Home remedies for herpes include applying ice packs to the affected area, using apple cider vinegar, using hydrogen peroxide, applying garlic, eating and applying lemon balm, using licorice root, drinking mint tea, using mint oil tea, consumption of coconut oil, use of aloe vera. and change your diet.

What is herpes and the types of herpes?

Herpes simplex-1 and two viruses are usually the cause of herpes. The simplex-1 virus causes oral herpes while the simplex-2 virus leads to herpes-related symptoms in your reproductive organs. Herpes is a highly contagious disease – physical or sexual contact can also transmit the disease from one person to another – which is why herpes patients are kept in isolation.

Oral herpes is often transmitted through an infected person’s saliva, which can be transmitted through eating or drinking from the same utensils, sharing personal items or through physical contact, such as a kiss. An infection anywhere on the face, including the mouth, lips or any other part of the face can cause it to be transmitted to another person. Reproductive herpes is caused by unprotected genitals and manifests itself through ulcers or sores on the genitals. In the early stages of the infection, the symptoms may also be accompanied by fever.

When the initial outbreak subsides, the virus remains in the nervous system and can re-attack, triggering other illnesses, compromising your immune system, or causing unstable hormonal changes.

Not many people know, but herpes can be treated with various home remedies. If these treatments fail to adequately treat the symptoms, the severity of the condition can at least be reduced to a greater degree.

10 Home Remedies for Herpes

1. Ice Cubes

Take an ice cube and carefully wrap it in a piece of cloth or towel. Now rub the affected area with this ice pack and watch the discomfort, pain and anxiety disappear. Hold the ice on the affected area for at least 10 minutes and you will begin to notice results after a few days.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known for its disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. You can use a cotton ball, just dip in a small bowl of apple cider and apply it to the affected area. You may feel a tingling due to the acidic nature of the vinegar. Consuming apple cider vinegar mixed with water during flare-ups can also be helpful.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant and one of the most popular home remedies for herpes. It can either be used by crushing a lysine tablet or applied through a piece of cotton to the affected area. Mixing it in water and using it as a mouthwash is an ideal treatment for mouth sores. Repeat the procedure several times a day and keep doing it for several weeks or until it heals.

4. Garlic

5. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is enriched with a compound called eugenol, which is famous for its soothing, antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can also make some tea with lemon balm two or three times a day or you can even apply the sachet of lemon balm or oil on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes for over a week. Do this and watch the symptoms subside. Avoid tea with lemon balm if you have high blood pressure.

6. Licorice root

Licorice root is known to boost the immune system and fight herpes. A particular ingredient recently discovered in licorice root called glycyrrhizin is said to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits. Make a paste by mixing a tablespoon of licorice root powder and half a tablespoon of water and apply it to the affected areas. Repeat the procedure at least three or four times a day and keep repeating until the blisters are completely gone.

7. Mint tea

Mint tea soothes inflammation and relieves the pain caused by herpes. Peppermint oil also contains a specific virulence compound that helps fight the herpes virus. You can consume mint tea two or three times a day and at the same time dip a cotton ball in mint oil and apply it on the affected areas. This can give you double protection, both inside and out, from the inflammation and discomfort caused by herpes.

8. Tea tree oil

With its soothing, antibacterial and anti-herpes properties, tea tree oil can prove to be an extremely effective remedy for herpes-induced inflammation. Terpenes, phenylpropanoids and antiviral properties in tea tree oil act as antiviral agents against infection. You can add equal amounts of peppermint, geranium and myrrh essential oils and apply the mixture with a cotton swab to areas affected by herpes.

9. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains copious amounts of capric acid and lauric acid, which has been shown to be extremely effective in killing the herpes virus. Try consuming 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil two or three times a day and watch the herpes symptoms subside.

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also an excellent source of treatment for herpes caused by simplex-2, as it heals wounds and lesions and helps relieve inflammation and pain to a great extent. Apply aloe vera gel directly from the plant or apply a little aloe vera cream. Either way, let the aloe dry on its own and wipe it with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water.

More home remedies for herpes

Also, cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are some of the cruciferous vegetables that have been found to be helpful in fighting the herpes virus, reducing the intensity of pain and discomfort that accompany the symptoms.

Conclusion

After applying all of these home-based treatments, if you find that the intensity of your symptoms and sores has not diminished, schedule a consultation with your doctor without delay. Usually, a weakened immune system or any other accompanying complication hinders the healing process, therefore, the advice of a doctor is extremely necessary in such cases.

The doctor can then guide you through the process and explain what may have caused the delay in recovery or prevented it all together.