Herpes is a viral infection caused by the so-called herpes simplex virus 1. It can occur on different parts of the body, but especially around the lips, cheeks, nose and, on rare occasions, in the eye. Nearly 50-90% of people carry this virus, but many never see symptoms appear or don't realize them. Herpes usually goes away on its own within 2-4 weeks, but since it can be painful and embarrassing, you probably want to speed up the healing process as much as possible. Most home remedies are not backed up by solid scientific evidence, but there are many methods commonly believed to be effective for treating it.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Natural Treatments
Step 1. Use hydrogen peroxide
It has antiseptic and antiviral properties that can help soothe inflammation and fight the viral infection that causes herpes.
- Soak a cotton swab or a cotton swab in a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and place it directly on the affected area, keeping it still for 5 minutes. Gently rinse your face with cold water and discard the used cotton ball or Q-tip.
- Make sure you don't ingest hydrogen peroxide as you apply it.
Step 2. Use petroleum jelly or honey
After draining, protect the affected area by applying petroleum jelly to it. In this way you will moisten the skin and avoid skin cracks, in short, you will create a sort of shelter that will protect the wound while it heals.
- Do not apply petroleum jelly with your fingers, as the virus can spread to your hands. Instead, use a cotton swab or a Q-tip to apply it as needed until completely healed.
- If you don't have petroleum jelly on hand, you could use honey. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can protect the affected area from other threats while fighting the actual virus itself. Apply some honey with a cotton ball to completely coat the affected area.
Step 3. Apply an ice cube to the sore
Place an ice cube or ice pack directly on the wound for a few minutes to reduce inflammation and soothe the pain. If you're using a cube, you might want to wrap it with a towel to keep it from bothering you. Press the frozen surface onto the affected area until the cold numbs it and remove it shortly after. Don't leave it for long. Repeat the procedure every 1-3 hours.
Remember that this method is only suitable for newly formed sores. If the lesion had already opened, the ice could hinder the procedure by slowing down the arterial flow (and its healing properties) directed to the affected area
Step 4. Try Echinacea
Echinacea herbal tea is believed to strengthen the immune system, thus promoting the body's immune response while fighting herpes. Infuse one sachet of echinacea in a cup (250ml) of boiling water for 10 minutes. Once the herbal tea is ready, drink it. Consume it once a day until the herpes subsides.
- You could also take a 300mg echinacea supplement up to 4 times a day to boost your immune system.
- Do not give echinacea to your child without first consulting a doctor or pediatrician.
- People with autoimmune conditions, diabetes, tuberculosis, connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, HIV, or AIDS should not take echinacea.
- Even those allergic to plants belonging to the same family of daisies can react negatively to echinacea.
Step 5. Use lemon balm
Numerous researches support the use of this plant to reduce the redness and inflammation of herpes, but also to lower the risk of having recurrent infections. It is also used to treat insomnia, anxiety and indigestion. Lemon balm contains eugenol, which calms muscle spasms, relaxes tissues and kills bacteria. Essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes, which may also play an important role in the plant's relaxing and antiviral properties. Lemon balm is available in the form of food supplements, topical creams, mother tinctures and herbal teas at supermarkets and health food stores.
- Apply a lemon balm ointment to the affected area up to 3 times a day. Alternatively, make an herbal tea by steeping one gram of dried lemon balm in a cup of hot water (80-85 ° C) for 3-5 minutes. Filter and drink immediately without adding sweeteners. Also, you can wet a cotton ball of lemon balm tea (measure a teaspoon) and apply it to the lesion.
- Topical application of lemon balm is considered safe for children. You should discuss this with a doctor or pediatrician in order to determine the proper doses for your child.
Step 6. Try applying a natural oil or extract
Some have antiseptic properties and, when applied directly to the affected area, can fight the herpes virus. Others have astringent properties, so they can dry out the skin, prevent infection from starting and worsening the lesion.
- Peppermint essential oil can fight viruses that pass away from the site of infection, so it is useful for treating herpes. Soak a cotton swab in peppermint essential oil and apply it to the affected area. Do this twice a day until completely healed.
