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10 Home Remedies For Herpes That Truly Help

Herpes is a very itchy and painful condition that is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. It can affect men and women alike, and first appears as a tiny, reddish blister that is filled with fluid. The blisters may appear anywhere around the mouth, lips, eyes and even the genital area. It spreads by direct contact with an affected person, either by touch, through kissing, or sexual intercourse.

It may also spread indirectly when an unaffected person comes in contact with personal things of an affected person. An Herpes attack is very dangerous as it can lead to severe brain infections and in some cases it can turn carcinogenic (cancer) as well. Men suffer more as blisters can form on or inside the penis (which can be very painful) and other areas like the buttocks, thighs, anus, scrotum, cervix and external genitals.signs and symptoms of herpes

Causes of Herpes

  • Physical contact (kissing)
  • Intercourse, without proper protection (oral, anal or vaginal)
  • Contact with infected skin
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Post-surgery effects (in the genital area)

Symptoms of Herpes

The symptoms of Herpes are difficult to distinguish as they are often very mild, and may surface several months after an attack.

  • Persistent fever
  • Sensing pain while urinating
  • Feeling restless and unwell
  • Frequent vaginal discharges
  • Formation of blisters in the cervix (for women)

See a doctor immediately if:

  • Infection is very severe and painful
  • Fever does not subside with medication
  • Recurrent symptoms, especially ulcers or blisters (lower abdomen)

10 Best Home Remedies For Herpes

Thankfully, there are several effective home remedies for herpes, and here are a few:home remedies for herpes

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Procedure:

  • Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar (ACV).
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton.
  • Dip the cotton balls in ACV and apply on affected portions.
  • If the infection is very severe, dilute the ACV before using.
  • Repeat the process twice daily for a week or so.

How does this work?

Apple cider vinegar has great disinfectant properties and is also a strong astringent that helps repair the body tissues and canals. ACV also has high anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling caused by the Herpes virus. Applying ACV on the affected parts has a soothing effect and gives great relief from the itching and burning sensation associated with Herpes.

Take care not to apply undiluted ACV on raw wounds that are severe in nature as it can cause a severe burning sensation. In such cases, it is better to dilute the ACV before using. Whichever form apple cider vinegar is used, it is one of the best home remedies for herpes outbreaks.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • The infection is too severe as applying undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause an intense burning sensation and have contra effects.

9. Tea Bags

Procedure:

  • Boil 2 to 3 tea bags in a glass of water.
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton. Dip in lukewarm tea decoction.
  • Apply on the affected parts. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Black tea contains rich quantities of tannin. The tannin content in the tea gives it strong anti-viral properties that help control the Herpes virus. Moreover, tea also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in keeping the swelling under control.

Apply the tea decoction on the blisters and raw wounds help hasten the speeding process and also gives immense relief from the pain as well as the itching and burning sensation. Moreover, this remedy is so easy to make which is probably why it is one of the most sought after home remedies for herpes.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • It is a severe case of infection with other symptoms like persistent fever.
  • There is no sign of any improvement and the blisters ulcers do not subside.

8. Hydrogen Peroxide

Procedure:

  • Take 2 to 3 teaspoons of Hydrogen Peroxide of 3% proof.
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton.
  • Dip in the Hydrogen Peroxide and apply gently.
  • For sores in the mouth, dilute Hydrogen Peroxide with 4 parts water.
  • Repeat the process 2 to 3 times a week for two weeks.

How does this work?

Hydrogen Peroxide is an excellent disinfectant and helps clean the blisters and wounds caused by Herpes. It also has a curative effect and helps control the itching and burning sensation associated with Herpes.

It is also an excellent anti-microbial agent and helps contain the infection and hastens the healing process. If the wounds are too severe, it is better to dilute the Hydrogen Peroxide as 3% proof may be too harsh on raw wounds. Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the best home remedies for Herpes outbreak and helps contain it successfully.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • The wounds are raw and too severe. This can cause a burning sensation and aggravate the pain.
  • Used as a mouthwash without diluting the 3% Hydrogen Peroxide as it can cause a severe burning sensation in the ulcers in the mouth.

