21 Effective Home Remedies to Cure Herpes!

Herpes is a very itchy and painful problem. It is an infection, seen in both men and women and is caused by the herpes simplex virus.

This virus enters the human body through direct or indirect contact with the infected person. Herpes appears in the form of small red, swelled, liquid-filled blisters near eyes, mouth, genitals and lips.

In men, herpes blisters emerge on the penis, anus, thighs, inside the urethra, buttocks, or inside the penis.

In women, they appear on the cervix, vaginal area, buttocks, anus, and external genitals. They are highly contagious and cause severe diseases, like brain infection, cancer, etc.

Causes of Herpes                                                                                  

• Unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex
• Skin contact
• Kissing
• Intercourse with multiple partners
• Surgery on the genital area
• Touching the blisters or sores
• Direct contact with saliva of the infected person
• Stress, menstruation, and fatigue also trigger a herpes outbreak.
• Herpes simplex virus can also transfer to a newborn baby from herpes infected mother at the time of vaginal delivery.

 Symptoms of Herpes

There are some primary symptoms. Symptoms are generally not noticed because they are very mild.

• Fever
• Ulcers and blisters on the cervix (in women)
• Pain while urination
• Vaginal discharge (in women)
• Red aching blisters around buttocks, thighs, and genitals

These symptoms appear up to 20 days only and then get healed.

There are few symptoms which appear again and again which is a clear indication that you are suffering from herpes:

• Itching around genitals
• Aching red blisters around thighs, buttock, and genitals that burst soon and leave sores
• ulcers and blisters on the lower part of the womb( in women)

Home Remedies for Herpes

1. Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants and serves to be one of the best home remedies for herpes sores. It moisturizes the skin. Take 1 cup of olive oil and heat it in a pot. Add some lavender oil and bee wax in it. Let mixture cool down. Apply the mixture on the infected area.

2. Echinacea

Echinacea is a medicinal plant having anti-viral properties. It aids in enhancing the immune system. The flowers, leaves, and roots of Echinacea plant can be used for healing herpes. You can consume them in the form of tea, juices, or pills.

3. Ice pack

A very simple method to cure herpes at home is ice. Ice gives a cool feeling and provides immense relief in herpes pain. Take some ice cubes and crush them. Fill these crushed ice cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap this plastic bag in a sheet-like thick cotton cloth. Now, place it on the sores for around 10-15 minutes to get rid of swelling and itching.

Don does not expose genital parts for too long to ice as it can damage the tissues.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda provides relief in the itchy and painful sores, quickly. It is also an effective treatment for getting rid of herpes. It works by drying out the oozing blisters. You need to take a cotton ball, soak it in baking soda and apply it directly on the infected area.

To avoid contamination, don’t re-dip the cotton ball in baking soda.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a useful remedy in healing the herpes sores outbreak. Take a glass of water and add few drops of tea tree oil. Gargle with this to remove ulcers from the mouth. In the case of genital herpes, use an eye-dropper to put it drop by drop on the infected area.

6. Lemon balm

Lemon balm has flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic acid, which helps to heal the sores or blisters. Prepare a lemon balm tea. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply directly on the sores. Do not re-dip? Take a new cotton ball for next turn.

Lemon balm is available in the form of creams and ointments also. Apply cream directly on infected area to heal herpes.

7. Licorice roots

The therapeutic properties of licorice roots are helpful for the treatment of herpes infection. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid, which fights against the herpes virus. The extracts of licorice roots are very effective for the treatment of herpes.

Else, you can also take 2 capsules of the extracts of the licorice root. Excessive use of licorice results in hypertension and lowering of potassium. Therefore, individuals suffering from heart problems and expecting women should avoid the intake of licorice.

8. Tea bags

Black tea is known for its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is highly rich in tannins. Prepare a cup of black tea using a tea bag. Let it cool down. Apply this tea bag on the infected area. Leave that for 5 minutes on the sores. Repeat the process twice or thrice a day, for effective results.