- Witch hazel essential oil has astringent and antiseptic properties. Soak a cotton swab with 5ml of witch hazel (one teaspoon) and apply it directly to the affected area. Don't rinse it off. Apply it 1-2 times a day.
- Pure vanilla extract is alcohol-based and makes it difficult for the virus to survive. Soak a cotton swab with 2.5ml vanilla extract (half a teaspoon) and press it directly onto the affected area, holding it for 1-2 minutes. Do this up to 4 times a day.
- Tea tree oil and garlic oil can help the healing process by softening lesions. If the affected area is soft, it is less likely to crack. When the lesion ruptures, it may reactivate or present a more acute rash. Tap a few drops of one of these oils directly on the lesion 1 or 2 times a day.
Step 7. Apply rhubarb and sage ointment
According to research, a cream made with rhubarb and sage extract (23 mg / g each) is as effective as prescription medicines to treat herpes. Look for this product at a natural supply store. Just squeeze a small amount onto a cotton swab or cotton swab and apply it to the affected area.
Before use, ask your doctor if rhubarb and sage are safe for children under the age of 5
Step 8. Make licorice ointment
Glycyrrhizic acid, found in licorice root, is the main ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, so it can relieve discomfort and slow down the reproduction of the virus.
- Mix one tablespoon (15ml) of powdered or extracted licorice root with half a teaspoon of water (2.5ml) or 2 teaspoons (10ml) of petroleum jelly. Dab this cream on the affected area, coating it completely. Leave it on for several hours or, better yet, overnight.
- Another solution is to mix powdered licorice root with petroleum jelly, which has therapeutic properties. In this case, mix a teaspoon of petroleum jelly with the licorice root. Then, keep adding petroleum jelly until you get the desired consistency.
Step 9. Use cold milk and derivatives
Cold milk and yogurt are believed to be effective in fighting herpes. Milk contains immunoglobulins (special antibodies that fight viruses) and lysine (able to fight arginine, an amino acid that can cause herpes). Soak a cotton ball in a tablespoon (15ml) of cold milk and apply it directly to the affected area for a couple of minutes.
The probiotics in yogurt can help fight the herpes virus. Dab a small amount of plain yogurt directly on the affected area, or, when you have a rash, eat 2-3 jars of low-fat yogurt a day
Step 10. Apply aloe vera gel
It can soothe the pain caused by herpes (this is one of the many skin irritations it can relieve), but it can also fight the bacteria that could infect the sore and make the problem worse. Additionally, it can speed up the healing process.
- Apply half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of aloe vera gel directly to the lesion using a cotton swab. Let it act. The most effective gel is the one that is extracted directly from the plant, easy to find and long lasting. Break off a fresh leaf and apply the gel to the affected area.
- If you can't find an aloe plant, buy a 100% natural aloe gel at the supermarket.
Method 2 of 4: Making Food Changes
Step 1. Avoid foods that cause inflammation
Some can slow the healing process, weaken the immune system, and worsen inflammation. They should be avoided especially by those suffering from autoimmune diseases, by those who take medicines for heart, lung or digestive diseases, or by those who have recently had a cold, cough or fever. If you have herpes, you should also avoid these foods, which can cause chronic inflammation:
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries and snacks.
- Fried and fatty foods.
- Sweetened drinks, such as sodas or energy drinks.
- Red meat, such as veal and pork, and processed meats, such as sausages.
- Margarine, fat and lard.
Step 2. Follow a Mediterranean diet
Some foods can cause inflammation, while others can help fight it. The Mediterranean diet, in particular, features foods that relieve irritation, including:
- Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, cherries, and oranges.
- Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts.
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach or kale, are rich in antioxidants.
- Oily fish rich in omega-3s, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines.
- Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats, and flax seeds.
- Olive oil.
Step 3. Avoid foods rich in arginine
The herpes simplex virus needs arginine (an essential amino acid found in many foods) for metabolic issues. Experts recommend limiting the intake of arginine-rich products to control the onset and recurrence of herpes, but also to reduce inflammation of existing lesions.
