It's hard to pinpoint what's helping your lips. Calendula cream has relieved some people's lips. You started applying the cream the same time as the baking soda? It makes sense how baking soda would fight infection on your lips. Colostrum is also some amazing stuff. But, acupuncture is something I've been curious about. It may restore energy and balance to the body so it can function properly. Did you try acupuncture at the same time you started applying baking soda?