herpes home remedies
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herpes home remediesHerpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV – 1 and HSV – 2). This can be genital or oral, around the lips and mouth.

Herpes simplex virus type – 1 is transmitted by the direct contact with infected saliva. Herpes simplex virus type – 2 is transmitted through sexual intercourse, as it is associated with the genital sores or ulcers.

Herpes can be itchy and painful and can affect both the men and women. It generally appears in the form of small, red, liquid filled blisters or sores near the mouth, eyes, lips and genitals. It is a highly contagious disease which causes many severe diseases like cancer, brain infection, chickenpox, etc.

In men, this herpes emerges on the buttocks, anus, thighs, penis, scrotum, inside the penis or inside the urethra. For women, it appears on the cervix, buttocks, anus, vaginal area and external genitals. However, do not get this confused with genital warts.

Kissing, skin contact with the infected person, unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, surgery on the genital area, intercourse with multiple partners, weakened immune system, exposure to the UV rays, touching the sores or the herpes blisters, illness, stress, menstruation, direct contact with the mucous membranes or the saliva of the infected person, fatigue and surgery and hormonal changes are some of the causes for herpes.

Primary symptoms are fever, pain while urination, red aching blisters around the thighs, buttocks, genitals and rectum, vaginal discharge (in women), ulcers and blisters on the cervix (in women), etc.

Recurrent symptoms are itching and tingling around the genitals, ulcers and blisters on the lower part of the women’s womb, aching red blisters all around the thighs, buttock, rectum and genitals.

With the help of these natural home remedies and tips, you can easily treat the herpes virus from your body and also prevent its recurrence.

Home Remedies for Herpes:

 1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural anti – bacterial, anti – viral, anti – inflammatory, anti – fungal and antiseptic properties. It has phenylpropanoids and terpenes which help to heal the herpes effectively. Apply tea tree oil at the first sign of the outbreak to avoid spreading.

Process 1:

  • Wash your hands properly and pat dry.
  • Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil like almond or olive oil.
  • Dip a cotton swab and apply on the sore not on other skin areas.
  • Wash your hands again with soap and water after applying..
  • Let it dry completely.
  • Reapply 4 times daily.

Process 2:

  • Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil, ½ ounce vegetable oil, 5 drops of myrrh essential, 5 drops of Geranium essential oil, 4 drops of peppermint oil together.
  • Apply this on the herpes affected areas of the skin.
  • Leave it for few minutes until it dries completely.
  • Repeat the same process for 5 times a day.

2. Licorice Root

Licorice root has two effective components. They are glycyrrhizin, which has an anti – inflammatory compound and flavonoids have anti-viral property which combats the herpes simplex virus’s growth in the body. People suffering from high blood pressure should not take this herb internally. Stop if it causes skin irritation.

Process 1:

  • Place 2 tablespoons of licorice root in a jar and pour 2 cups of carrier oil (either olive or sweet almond oil).
  • Close this jar and allow it to sit for 6 weeks.
  • Stir at least twice a week.
  • Strain the oil and store in a bottle for daily use.
  • Apply this on the herpes and the cold sores affected area.
  • Leave it for few minutes until it dries completely.
  • Do this process daily.

Process 2:

  • Add ½ tablespoon of water to 1 tablespoon of licorice root powder.
  • Mix well to make a paste.
  • Apply this on the herpes and leave for few hours.
  • Rinse with water.
  • Repeat 3-4 times a day.
  • Or you can apply liquid licorice root extract or cream or gel on the herpes.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel has anti-oxidants property reduces inflammation and also soothes the irritated skin. It contains natural salicylates that help to relieve the pain.

Process:

  • Wash the aloe vera leaf and your hands.
  • Cut the leaf into slices to obtain the jel.
  • Apply this gel on the herpes with your hands or cotton swab.
  • Let it dry completely.
  • Wipe the gel with a washcloth that was soaked in warm water in all the gel applied areas of the skin.
  • Repeat the same process for 2 – 3 times a day.
  • You can apply aloe vera cream 3 times a day.

4. Holy Basil

Holy basil or tulsi has anti – microbial, adaptogen, anti – oxidant, immune-modulating and analgesic properties that help to give relief from the herpes. It can be used internally of externally.

