Tea tree oil does work great for getting rid of cold sores.
Take a cotton swab and soak it in tea tree oil and dilute the Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil and apply the diluted tea tree oil directly to the cold sore.
Tea Tree oil contains antiviral and antiseptic properties which can kill the virus that causes the cold sore.
The cold sore should go away within a day or two after applying the Tea Tree oil to the cold sore.
You can also apply Apple Cider Vinegar topically to your cold sore since Apple Cider Vinegar is antibacterial as well and also helps to balance the PH levels of your skin.
When your PH levels are balanced out your cold sore will dry out and shrink which helps it heal faster.