Products rich in arginine include chocolate, cola, peas, refined grains, jelly, peanuts, cashews, and beer
Step 4. Consume more vitamin C
Strengthening the immune system to protect it from viruses and bacteria will speed up healing and prevent future infections. Research has shown that vitamin C plays a fundamental role as an antioxidant, facilitates the work of the immune system, lowers the risk of developing various diseases, promotes healing and improves the skin. It can be taken as a food supplement (1000 mg per day) or by adding foods that are rich in it to your diet. It is very easy to assimilate it through food: just eat more fruits and vegetables. Here are some good natural sources of vitamin C:
- Red or green peppers.
- Citrus fruits, such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, lime or non-concentrated citrus juices.
- Spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
- Berries, including strawberries and raspberries.
- Tomatoes.
Step 5. Use garlic
It has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the healing process. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese, which strengthen the immune system and protect it from infections such as herpes. According to some researchers, these properties are due to an organic sulfur compound called allicin, the active ingredient in garlic.
- To release allicin, it is best to eat a clove of raw garlic. Each clove weighs approximately one gram. To make the taste more pleasant, you can also pulverize it and mix it with a spoonful of honey or olive oil. This natural treatment will help strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of the lesions recurring.
- If you want a topical treatment, you can make a mixture by mincing 2-4 cloves of garlic and applying it to the lesion with a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. It can cause a slight sting and have a pungent odor, but the antiviral properties of garlic help disinfect the area and reduce healing times.
- Remember that overdoing garlic can cause bad breath and lower blood pressure, so limit your consumption to 2-4 cloves per day. It should not be used before surgery or in case of bleeding disorders. If you observe any side effects such as swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, body aches, dizziness, allergies such as an asthmatic reaction, rashes and skin lesions, stop using it and seek immediate medical attention.
Step 6. Use zinc
It is an essential trace mineral found in many foods you eat regularly and allows for a strong immune system. It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from bacteria and viruses, such as that of herpes. It is normal for zinc levels to be slightly low, but taking a multivitamin and eating a healthy diet should allow you to get enough. The best food sources of zinc are oysters, shellfish, red meats, poultry, cheese, shrimp, and crab.
- You could also try zinc ointment to soothe the injury and speed up the healing process. Just pour a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area, leaving it on for 3-5 minutes. Repeat up to 2-3 times a day.
- Zinc is available in supplement form and in many multivitamin capsules. Before taking supplements, consult your doctor. If you have a digestive problem, such as acid reflux, you may want to use an easier-to-absorb form of zinc, such as zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. The amount is indicated on the product label (usually 30-50 mg). Remember that food allows you to assimilate about 10-15 mg of zinc, so you can determine the amount to take through the supplements. The recommended daily dose for adults is 8-11 mg. You shouldn't take high doses of zinc for more than a few days, unless told by your doctor.
Step 7. Take lysine supplements
It is an essential amino acid obtainable through food sources such as salmon, tuna, chicken, skim milk, Parmesan, soy, eggs, lentils, Brussels sprouts, red beans, chickpeas and quinoa. You can also take supplements. Those who suffer from herpes more than 3 times a year should enrich their daily diet with 2000-3000 mg of lysine in order to reduce the recurrence of herpes in the long term. Take 1000 mg of lysine 3 times a day on an empty stomach. Do not associate it with milk.
Do not take lysine without first consulting your doctor, especially if you have high cholesterol or a heart condition
Method 3 of 4: Change Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Sleep with your head elevated
If you have herpes, put a few pillows behind your head when in bed to let gravity help drain the blisters. Otherwise, liquids could settle in the lesions overnight.
The head pillow should support the natural curve of the neck and be comfortable. If it is too tall, you will adopt a position that will strain your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Choose a pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your chest and lower back
Step 2. Exercise regularly
Exercising several times a week or, better yet, every day can help strengthen the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of recurring herpes. Even mild or moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, or stretching, has many benefits for the body, in addition to accelerating healing and relieving the symptoms of herpes.