9. Corn starch

Cornstarch helps in reducing chafing and itching. It aids in absorbing excessive moisture from the skin. Apply some cornstarch directly on the infected area, to dry out herpes sores. Take a cotton ball and dip in the cornstarch. Dab it gently on the sore.

Do not put used cotton ball again in the clean cornstarch.

10. Aloe Vera gel

Aloe vera is a great remedy for herpes blisters, because of its natural healing properties. It helps to soothe the itching and redness. Pure aloe vera gel should be applied on the sores to treat them.

11. Epsom salt

Take a bath using Epsom salt water. It is also one of the best remedies to soothe the itching and pain in herpes. Add some Epsom salt in your bathing tub and soak herpes infected area in the water. Allow it to dry and then, take a shower. This remedy makes the sores dry, thereby reducing itching.

12. Domeboro powder

Domeboro powder helps in soothing the irritated and itchy skin. The powder can be used on the sores in the form of compress or wet dressing. Mix one packet of domeboro powder in water following the directions given on the packet. Dip a piece of clean cloth or cotton ball in the solution. Apply the cloth directly on the infected area. Take a new cloth for next turn.

13. Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid that is found in foods- milk, brewer’s yeast, cheeses, chicken, etc. It is also known for reducing herpes outbreak.

Lysine cream is available in the market. Apply it on the infected areas to treat them fast.

14. Black coffee

Herpes virus can also infect your lips, mouth also. For that, black coffee is a great remedy. Blisters in the mouth are very painful. To treat them, prepare a cup of black coffee. Let it cool down. Take a sip and hold it in the mouth for some time. Try to move it onto the lips as well. Repeat this process twice a day for best results.

15. Soap and Warm Water

Soaking your infected herpes sore area in warm water surely relieves the pain and itching. Use an antiseptic soap, to keep the affected area clean and free from infection.

Always dry your genital parts with a clean towel. Do not share your bathtub, towel and bathing soap with an infected person.

16. Herbal tea

For treating the pain and itching in herpes, herbal teas, like cinnamon, lemon, ginger, and chamomile are very effective. These are a very effective solution for avoiding any kind of skin diseases.

17. Manuka honey

Manuka honey helps in quick healing of herpes blisters and cold sores. It possesses antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Just apply some manuka honey directly on the infected area.

OTC medicines- these over-the-counter analgesics (OTC) are very useful in relieving the aching herpes outburst. OTC medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Some ointments, like propolis, can also be applied on the infected area, to treat herpes.

18. Natural oils

Natural oils are also quite effective in relieving the ache and itching in herpes. Tea tree, vitamin E, Olive, jojoba, camellia, and calendula oils are best known for fighting against the herpes virus. Apply any of the natural oil on the infected area, gently. You can also mix some oils and then apply. This will help in healing the infected skin.

19. Goldenseal

Take some golden seal powder. Add Echinacea and walnut hull powder in it. Mix well to make a paste. Apply this paste on the infected area. Goldenseal is also available in the form of pills, tincture, and salve in your drugstores.

20. Oregano oil

Oregano oil has anti-viral properties that help in the quick recovery of herpes blisters. Apply some oregano oil directly on the infected area.

Tips to remember

• Avoid sexual intercourse and kissing until the sores are properly healed.
• Maintain hydration level in the body, for that drinking plenty of water.
• Maintain proper hygiene, like hand washing, to avoid bacterial infection.
• Engage in stress-relief activities, like yoga and meditation.
• Stop sharing your personal things like towel, toothbrush, handkerchiefs, spoons, plates with the infected person.
• Maintain proper cleanliness and dryness in genital parts.
• quit smoking
• Take a proper diet, including leafy vegetables and fruits, like apples, cabbage, beetroot, papayas, etc.
• Avoid alcohol, sugar, cereals, junk foods, chocolates, seeds, peanuts.
• Wear cotton clothes, which allow the air to circulate.