In Health
Published 20 June
Herpes Remedies (and How to Use Them)
Most people have misconceptions about herpes, whether they’re about who has it or what it actually is.
The truth is, anyone can get this condition.
Herpes is a common condition of the skin caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which happens to be be part of a larger family of viruses. Other viruses belonging to this group include the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono) and varicella-zoster virus (which causes chicken pox).
There are two main types of the herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
HSV-1 vs HSV-2
HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores, otherwise known as oral herpes (and it is not the same condition as canker sores). HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes.
What are some options for managing herpes?
It is important to understand that although there are several types of the herpes virus, not all of them react in the body in the same manner, and not all of them are contracted the same way. That means treating herpes will vary by individual, too.
Some options for managing herpes (both oral and genital) that patients commonly discuss with their doctors include the following…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the few agents that actually helps treat the condition (aka, helping the outbreak go away faster) while also offering pain relief.
Why It’s Effective
Because this area is so sensitive, it is important to soothe the region and also keep bacteria out. Fortunately, cooling aloe vera contains natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that are known to inhibit external symptoms and outbreaks.
How To Use It
- Apply aloe vera to the affected area at least 3-4 times a day.
The next treatment method is something everyone should use, regardless of whether or not they have herpes…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
2. Sunscreen
This remedy is better suited to managing oral, rather than genital, herpes. Specifically, sunscreen is effective in protecting the lips during the cold sore healing process. It is also useful to control the possibility of future outbreaks if it is worn on a daily basis around the lips.
Why It’s Effective
Melanin is a pigmented amino acid that is known for influencing skin color. Notably, the higher the concentration of melanin, the more protection someone typically has from the sun. One of the areas of the body with no melanin? The lips.
That means that the sun’s UV rays can hit the lips especially hard, which is unfortunate for cold sore sufferers. Why? Because sun exposure is a well-known outbreak trigger. Therefore, applying sunscreen to the area helps protect the lips from this trigger, reducing the risk of outbreak.
Caution
It isn’t currently known how lemon balm interacts with HIV medication. Therefore, people with this medication are typically advised to steer clear of lemon balm remedies.
How To Use It
- Look for a product of about SPF 15-30.
- Apply it to the lips whenever you go outside, even if it’s cloudy.
The following method is another great way to protect the lips during an outbreak (and it even reduces the chances of future outbreaks)…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
3. Lemon Lip Balm
Treating a blister or cold sore in its early stages with lemon balm can cut down the time required to heal a cold sore while also alleviating the discomfort of some of its symptoms.
Why It’s Effective
Lemon balm is derived from the plant Melissa officinalis. This plant contains properties that are known to reduce swelling and redness, which a cold sore typically causes. These properties may also therefore protect against future outbreaks.
Caution
It isn’t currently known how lemon balm interacts with HIV medication. Therefore, people with this medication are typically advised to steer clear of lemon balm remedies.
How To Use It
- Lemon balm is readily available in drug stores and online.
- Purchase lip balm that contains at least 1% lemon balm.
- Apply to the affected area.
- You may also use a compress that is lemon-balm infused.
This option isn’t the only way to use lemon balm to fight herpes, though; people with genital herpes can make use of it, too…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
4. Lemon Balm Cream
Many people use lemon balm to manage not just oral herpes, but genital herpes, too.
Why It’s Effective
Research suggests that this agent may protect cells against the herpes virus; that means that it’s best to apply this solution as early into the outbreak as possible.
How To Use It
- Dilute lemon balm with a carrier oil.
- Using a cotton swab, apply the diluted oil to the affected area.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Those who are fans of essential oils typically prefer the following…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
5. Tea Tea Oil
The antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects of tea tree oil are perfect for treating herpes sores.
Why It’s Effective
Some limited research suggests this oil has anti-inflammatory properties as well as antiviral effects, meaning it can tackle herpes quite well.
Additional research states that tea tree oil acts as a drying agent for the sore (similar to rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, and other astringents). Drying out the sore does not completely heal the sore, although it can speed up the process a little bit.
How To Use It
- Dilute the oil.
- Apply diluted tea tree oil with cotton swab to the affected area.
Those who aren’t fans of essential oils often find the following methods more to their liking…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
6. Lysine
Those shopping for an over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral medication often look for a product that contains lysine. Studies show these types of products are highly effective in reducing how long an outbreak lasts.
Why It’s Effective
Lysine is an amino acid, which is a substance that helps build proteins. Research has found that use of lysine supplements may reduce healing time as well as frequency of outbreaks.
Why, though?
Experts believe that lysine disrupts absorption of another amino acid that causes the herpes simplex virus to grow and reproduce: arginine.
Natural Sources of Lysine
Some natural sources of lysine include:
- eggs
- sardines
- soy
- peas
- cod
- red meat
- beans
- turkey
- cheese
How To Use OTC Supplements
Those that are pregnant, have cardiovascular disease, or have gallbladder disease should consult with their doctor before using these products.
- Purchase products containing lysine at a local drugstore and apply topically as directed.
- Oral supplements containing lysine are best used as a preventative measure when treating the herpes simplex virus.
- Topical cream alternatives may be more helpful during an active outbreak.
People should just be sure not to take lysine in a gelatin capsule form for the following reason…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
7. Avoid Arginine
Why It’s Effective
Research has shown that ingesting arginine in large quantities can increase outbreaks. This fact is because, in order to replicate, the virus needs to feed on arginine.
Foods High in Arginine
Those who sense an outbreak coming up should decrease the intake of foods like:
- seeds
- gelatin (meaning no gelatin capsules)
- raisins
- almonds
- raw peanuts
The following over-the-counter options are best used for managing pain during an active outbreak…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
8. Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and Aspirin
These common over-the-counter medications are great to take when fighting a herpes outbreak.
Why They’re Effective
These painkillers will not speed up recovery. However, they will make the outbreak more bearable by reducing pain. If using an NSAID like ibuprofen and aspirin, any possible inflammation may go down as well.
How To Use Them
- By taking 125 mg of aspirin per day, the duration of an active infected sore could be reduced by up to 50%.
- Before taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, people should always consult with their doctors as they may lead to bleeding problems for some people.
The following remedy is something everyone should practice…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
9. Stress Management
Everyone can benefit from relaxation; this fact is doubly true for those with this condition.
Why Stress Reduction is Effective
It is it well-known fact that stress brings the herpes simplex virus out of its dormancy.
Why, though?
It all has to do with the immune system. In other words, people with lowered immune systems are more likely to experience an outbreak. And stress can negatively impact the immune system, thereby placing someone at greater risk for an outbreak.
Stress-reduction Methods
Everyone has their own unique way to de-stress. Popular relaxation techniques include:
- Watching a movie
- Bird-watching
- Yoga
- Walking, jogging, or running
- Journaling
- Drawing
- Deep breathing
- Listening to music
Sometimes no amount of preventative measures can stop an outbreak from occurring. So, when one hits, the following might help sufferers find the relief they’re craving…
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
10. Antiviral Medications
There is no cure for herpes; however, there are a number of treatment options that are available to help manage the condition.
Why They’re Effective?
Antiviral medications are often used by people who are experiencing an outbreak for the first time. (These types of medications are rarely needed during subsequent outbreaks since they are not as intense as initial outbreaks.)
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Antivirals are prescribed to control the symptoms of herpes and decrease the duration of the outbreak. Antiviral treatment lasts approximately 10 days.
96% of Herpes Sufferers Never Got An Outbreak Again After Doing This. – Learn More
Caution
Most people tolerate antiviral treatment well; however, people who have kidney disease or are in renal failure are generally prescribed antiviral medications in lower dosages.