Process 1:

  • Heat a cup of water on the stove.
  • Add 6 fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon of dries basil leaves.
  • Simmer for 7 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain it and drink by adding a teaspoon of honey.
  • Drink 2-3 times a day.

Process 2:

  • Crush fresh basil leaves to make a paste.
  • Apply this paste on the sores affected areas and leave for few minutes to dry.
  • Wipe it off gently and repeat the same process daily.

5. Elderberry

Elderberry plant contains flavonoids which makes it as an excellent anti – oxidant and immunity booster. Elderberry has some components, they smooth out the minute spikes which are on the outside of the viruses. They can’t enter into the healthy cells to regrow.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh elderberry – 1 cup (OR) dried elderberries – 1/2 cup
  • Dried Echinacea – 2 tablespoons
  • Cinnamon Sticks – 1 to 3
  • Dried ginger root – 1 tablespoon
  • Honey – 1/2 to 3/4 cup
  • Water – 3 cups
  • Sieve / coffee filter / French press / cheesecloth

Process:

  • Place all the above ingredients except honey into a pan.
  • Simmer for 45 minutes until the mixture reduces to half of its original quantity.
  • Stir and squeeze the berries while simmering.
  • Strain the liquid and allow it to cool for 20 minutes.
  • Stir in honey while it is still warm.
  • Store in a glass jar for up to two months. Yu can also keep it in refrigerator.
  • Eat 1 teaspoon of this mixture daily and increase quantitiy to 2 – 3 teaspoons per day.

6. Garlic

Garlic is anti – microbial, contains allicin and ajoene which helps to kill a host of bacteria, parasites and viruses. It also has anti – inflammatory property that helps to cure the pain and inflammation caused due to herpes outbreak.

Process 1:

  • Mince 5 garlic cloves into a fine paste.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of honey and stir well.
  • Eat 2 teaspoons of this mixture once a day.
  • Hold the mixture in your mouth as long as you can and swallow slowly.
  • Repeat this regularly.
  • It is more beneficial to eat garlic with a cup of Echinacea tea.

Process 2:

  • Crush a garlic clove and put on the affected area.
  • Leave for 15 minutes (it may cause a burning sensation).
  • Continue 3 times a day on daily basis

Process 3:

  • Gently crush 6 garlic clove.
  • Heat 1 cup of oil in a pan and add the crushed garlic.
  • Cook until they turn brown.
  • Strain the oil into a bottle.
  • Apply this garlic oil on the herpes affected areas for 3 times a day.
  • Repeat daily.
  • Or you can also consume 3 crushed garlic cloves daily.

Process 4:

  • Chop garlic cloves and pour 1 liter hot water over them.
  • Allow the water to cool down to room temperature.
  • Add this water to bath tub and soak for 20 minutes.
  • Repeat the same process regularly.

7. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm or Melissa contains tannins which has strong anti – viral properties. It also has eugenol which contains an antibacterial compound.

Apply lemon balm herb topically to get instant and quick relief from the itching, swelling and the pain caused by the herpes.

Process 1:

  • Take 4 springs of fresh lemon balm leaves or 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves.
  • Pour 2 cups of hot water over lemon balm and steep for about 15 minutes.
  • Drink the tea.
  • Or soak the gauze in the cool lemon balm tea.
  • Apply this on the herpes affected area of the skin.
  • Repeat 3 times daily.
  • Or Dab a small amount of this lemon balm extract on the affected area and leave until it dries completely.

Process 2:

  • Place 6 springs of lemon balm leaves in a jar and pour 2 cups of either olive oil or almond oil over them.
  • Cover it and allow it to steep for 4 weeks.
  • Strain the oil and store this in another bottle.
  • Apply this oil on the herpes and let it dry naturally.
  • Repeat daily.
  • Or you can apply this lemon balm ointment.

8. Prunella Vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris has ntains anti – microbial, anti – viral and anti – inflammatory properties. It has tannins that help to reduce the moisture, making it difficult for the virus to survive.

Process:

  • Chop 1 cup of dried prunella vulgaris herb finely.
  • Place in a jar and pour 1 cup of olive oil over it to cover it.
  • Seal the jar with a cheese cloth and leave in a sunny area.
  • Leave for 6 weeks, stirring every day.
  • Strain the oil into another bottle.
  • Applying this on the herpes and other sores.
  • Repeat regularly to get rid of herpes.

9. Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains alkaloids berberine and hydrastine. Berberine is antibiotic, immune strengthening and anti – cancer which helps to treat genital herpes or even shingles. You can take this internally as tea or topically in powder or tincture form.

Note: Pregnant women should not use goldenseal. Do not use this herb more than 2 weeks, take a break of 2 weeks.

Process 1:

  • Add water to the goldenseal tincture.
  • Apply this on the herpes affected area.
  • Repeat this daily.
  • Or apply undiluted goldenseal tincture directly on the herpes.
  • Leave it to dry naturally.
  • Repeat the same process three times a day.

Process 2:

  • Soak gauze in goldenseal tincture.
  • Apply this compress on the herpes affected area before bed.
  • Secure using tape.
  • Leave it overnight and remove the compress the next morning.
  • Repeat the same process daily.

Process 3:

  • Add 1 cup of water to 5 drops of goldenseal tincture and stir well.
  • Soak the compress and apply this on the genital herpes lesions.
  • Let it dry completely.
  • Repeat this process daily.

Process 4:

  • Apply dried powder of goldenseal herb directly on the herpes affected area.
  • Massage it gently with your hands for few minutes.
  • Repeat three times a day.

Process 5:

  • Mix goldenseal, Echinacea and walnut hull powder.
  • Apply this on the infected area.
  • Leave it for few minutes to dry naturally.
  • Repeat this application daily.
  • Or you can also use goldenseal pills, salve, tincture and bulk powder form.

10. Ice Pack

Ice is another effective remedy that helps to heal the pain and discomfort that was caused due to the herpes outbreaks.

Process:

  • Crush some ice and place in a plastic bag.
  • Wrap the bag in a thick cloth.
  • Place on the affected area of the skin.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Continue this process several times a day.
  • Make sure not to leave the ice on too long.

11. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is considered as one of the best anti – viral used to treat sores and herpes. It reduces itching, pain and the discomfort caused by herpes. John’s wort tea boosts the immune system.

Process:

  • Place 2 tablespoons of dried john’s wort herb in a jar.
  • Pour 1 cup of olive oil over herb.
  • Let it infuse for 4 weeks.
  • Strain the oil into another bottle.
  • Apply this topically over the sores to get complete relief from the herpes.
  • Repeat daily.

12. Echinacea

Echinacea contains anti – bacterial, anti – fungal, antiviral, anti – inflammatory and immune strengthening properties. Topical microbicide contains phytochemicals which is obtained from Echinacea is anti – viral.

It is also proved in many researches that this Echinacea helps to alleviate the pain and the discomfort that was caused due to these herpes viruses.

Note: Avoid taking this if you are pregnant or have auto – immune diseases or taking immune-suppressive drug corticosteroids

Ingredients:

  • Dried Echinacea herb – 1 teaspoon
  • Grated fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon
  • Boiling water – 2 cups
  • Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
  • Honey – 1 teaspoon
  • Tea pot

Process:

  • Place Echinacea and grated ginger in a tea pot.
  • Pour boiling water over these.
  • Let it steep for 20 minutes.
  • Add equal quantities of lemon juice and honey.
  • Stir well and drink.
  • Repeat this 3 times a day.
  • Make sure to start drinking this tea at the first sign of the outbreak.

13. Oregon Grape Root

Oregon grape root is generally considered as the substitute of goldenseal herb. It has strong anti – microbial property which contains germ killing component berberine.

Process:

  • Add ½ cup of water to 1 teaspoon of oregano grape tincture and stir.
  • Soak gauze in this water.
  • Place this on the affected area.
  • Allow it to get dry naturally.
  • Repeat the same process 4 times a day.

14. Apple Cider Vinegar

This apple vinegar has disinfectant, astringent and anti – inflammatory properties that help to reduce the outbreaks.

Process 1:

  • Pour apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball.
  • Dab this on the affected areas.
  • Leave for a few minutes to dry.
  • Continue 3 – 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days.
  • Apply as soon as you experience pain or swelling.
  • Add a little water to the mixture if you experience stinging.

