Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It exists in various forms, and can manifest itself on the lips or mouth in the form of cold sores, or in the form of ulcers in the genital area. It is a fairly common sexually transmitted disease, and is not life-threatening. Normally, it heals in any time between two to four weeks, and does not pose any major problem to anyone who might have it. However, it is uncomfortable, if nothing else, and is best dealt with in a quick and efficient manner. If you or anyone you know has it, don’t worry. You can get rid of herpes very easily, and we’re here to help to get rid of herpes effectively with home remedies.
Some of the most common causes of herpes are –
- Touching a herpes sore
- “Asymptomatic viral shedding”, which one can get from close contact with someone who is infected, but doesn’t have sores
- Any contact with a person who may be infected, or may have sores
- Kissing or eating from the same utensils
- Sharing objects such as lip balm or a razor
- Sexual contact with someone who may be infected
- Contact with an infected individual, especially at a time when your immune system has been compromised
- Unnecessary and excessive friction in the genital area during sexual intercourse
Symptoms –
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensation in the skin
- Fluid-filled blisters or sores
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Cracked, raw, or red areas around the genitals, not necessarily accompanied by pain or itching
- Headaches and back aches
- Blistering lesions around the vulva and the vaginal opening, for women
- An eye infection, resulting in pain, light sensitivity, and discharge
15 home remedies to deal with herpes
1. Olive oil
Mix a cup of olive oil with some lavender oil and beeswax, heat it, and apply it to the infected region. Olive oil contains antioxidants and is a great moisturiser.
2. Ice pack
Ice is often the simplest home remedy for a lot of things. Put some crushed ice in a plastic bag, wrap that in a sheet of cloth, and apply it to the affected areas. Apply for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Do this multiple times a day.
3. Oregano oil
It has anti-viral properties. Apply some to the infected area, and it will get rid of the blisters fairly quickly.
4. Lemon
There are very few problems lemon can’t fix. Cut a lemon into small wedges and just apply to the infected areas. Be sure to replace each wedge every so often. This is very effective especially at the start of an outbreak.
5. Black coffee
Prepare black coffee as usual, cool it, and apply it regularly to the affected areas, particularly in case of cold sores on the mouth. Follow this twice a day, and you will be rid of your herpes problem very soon.
6. Honey
Honey is the go-to solution for a lot of health-related issues. Apply on the affected area, letting it dry. Wash it off after half an hour or so and pat dry. Follow this two to three times a day to see effective results.
7. Herbal Tea
Drinking herbal tea is a great and effective home remedy. Drink ginger, lemon or cinnamon tea, or a mix of all three, a few times a day. Your herpes will be gone soon, and without much trouble.
8. Milk
Raw milk is known to be a great solution for sores. Apply cold milk on the affected area, leaving it on for 15 minutes. Wash off and pat dry. The monocarpin fat in the milk will help kill viruses.
9. Warm water
Soaking herpes sores in warm water will help relieve the itching and get rid of the sores. Be sure to clean the affected area with soap to keep it clean and infection-free. Also make sure that you keep the area dry after taking a shower, or just washing it.
10 Epsom Salt
Add Epsom salt in warm water, and use this water while taking a bath. The salt will not only help dry the sores, but also reduce itching and pain. Alternatively, you can soak the infected area in warm water to which Epsom salt has been added, let it be for a while, and then take a shower.
11. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is perhaps the best natural remedy for herpes and every thing. Apply natural aloe vera gel, preferably directly from a stem (provided, of course, you have a plant at home), making sure that no artificial colour or flavour has been added to it, to the affected areas, especially sores. This will soothe the itching and redness, and prevent the infection from spreading any further.
12. Black tea bags
Tea has been proven to be great for a variety of health-related issues, and herpes is no exception. Black tea is highly rich in tannin, which contains anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a cup of black tea using a tea bag, allow the bag to cool, and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on the sores for five minutes or so, and then wash it off. Repeat the process twice or thrice a day for best results.
13. Baking soda
There is very little that baking soda cannot do, and it is an extremely effective treatment for getting rid of herpes fast. Take a cotton ball dipped in baking soda, apply it directly to the infected region, and hold it in place for a while. It will dry out any oozing blisters, and provide much-needed relief to the painful and itchy sores. Be sure to not re-dip the cotton ball in baking soda, so as to avoid any contamination.
14. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the best remedies for herpes. It will absorb excessive moisture from the skin, and reduce chafing, itching, and pain caused by sores or blisters. Dip a cotton ball in some cornstarch, and dab this on the sores. Do this a few times, making sure not to re-dip the used cotton ball in the cornstarch.
15. Natural oils
Natural oils have often proven to be the solution to most problems, and skin diseases are no exception. Jojoba oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and Vitamin E oil, to name a few, are great in treating herpes. Apply any one of these to the infected areas, leaving it for half an hour, or even overnight, if you so wish. Wash this off with a mild soap, and pat the skin dry. The oil will effectively treat the herpes by dealing with the infection.
Important precautions:-
- Use a condom during sexual intercourse
- Avoid stress, especially if you already have herpes, because this will suppress your immune system, which will result in the sores taking longer to heal
- Try not to tire your body out by exercising if you already have herpes
- Some contraceptive foams may effectively kill the virus, so try to use them along with a condom
- Avoid oral sex or kissing in case of a cold sore