Herbal Remedies for Herpes

Herpes is caused by a number of different types of virus. Among them, herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) are the most commonly found virus of herpes. HSV -1 infection causes herpes in the form of cold sores on mouth or lips area. On the other hand, HSV - 2 causes more severe form of herpes in the genital area. The symptoms of herpes are mild fever, painful sores with burning and itching sensation. These blisters are infectious and rapidly spread from one area to another. Herpes are not completely curable and they recur quite frequently.

Herbal Remedies for Herpes

Herpes sores, when treated with anti-viral drugs and other medications may suppress the symptoms, but most of them have adverse side effects. Therefore, use of natural herbs to cure herpes is the most simple and effective method. Following are some of the herbs that really work well on herpes.

Lemon Balm: This is one of the most effective herbal remedies for herpes. On application of lemon balm on herpes, not only does the discomfort associated with it goes down, but it also prevents further recurrences of herpes in future. Lemon balm, also known as melissa essential oil, is easily available but is highly expensive. To know more read on lemon balm uses.

Eleutherococcus or Siberian Ginseng: This herb is considered as one of the best herbal remedies for herpes simplex virus 2, which is mainly responsible for causing genital herpes. It soothes up the affected area and decreases the duration of herpes outbreaks. It also helps to bring down the frequency of herpes outbreaks, as well. It has to be taken orally, as a herbal supplement. Siberian Ginseng is good for boosting up the immune system and equips the body to deal the physical and mental stress in a better manner. To get more information refer to Siberian ginseng.

Black Tea (Camellia sinensis): One of the main ingredients of black tea leaf is tannins, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and hence can treat herpes. You have to put a tea bag in a a cup of boiled water and let it cool down for a few minutes. Then apply the warm tea bag on the affected area for about 5 minutes. Do this twice or thrice daily. For good results start applying it as soon as you observe the symptoms of herpes. For more information read on black tea.

Aloe Vera: This is one of the most commonly available herbs and can be grown in your garden also. Aloe Vera, when applied on herpes reduces its itching sensation. After the herpes is healed up, it often leaves behind a tender skin. Aloe Vera helps to get rid of this tenderness. Aloe Vera in its pure gel form should be used for this purpose. Any cream with Aloe Vera as an ingredient is not of much help on the herpes, as the Aloe Vera content is very low in these creams. Read more on aloe vera.

Chinese Herbs: There are a number of Chinese herbal remedies for herpes zoster. These herbs have been in use in China for thousands of years and have successfully yielded effective results. Now, they are available in various forms like pills, capsules, powder, etc. Herbal remedy kit, with different dosage are found in the Chinese medicine shops. For more information on herpes zoster refer to shingles.

Natural Cure for Herpes

Traditionally, baking soda has been in use to cure herpes. When it is applied on the herpes, it helps to get rid of the itching sensation and quickly dries up the herpes sores, as well. Take a damp cotton ball and place it on baking soda to get a thick coat on the cotton ball. Then apply it on the herpes and let it dry up.

Epsom salt is popularly used to cure herpes naturally. It cleanses the affected area and provides relief from itching pain and tenderness of herpes. Add a handful amount of Epsom salt in your warm bath water every day and bath with it. Allow the water to stay on the herpes for at least 15 minutes or more. You can see the herpes sores drying up quite fast.

When you are applying ice pack on herpes, make sure you do not put the ice directly on the affected part. Cover it up with a towel or a piece of cloth and then place it over the herpes. It has a numbing effect on the herpes and thus relieves the pain. The low temperature prevents further growth of virus and stops the infection from spreading. To know more read on natural cure for herpes.

The herbal remedies for herpes should always be accompanied by a well balanced diet and a stress free life. This is because, weak immune system and stress is often responsible for causing the infection. Maintaining personal hygiene is also very important in order to control herpes.