Nicole et al. “Ice reduces edema. A study of microvascular permeability in rats.” The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume vol. 84,9 (2002): 1573-8.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12208913/ - Mooventhan, A, and L Nivethitha. “Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.” North American journal of medical sciences vol. 6,5 (2014): 199-209.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/ - Thangapazham, Rajesh L et al. “Beneficial role of curcumin in skin diseases.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 595 (2007): 343-57.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569219/ - Perrone, Donatella, et al. “Biological and therapeutic activities, and anticancer properties of curcumin.” Experimental and therapeutic medicine 10.5 (2015): 1615-1623.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2015.2749 - Surjushe, Amar et al. “Aloe vera: a short review.” Indian journal of dermatology vol. 53,4 (2008): 163-6.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/ - Drake, D. “Antibacterial activity of baking soda.” Compendium of continuing education in dentistry. (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995). Supplement vol. 18,21 (1997): S17-21;quiz S46.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12017929/ - Cooper, Rose. “Honey in wound care: antibacterial properties.” GMS Krankenhaushygiene interdisziplinar vol. 2,2 Doc51. 28 Dec. 2007
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2831240/ - Thring, Tamsyn Sa et al. “Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells.” Journal of inflammation (London, England) vol. 8,1 27.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/ - Carson, C F et al. “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.” Clinical microbiology reviews vol. 19,1 (2006): 50-62.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/ - Dayrit, Fabian M. “The properties of lauric acid and their significance in coconut oil.” Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society 92.1 (2015): 1-15
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11746-014-2562-7
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