7. Lemon Balm

Procedure:

  • Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of lemon balm tincture (Amazon) in a glass of warm water.
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton.
  • Dip it in the solution and apply on the blisters or sores.
  • Repeat the process a couple of times a day for a week.

How does this work?

Lemon balm tincture is very effective in controlling Herpes and offers instant relief from the pain and itching. This tincture is loaded with flavonoids that work wonders for Herpes infection. Moreover, the phenolic acid and rosmarinic acid content in Lemon balm tincture have a soothing effect on the burning wounds and act as salves.

Apart from applying locally, lemon balm tea can be prepared and consumed. Even adding a few drops of the tincture in water and drinking it regularly for a week gives relief from Herpes. All these qualities make Lemon balm tincture one of the most popular home remedies for Herpes outbreaks.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • The infection is severe and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Treatment is given long after the Herpes infection sets in.

6. Aloe Vera and Turmeric

Procedure:

    • Cut a thick leaf of Aloe Vera. Remove the thorny edges on either side.
    • Peel the skin on the rounded side and collect the gel.
    • Take 2 teaspoons of organic Turmeric and mix with Aloe Vera gel.
    • Apply the paste on the blisters and allow to sit for an hour.
    • Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Aloe Vera is the hardy wonder herb that has multiple medicinal applications. Apart from being consumed internally for various disorders, it is a great skin restorer and acts as a natural antiseptic agent. Aloe Vera also has excellent anti-microbial properties and helps cure the infection incredibly fast.

Turmeric is a magic spice that has curative powers that are extolled in various Ayurvedic texts. It is a natural antiseptic and helps heal severe wounds, and helps in curing the blisters caused by Herpes. This wonderful combination is probably the safest and most effective of all home remedies for Herpes.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • There is no way this remedy cannot be good. It has no side effects and is a strong cure for Herpes.

5. Garlic in Olive Oil

Procedure:

  • Take 2 to 3 pods of garlic, wash, and peel. Crush the garlic pods.
  • Take 100 ml of virgin olive oil. Heat the olive oil in a bowl and add the garlic.
  • Allow simmering for 5 minutes. Strain the oil and apply on the blisters.
  • Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Garlic is another wonder herb that is loaded with beneficial properties. The benefits of the herb have been extolled in various texts and it has been used as medicine for hundreds of years. It has high anti-microbial properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help heal the blisters caused by Herpes and helps in containing the swelling.

Garlic also has anti-viral properties due to the presence of the compounds allicin and ajoene. As raw garlic can be harsh on the raw blisters and wounds, it is treated with olive oil to reduce the harshness yet retain the curative effects.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • There is no reason why this remedy won’t be good in treating Herpes outbreaks.

4. Licorice Powder

Procedure:      

  • Mix 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder in some water to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste gently on the blisters.
  • Let it sit for an hour or so. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

Licorice root helps build up a strong immune system and helps in fighting the Herpes outbreak in a patient. Licorice also has strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, thanks to the ingredient glycyrthizin found in it in abundant quantities.

Licorice powder can be mixed in warm water and consumed internally as well as it enhances the immune system. However, people with a history of hypertension should refrain from consuming it as it can trigger the blood pressure. However, there is no denying the fact that licorice is one of the best remedies for herpes outbreaks.

The Remedy is not Good if:

3. Tea Tree Oil

Procedure:

  • Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of undiluted tea tree oil in a glass of warm water.
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton. Dip it in the solution and apply on the blisters.
  • Gargle the mouth if ulcers are present in the mouth.
  • Repeat the process twice daily for a week.

How does this work?

The benefits of tea tree oil have been extolled in various texts and the aborigines of Australia have used it for centuries for its curative properties. Tea tree oil is used as an additive in many skin and hair care products like deodorants, disinfectants, soap oils, soaps, and face and body lotions. The soothing effect this oil has on the blisters caused by Herpes gives instant relief from the pain and burning.

