Natural Home Remedies And Cures

What Is Herpes?

There are eight variations of the herpes virus that infect humans causing cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, cytomegalovirus, various cancers, and  encephlitus. A herpes viral infection is life-long and incurable (at the time of this writing.)

In this article we will concern ourselves primarily with Herpes Simplex Virus#1 (common cold sores) and Herpes Simplex Virus#2 (Genital Herpes.)

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus#2) And Common Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus#1)

The herpes virus #1 (HSV-1) and #2 (HSV-2) have been around for a long time. An estimated 80% of American adults suffer from common clod sores, and 20% have genital herpes. Herpes symptoms are normally characterized by clusters of watery blisters somewhere on the body, you may experience itching, burning, or tingling at the infection site, and flu-like symptoms may also be present. Although HSV-2 usually strikes below the belt, while HSV-1 causes cold sores around the mouth, this isn’t always the case. To know for sure whether you suffer from one or the other you would need to be tested by your doctor.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Common Cold Sores

Genital Herpes

While herpes is generally not dangerous or life-threatening it can be a nuisance and the fact that it is incurable can make it a traumatic occurrence in ones life. Herpes is normally transmitted to others by skin to skin contact during an outbreak, although herpes can be contracted at times even when no symptoms are present, also called “asymptomatic reactivation” or “asymptomatic shedding”. Shedding is when the virus (which resides in the nerves and tissues under the skin) surfaces on the skin at the site of the infection, and even though no symptoms are present, the virus can be passed to another. Many people who have herpes (3 out of 4)  suffer no outbreaks at all, but because of shedding can still spread the disease unwittingly.

The best defence against herpes is to avoid contracting it in the first place! Don’t have intimate contact with anyone who has herpes (kissing, oral sex, or intercourse.) If you are in a relationship with someone who has herpes (and you don’t) avoid intimate contact during outbreaks (or just before as many people can “feel” an outbreak is coming on, and this is when “shedding” is most likely to occur.) Use condoms during intercourse to help prevent contracting  genital herpes. Avoid intimate contact until herpes lesions are completely healed and not just scabbed-over.

Preventing And Treating Herpes Outbreaks Naturally

• Reduce Stress-Stress is thought to contribute to herpes outbreaks. Try to manage the stress in your life, adopting healthy lifestyle changes in your day to day life can go a long way in helping reduce your stress level.
• Avoid Stimulants-Limit or eliminate caffeine and other stimulants from you diet.
• Strengthen Your Immune System-A strong immune system can help limit outbreaks. Take a good multi-vitamin with minerals. Zinc has been found especially benificial in stengthening the immune system.
• Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs-Can weaken your immune system and be a contributing factor in your outbreaks.
• Avoid Sugar and Chocolate-Limit chocolate and sugars in your diet.
• Avoid Touching Herpes Sores-Remember this is how herpes is spread, so avoid touching the sores and wash your hands if you have.
• Gently Wash the Area During an Outbreak-Keep the lesions clean and dry during an outbreak, try cornstarch as an drying aid.

Supplements And Herbs That Help Control Herpes Outbreaks

• Vitamins A, B Complex, and C-Should be taken daily (should be included in your multi-vitamin, but taking extra B and C is recommended.)
• Zinc and Sulfur-Should be included in your vitamin-mineral regiment.
• Bioflavonoids-Found in many fruits and vegetables, and can be taken as a supplement.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Strengthens cell walls and makes it difficult for the herpes virus to reproduce, which can reduce outbreaks.
• Lysine-An amino-acid that’s proved helpful in preventing outbreaks.
• Thyme-Works as an internal antiseptic and can reduce the number of herpes outbreaks.
• Camellia Sinensis-Helps to boost immune system.
• Prunella Vulgaris-Can be applied to lesions to lessen the number and severity of outbreaks.
• Tea Tree Oil-Can be applied to lesions to lessen pain and help with healing.
• Echinacea-Helps strengthen the immune system.
• Garlic-Great for helping strengthen the immune system.

Conclusion

Although herpes can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it’s a relatively common viral infection, and once infected your symptoms can be managed effectively! Don’t beat yourself up over having contracted this virus, it’s not your fault, just relax, forgive yourself, learn how to deal with the symptoms, and most importantly try not to give the virus to anyone else. Be honest and up-front with the fact that you have herpes!

If you think you may have herpes, get a medical diagnosis. Some people may feel embarrassed to see a doctor about herpes-don’t be-that is what doctors are there for! If you do have herpes, there is a wealth of information available online, research the subject thoroughly. Treatments that work well for one individual may not work well for all, try different treatments and use what works best for you. Some of the drugs avalible for the treatment of this disease can have unplesant side-effects.  I would suggest trying some of the natural homeopathic remedies discribed above and if you don’t get relief from your symptoms, than possibly resort to one of the perscription drugs.

Don’t let your herpes control your life, learn to control your herpes, and live a happy, productive life!