Process 2:

  • Add 1 cup of water to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
  • Mix it well and drink.
  • Repeat this twice a day.

15. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that kills the virus which causes herpes infection.

Process 1:

  • Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to the affected skin with a cotton ball.
  • Leave for few minutes to dry.
  • Rinse with water.
  • Repeat 4 times a day for 4 days.

Process 2:

  • Crush a lysine tablet.
  • Add a little of hydrogen peroxide and stir well.
  • Apply this mixture on the herpes affected areas.
  • Leave for few minutes and then wipe it off thoroughly.
  • Repeat this regularly.

Process 3:

  • Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in 1:3 ratios.
  • Use this mixture as a mouthwash.
  • Repeat this a few times daily for about 3 – 4 days.

16. Peppermint

Peppermint tea reduces herpes outbreak very and soothes the pain and inflammation.

Process 1:

  • Rip peppermint leaves into small pieces.
  • Allow the leaves to dry completely for whole day.
  • Heat a cup of water in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of the leaves.
  • Cover and allow it to steep for 20 minutes.
  • Strain the tea and drink with a sweetener if needed.
  • Repeat 2-3 times a day.

Process 2:

  • Pour peppermint oil on a cotton ball.
  • Dab this on the affected areas.
  • Repeat 3 times a day.

17. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has lauric and capric acid that helps to kill the virus.

Process:

  • Drink 2 tablespoons of organic extra virgin coconut oil.
  • Or you can apply this coconut oil on the herpes affected areas of the skin and massage it gently.
  • Alternatively take lauric acid in a supplement form after consulting the docot.
  • Follow this process regularly.

18. Olive Oil

Olive oil moisturizes and soothes the skin and reduces the irritation and itching. It is high in anti – oxidants that help to cure the herpes by preventing the viral infections.

Process:

  • Heat a cup of olive oil in a pan.
  • Add few drops of lavender oil and beeswax and stir.
  • Turn off the heat and allow to cool.
  • Apply this mixture on the affected areas.
  • Repeat this daily.

19. Black Tea

Black tea is rich in tannin which helps to heal the herpes. Its anti – viral property kills the virus and anti – inflammatory property cures the pain, irritation and discomfort.

Process:

  • Place a tea bag in a cup and pour a cup of boiling water on it.
  • Let it steep for 15 minutes.
  • Take out the bag and drink the tea.
  • Let the tea bag cool and apply this to affected areas.
  • Let it be on for 10 minutes.
  • Repeat 2-3 times a day.

20. Domeboro Powder

It soothes the irritated and itchy skin.

Process:

  • Add water to one packet of domeboro powder by following the instructions on the packet and stir.
  • Stir and dip a cloth in the solution.
  • Apply directly on the herpes and allow it to dry naturally.
  • Repeat regularly to cure herpes.

21. Diet

Diet plays an important role in treating health issues.

  • Lysine is a kind of amino acids that helps to reduce the herpes virus and its outbreak. Include eggs, dairy products, nuts (other than peanuts), mangoes, soybeans and apricots in your diet. Alternatively, take L-lysine supplements of about 500 to 1000mg daily.
  • Eat green leafy vegetables and cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, garden cress, brussel sprouts, bok choy..
  • Drink more water to flush toxins from the body.
  • Avoid sugary and processed foods which cause irritation and slow down the healing.
  • Avoid chocolates, peanuts, cereals, seeds, etc. which has high amount of arginine that increases the problem.
  • Consume manuka honey regularly which is anti – bacterial and anti – viral properties.

Tips to Prevent Herpes:

Here are some effective tips which will surely help you in preventing the herpes virus.

