How to Treat Herpes Naturally

Herpes is a contagious virus that can be spread through intimate contact, such as kissing and sexual intercourse. The virus causes painful sores on the lips, gums, roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks, or the genitals. Though it cannot be cured, herpes can be managed with natural remedies and lifestyle changes. In this article, we will discuss various home remedies and lifestyle modifications to help treat herpes naturally. Let’s get started!

Here is how to treat herpes naturally

1. Warm compress (Apply heat to the area)

One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for herpes is applying a warm compress to the affected area. The heat helps soothe the pain and inflammation caused by the virus. Hold a warm, damp cloth on the sore for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat this several times a day until the sore heals.

2. Cold compress

A cold compress can help relieve pain and itching associated with herpes. To use a cold compress, wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat this several times per day.

3. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a herb that has antiviral and soothing properties. It can help speed up healing time and decrease the discomfort associated with herpes lesions. Apply lemon balm cream or ointment to the affected area 3-4 times a day. You can also drink lemon balm tea three times a day to help boost your immune system and fight off the virus.

4. Propolis tincture

Propolis is a sticky substance that bees use to build their hives. It has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective in treating herpes lesions. Apply propolis tincture to the affected area 3 times a day with a cotton swab.

5. Garlic

Garlic has potent antiviral properties that can help to fight the herpes virus. To use garlic as a treatment for herpes, Crush a few cloves of garlic and apply the paste to the affected area. Repeat this process several times per day.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda can help to dry out the sores and blisters caused by herpes. It can also help to reduce pain and itching. To use baking soda for herpes, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the paste to the affected area. Repeat this process until the symptoms have gone away.

7. Licorice extract

Licorice root extract contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. It can help treat both oral and genital herpes lesions. Apply licorice extract cream or ointment directly to the sore four times a day until it heals completely.

8. Petroleum jelly

Applying petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to herpes lesions can help speed up healing time by keeping them moist and protected from friction while they heal. Apply petroleum jelly 3 times a day with a clean cotton swab until it heals completely.

Learn More: 10 Surprising Uses for Petroleum Jelly

9. Manuka honey 

Manuka honey has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective treatment for herpes. Honey can help speed up healing by keeping the area around the sore clean and preventing infection. It can also help ease pain and itching by reducing inflammation. Apply honey directly to the sore.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar has antiviral properties that may help fight off infections caused by the herpes virus. It can also help to dry out sores and blisters. To use apple cider vinegar for herpes, Mix one part ACV with three parts warm water. Apply this to the affected area.

11. Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, Eucalyptus oil, chamomile oils, and peppermint oil have antiviral and antiseptic properties that can help treat herpes naturally. To use essential oils, add 2-3 drops of diluted essential oil to a cotton swab and apply it to the sore 3-4 times a day until the symptoms have subsided. You can also add 2-3 drops of oil to your bathwater and soak in it for 20 minutes once or twice per day until the symptoms have gone away completely. 

12. Supplements

There are a few supplements that may help to reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks. These include:

• Lysine: An amino acid that can help to reduce the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.
• Probiotics: Live bacteria that can help to promote a healthy gut and boost immunity.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and improve healing time.
• Zinc: A mineral that can help to shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks.

13. Improve your diet

What you eat can also have an impact on your herpes symptoms. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats can help to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Include plenty of foods that are high in L-lysine, such as fish, chicken, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. In addition, avoid foods that can trigger outbreaks, such as highly processed foods, alcohol, and added sugar.

In conclusion

While there is no cure for herpes, these home remedies can help treat herpes naturally and relieve the symptoms associated with the virus. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your doctor.

Learn More: What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes?