If you have ever suffered from a cold sore, then you have been exposed to the herpes virus. The word herpes can be confusing to some, therefore, it is important to fully understand this virus, as well as the causes, symptoms and potential treatment options. Here are some home remedies for herpes.
Home Remedies for Herpes
There are a number of trusted pharmaceutical treatments for herpes including topical antiviral creams and oral antiviral medications.
Antiviral Creams
Antiviral creams are particularly popular for oral herpes, such as the acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. These topical applications are considered more effective than oral antiviral medication, such as what is prescribed for genital herpes.
Oral Antiviral Medication
In the case of genital herpes, it is important to take oral medication, as topical creams or ointments can often prevent airflow and promote a damp environment on the genitals, which can worsen the condition. Keeping the area dry and using antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir is the best approach to the rapid treatment of herpes.
Home Remedies for Herpes
Using antiviral medication to neutralize the viral infection may be effective, but if you suffer continuous outbreaks or flare-ups, your body may become less responsive to the prescribed medication, which is why many people seek out more natural remedies.
Ranging from lifestyle changes to herbal supplements, some of the best home remedies for this infection include lowering stress levels, avoiding steroidal medications, reducing exposure to light, eliminating genital friction and eating a proper diet, along with the use of tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, manuka honey and oregano oil, among others.
Oregano Oil
The active ingredient in oregano oil, thymol, is known to have powerful antiviral effects on the body, so even a diluted amount placed on the site of oral or genital herpes can eliminate the infection or cause it to return to a dormant state.
Stress Levels
Eliminating stress is a known method of preventing herpes outbreaks; excess stress hormones have been directly linked to flare-ups of herpes, particularly the oral variety.
Dietary Changes
If you are deficient in any key nutrients, it can compromise your body’s immune system functionality, leaving you vulnerable to infections and flare-ups of this common virus.
Tea Tree Oil
Known as one of the most powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal substances on the planet, a few drops of tea tree oil diluted with water or in a carrier oil can help to speed the recovery process following an outbreak.
Genital Friction
Restrictive clothing that promotes perspiration in the genitals or constantly rubs against the skin will increase the level of inflammation in that area, making it easier for the infection to reappear.
Aloe Vera
The anti-inflammatory power of this gel is well known, and it can eliminate much of the pain and discomfort associated with this infection, while also neutralizing the underlying viral infection.
Light Exposure
Excessive UV radiation on the face or lips can cause a flare-up of these symptoms, so if you spend a lot of time outside, using sunscreen or UV chapstick is essential.
Steroids
If you regularly use steroidal medications, such as an inhaler for asthma, this can stimulate the growth and reoccurrence of the herpes virus. And if you suffer from chronic herpes infections, this could be the reason.
