cold sore paste

1 teaspoon finely chopped licorice root

6 tablespoons distilled water

Slippery elm powder

Goldenseal powder, as needed

In a small saucepan, combine licorice root and distilled water. Bring the water to boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a clean bowl. This makes a strong licorice decoction.

In a small, clean container with a tight-fitting lid, mix equal amounts of slippery elm and goldenseal powder and moisten with the licorice decotion.