  • Avoid sexual intercourse (or else use latex condoms) and kissing until sores have completely healed. Practice safe sex tips to lessen chances of pregnancy as well.
  • During pregnancy, you have to seek regular and early prenatal care.
  • Always practice proper hygiene habits, especially after touching the affected area.
  • Stress weakens the immune system. Avoid stress by doing yoga, meditations, deep breath exercises and some other physical exercises.
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes, mouth guards, towels, drinking glass, silverware and spoons.
  • Keep gential area clean and dry.
  • Try not to smoke.
  • Resting strengthens the immune system to fight against infections. Sleep 7 – 9 hours everyday.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Wear cotton clothes (undergarments) to circulate the air. Make sure not to wear silk, synthetic or nylon undergarments.
  • Baking soda gives relief from the itchy and painful sores. Dip a damp cotton ball in baking soda and apply this directly on the infected areas to get rid of the sores. This helps to dry out the oozing the blisters. You can also use cornstarch.
  • Soak the herpes sore in warm water to get relief from the pain and the itching.
  • Drink herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, lemon and cinnamon to treat pain and itching caused by the herpes.
  • You can use over the counter medicines as pain relievers that include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. You can also use some OTC ointments such as propolis to apply it on the infected areas.
  • Apply jojoba, olive, vitamin E, calendula and camellia oils and massage gently to fight against the virus.
  • Consult a doctor if you don’t get relief within 7 days after following these remedies and tips, as it can be a sign of any other health problem.

Please share any experience you have with us.

20 comments
    1. Before going out in the sun, apply sunscreen or lip balm that contains zinc oxide to your lips. To prevent lips from drying drink plenty of water and apply moisturizing balm. Make sure to avoid direct contact to the herpes sores. Wash face towels and bed linen regularly or after each use.

    1. Try 9 or 14 method as per your convenience. Apart from that drink plenty of water to flush out toxins, strengthen your immune system with a nutrition diet, and wear garments that circulate the air.

    2. Raw honey applied to the area will literally make the blisters COMPLETELY go away within a day, it will stop the outbreak in it’s tracks! I promise, I put a little on a couple pieces of tissue (so that it doesn’t stick to my panties) and my outbreak is gone by morning. I lucked into finding this remedy on a site somewhere. If you’ve noticed, many of the creams use different forms of this in their compounds.

  1. Also, if anyone is suffering from HSV2 and on progesterone hormones, Lutenyl or other pills, stop taking them immediatly. I had recurrent attacks without a break for a year but when i stopped my progesterone pill (to see if i would get rid of bad migraines) my hsv2 attacks stopped completely. I did some research on this and it turns out a lot of woman have this experience. It has also recently been tested on mice… Too much progesterone makes the virus very aggesive! Good luck

  2. I’m on a chemotherapy type infusion for the rest of my life because of a rare auto immune disorder and I have HSV2. Do you have any suggestions on home remedies I can do to help the amount of outbreaks??

    I can’t really do anything to boost my immune system because that is what is attacking my body and why I have to do the immune suppressant therapy.

    1. Try topical application of aloe vera gel, garlic paste or apple cider vinegar. Repeat the application daily for effective results.

      1. Okay, just rub which ever one I choose on the area that I normally have the outbreaks? If so, are mornings best? Like after my morning shower before work….seems logical to me 🙂 This way in the evening if my husband and I decide to fool around, I’m not smelling like vinegar or garlic 😉 HAHA…..right?!!

        1. at least u not feeling pain n can still fool around but my doc said to avoid sexual contact during this period cz u can easily spread it to your partner

  3. I am telling you that I’ve used many creams and RAW HONEY is the BEST TREATMENT hands down for getting rid of herpes blisters on your buttocks I promise you use this and you’ll never use anything again I put raw honey on a couple pieces of tissue and apply it to the area and then put my panties on over it and it literally clears up within a day the medical industry and pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want you to know about this but it works better than anything try it and I promise you’ll never use anything again!

    1. Hi where did can I find raw honey I’m having an outbreak since yesterday been using the garlic clove treatment but would like to try this as well I’m 39 weeks pregnant and hoping for a good outcome Dr wants me to see if sore heals

  4. lyine!!! I used to take antiviral medication that ruined my immune system and didn’t help much, but lysine (amino acid) works every time. start taking high doses as soon as you feel that “tingle” and it will prevent r greatly reduce.

  5. I used calamine for herpes,it helps but now um suffering cause of painful pains,burns and ichy,I never sleep at night ,its been almost a month now..um taking drugs and been seeing different doctors..please help,what should I do? Should apple cider vinegar n honey helps?

  6. Its is ok to use glutathion for hsv1 and 2..im 28 and im suffering for this 2 types of HSV..and i tired to use ACV Aand the Virgine coconut oil..and it work but the blistier on my genital is not going….

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