- Regular exercise also reduces the risk of long-term infection and improves mood, which decreases stress. A daily 30-45 minute workout with moderate intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, and swimming is recommended.
- You may want to consult a doctor to create a customized training program.
Step 3. Use sunscreen and a lip balm
Moderate sun exposure is good for the immune system because it stimulates the production of vitamin D. In any case, one of the most common causes of herpes is sunlight, so when you are outdoors, use protection regularly and a lip balm with SPF (sun protection factor) can help reduce the risk of a rash. To protect your skin from sun damage, use a non-comedogenic cream with an SPF of at least 30.
Some chemicals in sunscreens can cause allergies, so it's best to consult a dermatologist to find a product that's right for you
Step 4. Learn to manage stress
Herpes can fuel stress, cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Likewise, stress weakens the immune system and increases the susceptibility to developing viral infections, including herpes. Here are some ways to handle it:
- Try keeping a journal. Set aside time every day to write down your thoughts, even if it's just for 10-20 minutes. Keeping a journal can go a long way in relieving stress because it allows you to organize thoughts, gives clarity and facilitates problem solving.
- Listening to music is effective in fighting stress for both healthy people and those with health problems. According to research, listening to calming music can lower blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety.
- Spend time on your hobbies. Each week, set aside time for activities that you enjoy most and that you find relaxing, such as yoga, reading, cooking, sewing, and so on.
- Try relaxation and meditation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing, and tai chi. Meditation can help lower blood pressure, chronic pain, anxiety and cholesterol, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. To do a simple meditation exercise, sit cross-legged in a quiet place, then breathe slowly and deeply for at least 5-10 minutes. Try to spend at least 5 minutes a day in meditation to keep stress under control.
Step 5. Avoid kissing and oral sex
Since the herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, you should avoid kissing and oral sex when you have a rash. You may want to wait until healing is complete. Oral sex can cause the virus to spread to the genital area, not to mention that it is possible to contract the herpes simplex virus type 2 through an infected person. Outbreaks aren't always obvious, so your partner can be contagious without you realizing it.
Anyone who has a regular sexual relationship with a person with herpes simplex should contact their doctor about how to practice safe sex
Method 4 of 4: Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
Step 1. Avoid touching the lesions
When you experience pain from inflammation, you may be tempted to squeeze or tease the blisters. Touching them can cause the viral infection to spread to the fingers, giving rise to the so-called herpetic patereccio. Also avoid having direct skin contact with other people. Teasing the wound can also slow down the healing process, lengthening it and increasing the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body.
Step 2. Wash your hands frequently
When you have herpes, you should wash your hands carefully before touching your face and other people, especially children. In fact, herpes simplex can quickly become infected in this way.
One solution is to keep a hand sanitizer or wet wipes on hand when you go out or at work, so you always have them clean
Step 3. Do not share food and miscellaneous items, such as utensils, towels, lip balms, toothbrushes, and other items that can cause blistering
Bacteria and viruses quickly adhere to surfaces and can be transmitted in this way, extending the duration of herpes or exacerbating symptoms. Also avoid storing tools and personal items in an excessively humid environment, as this facilitates bacterial proliferation.
Step 4. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to prevent germs from spreading through the air and to prevent other bacteria or viruses from accessing your lungs as you inhale
If you don't have a handkerchief handy, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow rather than bringing your hand close to your face, as this will only spread the germs on your hands
Step 5. Keep your toothbrush clean
Wash it before and after use to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the bristles. If you live with other people, store it in a separate container when you have herpes.
- Never share your toothbrush, as this will spread pathogenic germs and bacteria in your mouth and in the mouth of others.
- Do not cover toothbrushes or store them in a closed container. A dark and humid environment can promote bacterial growth.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months and immediately after you have recovered from cold sores, coughs, or sore throats. For an added precaution, soak it in 30ml of hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash for 3-5 minutes to get rid of any bacteria left on the bristles.