However, care should be taken to ensure that none of the oil gets into the eyes as it can cause irritation and redness. However, the therapeutic effects of tea tree oil make it one of the best home remedies for herpes outbreak.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • The tea tree oil enters the eyes as it can cause severe irritation and redness. Otherwise, there are no side effects attributed to tea tree oil.

2. Baking Soda

Procedure:

  • Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)in a glass of warm water.
  • Take a few balls of surgical cotton. Dip it in the solution and apply on the blisters.
  • Repeat the process 2 to 3 times in the course of the day.

How does this work?

Baking soda has been praised as one of the best home remedies and has many applications. It has a mild alkaline effect and has a soothing effect on the blisters. Baking soda offers relief from the burning and itching sensation caused by Herpes blisters and eases the pain as well.

It is a great anti-inflammatory agent and helps reduce the swelling caused by blistering wounds. The ease with which baking soda can be used to treat Herpes makes it one of the favorite home remedies for Herpes outbreaks.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • There is no reason why baking soda won’t work on blisters caused by Herpes. Moreover, it has no side effects, making it safe to use.

1. Ice Pack

Procedure:

  • Take a handful of ice cubes. Wrap them up in a plastic bag.
  • Apply gently on the blisters.
  • Repeat the cold compress 2 to 3 times daily for a week.

How does this work?

An ice pack is a universal remedy for wounds and blisters as it helps control the swelling and gives relief from the pain. The ice pack works on the underlying tissue and offers relief from the pain and burning sensation caused by the blisters caused by Herpes.

Repeated application of cold compresses helps keep the blisters from accumulating fluid and bursting. Ice pack remedies are easy to administer, making them one of the favorite home remedies for Herpes outbreaks.

Additionally, water also plays an important role here. With water getting impure day by day, it is causing severe effects on our health and day-to-day activities. Make sure you drink purified water such as a technique called reverse osmosis system to ensure healthy water.

The Remedy is not Good if:

  • The ice cubes are applied directly on the blisters as the water can enter inside the wound and cause infection.

Diet Changes For Herpes 

Apart from taking the remedies, making a diet change is very exponential. Otherwise, even if herpes goes away, it will return back.

Adding the following items in your food will help you to attain an immunity boost against the herpes virus. It is proven that it also prevents outbreaks.

Add Antioxidant Vegetables To Your Diet

Eating lots of antioxidant-rich vegetables in your diet will boost the Immune system. There is no need to prove this point. We all know it already. Some of the Antioxidant-rich foods are Spinach, Tomatoes, Cauliflower, and Kale. These veggies are also very rich in free-radical binding.  They have a high amount of lysine when compare to Arginine. This is a very important amino acid ratio in suppressing herpes.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

These Omega 3 fatty acids help to boost our immune system to fight against the inflammatory diseases. Omega 3 fatty acids are rich in Flaxseed, Chia seeds, Salman and Mackerel.

Protein

Taking a high level of protein will help you to fight off all the bad issue causing bacteria such as herpes & pathogens. So it’s always good to keep your diet rich in protein, lesser in saturated fat.  Foods that fall in this category include almonds, oats, and Eggs.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help to speed up the recovery process of the herpes outbreak. Colorful fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries contain rich amount of vitamin C. Brussels sprouts,  black pepper, and mango, papaya can add vitamin C without adding more of lysine.

Zinc

Zinc is known to reduce the high amount of herpes outbreaks. This is needed when you are taking a long time between every herpes outbreaks. Adding pork, wheat germ, chickpeas, nuts, and the lamb will increase the zinc level in your diet.

Vitamin B Complex

It also helps to increase your immune response to the herpes virus. Eating a lot of green beans, broccoli, spinach, an egg will add the Vitamin B complex in your diet.

Avoid These Foods

Foods like sodas, fruit juice (Bought from shops) and other processed foods, beer, foods containing the high level of L-arginine, added sugar and alcohol should be avoided. Since all these reduce the chances of getting a cure from the herpes outbreak.

By adding and avoiding the foods we listed here you can easily make changes to your diet. Through diet change, you can get the immunity to fight back herpes plus it would speed up the recovery.

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