Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Swollen Lips

Soothe the painful swelling with some ice cubes, coconut oil, or aloe vera!

Medically reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS Vd. Naveen Sharma Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS facebook_icon
Written by Sucharita Mishra, MSc (Biotechnology) Sucharita Mishra MSc (Biotechnology) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
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A woman closing her mouth with hands

Image: Shutterstock

If you have woken up with swollen lips in the morning, you are not alone. External factors such as medications, allergic reaction to food, or insect bites, can contribute to unusually large and swollen lips. Although it is stressful to deal with this condition, there are natural remedies that can get rid of swollen lips effectively. In this article, we will explore the factors behind swollen lips and home remedies that can reduce them.

Note: Consult a doctor immediately if the swollen lips persist even after trying home 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

Chris Pearce, a novelist, recounts a strange way his lips got swollen on his blog: “My first episode was about a month after my wife and I soaked our feet in water with cayenne pepper. It was supposed to get rid of colds. It did that alright. I didn’t have a proper cold for perhaps a decade. Instead, my lips would swell up to several times their normal size (i).”

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

Swollen lips can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but fortunately, there are several ways to fix them.

  1. Ice Cubes
  2. Warm Water
  3. Turmeric Powder
  4. Aloe Vera
  5. Baking Soda
  6. Honey
  7. Witch Hazel Extract And Salt
  8. Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera
  9. Coconut Oil
  10. Epsom Salt
  11. Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Ice Cubes

Ice cubes for swollen lips
Image: Shutterstock

Ice may reduce edemai  A swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, usually those in the legs and feet. by decreasing the amount of blood flowing to the affected site (1). One way to eradicate swollen lips is by applying ice cubes. 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
  1. Wrap the ice cubes in the wash cloth and press the ice pack gently on the affected area for 8-10 minutes.
  2. 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. 

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also use readymade frozen gel packs for the same effect.

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 or alleviate the pain one might experience from the swelling.

You Will Need
  • Warm water
  • A washcloth
What You Have To Do
  1. Soak the washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess water from the cloth.
  2. 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

Turmeric powder for swollen lips
Image: Shutterstock

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
  1. Prepare a herbal ointment by mixing turmeric powder with Fuller’s earth and cold water.
  2. Apply the prepared ointment on the swollen area.
  3. Allow it to dry completely.
  4. 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
  1. Extract the aloe vera gel present inside the leaf.
  2. Apply a small amount of gel on the affected area and massage gently.
  3. 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 for swollen lips
Image: Shutterstock

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
  1. Mix the baking soda with some water.
  2. Apply a thick coat of this paste on the swollen area.
  3. 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 irritation that may accompany a swollen lip and help diminish swelling.

You Will Need
  • Honey
  • Cotton ball or cotton swab
What You Have To Do
  1. Use a cotton ball to apply honey on the affected area.
  2. 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 for swollen lips
Image: Shutterstock

Witch hazel is a popular astringenti  The property of a substance or a chemical that constricts body tissues and skin cells by reducing excess moisture from them. 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
  1. Mix salt and witch hazel.
  2. Apply the mixture to the affected area with a cotton ball.
  3. 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
  1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
  2. Apply this mixture on the lips and massage gently for a minute or two.
  3. Rinse with cool water after 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day. 

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil for swollen lips
Image: Shutterstock

The lauric acidi  A natural fatty acid found in animal fats and vegetable oils that helps moisturize and nourish the skin. 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 emollienti  A common ingredient in a skin care routine that helps retain moisture in the skin through a protective barrier. and keep the skin nourished and supple.

You Will Need

Organic coconut oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Massage a few drops of coconut oil on the swollen lips.
  2. 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
  1. Mix the Epsom salt in the water and dip the washcloth in this solution.
  2. 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
  1. Dilute the apple cider vinegar and apply it on the lips with the cotton ball.
  2. Leave it on for a couple of minutes.
  3. Rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

These are some effective methods you can try to help solve swelling lips problems.

However, if these home remedies do not help reduce the swelling and you experience certain symptoms, then it might be time to visit your doctor.

When To See A Doctor For Swollen Lips

Consult your healthcare provider or doctor if you experience any of the following issues:

  • If the swelling does not improve within a day or two.
  • If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing or speaking.
  • If you have a history of known allergies and suspect that the swollen lips are due to exposure to one of the known allergens.
  • If you experience recurrent or painful swelling and develop other symptoms like dizziness, itchiness, irritation, or hives.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Seek emergency medical aid if you experience symptoms such as trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, high fever, numbness or increasing pain along with swollen lips.

Infographic: Top 5 Easy Home Remedies To Manage Swollen Lips

Whether the swollen lips are caused by an injury, allergic reaction, or a bug bite, you can use any remedy from the list to quell or ease the discomfort they cause. However, a few of them are really effective and show faster results. Check out the infographic below to learn more about them.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Swelling of the lips generally occurs as a result of any trauma to the soft tissue of the lips. Nutritional deficiencies, infections, injury, harsh climatic conditions, and allergic reactions are a few of the most common causes of swollen lips. Common home remedies for swollen lips include the use of ice cubes, aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, or witch hazel extract with salt. Along with your preferred home remedy, it is important that you also follow and balanced and healthy diet rich in vitamins. In case your lips continue to remain swollen despite using appropriate home remedies, consult your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked 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 lips, 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.

Can lip swelling be caused by stress?

Possibly. Swelling (angioedema) may be caused by emotional stress along with vigorous exercise and hormonal factors (11).

How to get rid of swollen lips overnight?

If the swelling is minimal and isn’t caused by serious allergic reactions or medical conditions, using ice cubes or warm water may help get rid of it in 1-2 days or overnight.

Key Takeaways

  • To reduce swelling and dull or relieve the pain, apply an ice pack or cold compress. You can also apply tea bags or a solution of salt and water to the area to reduce swelling.
  • To calm and hydrate the affected region, use honey or aloe vera gel. These may help banish or remove swelling and pain.
  • Water is essential for keeping the body hydrated and lowering edema.
  • Avoid meals that can irritate your lips, such as spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
  • To keep the lips hydrated, dab them lightly with petroleum jelly or coconut oil.
  • Use topical creams with hydrocortisone that are available without a prescription.

Illustration: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Swollen Lips

get rid of swollen lips

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Swollen lips can be caused by angioedema, a condition discussed in this informative video. Check it out to learn about the common triggers and causes of this condition.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Allergic reaction: Swollen lips;
https://chrispearce52.wordpress.com/2015/07/18/allergic-reaction-swollen-lips/

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. 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/
  2. 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/
  3. 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/
  4. 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
  5. 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/
  6. 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/
  7. 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/
  8. 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/
  9. 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/
  10. 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
  11. Angioedema
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3651192/
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Vd. Naveen Sharma
Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist
Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

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Sucharita Mishra
Sucharita MishraHealth & Wellness Writer
Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and two years of experience in writing on topics related to Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s dissertation at CSIR- CFTRI, Mysuru.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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