Herpes simplex is a virus. That means that there isn’t a known “cure” that will prevent symptoms from returning. But there are things you can do to find relief during an HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak.
You may be able to reduce inflammation, irritation, and other symptoms through a mix of lifestyle changes and dietary supplements. However, these remedies aren’t a replacement for a clinical treatment plan. You should always talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider before you try any alternative treatment. They can discuss possible dosage, side effects, and interactions. True home remediesThese tried-and-true home remedies may help ease outbreak-related swelling, itching, and stinging. You probably already have what you need for these remedies in your kitchen cabinet or medicine chest. Warm compressPreliminary researchTrusted Source suggests that it may be helpful to apply heat as soon as you feel a sore forming. If a sore has already formed, heat may help minimize pain and swelling. You can make a dry warm compress by filling a sock halfway with rice and microwaving it for just under a minute. Cool compressYou can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack or a clean, soft washcloth filled with ice to the affected area. Repeat as needed every four hours. Baking soda pasteApplying a baking soda paste may help dry out lesions and relieve itching. To do this, dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of pure baking soda, and dab it on the sore. Cornstarch pasteCorn starch paste may also dry out lesions and relieve itching. Dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of cornstarch, and apply it to the affected area. Topical garlicOlder research suggests that garlic may have antiviral properties against both strains of herpes. Crush up a fresh clove of garlic and mix it with olive oil to dilute. You can apply this mixture to a sore up to three times per day. Topical apple cider vinegar (ACV)ACV is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. To reap some of these benefits, mix one-part ACV with three-parts warm water and apply to the affected area. Diet changesEating the right foods and avoiding certain ingredients may boost your immune system and, in turn, help your body fight off the herpes virus. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that changing your diet could help prevent outbreaks. Although more research is needed, clinical evidence does support some of these claims. Antioxidant-rich veggiesEating vegetables rich in antioxidants can boost your immune systemTrusted Source and may minimize inflammation. Cauliflower, spinach, kale, and tomatoes are rich in free-radical binding antioxidants. They also contain more lysine than arginine, an amino acid ratio that’s important to suppressing herpes. Omega-3 fatty acidsOmega 3-chain fatty acids can be used to help your immune system fight chronic inflammatory conditionsTrusted Source. Salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, and chia seeds are rich in these fatty acids. ProteinConsuming a healthy level of protein is vitalTrusted Source to fighting off the herpes virus and other pathogens. Keep your diet high in protein and low in saturated fat by eating lots of almonds, eggs, and oats. Vitamin CResearchers have demonstrated that vitamin C can efficiently speed the healing of herpes outbreaks. It may also help prolong the time between outbreaks. Colorful fruits and veggies like bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C. Mango and papaya fruits also contain the vitamin, without adding a high amount of lysine to your diet. ZincZinc therapy may reduceTrusted Source the amount of herpes outbreaks you have while giving you a longer time between outbreaks. You can increase the zinc in your diet by eating wheat germ, chick peas, lamb, and pork. Vitamin B complexB vitamins can boost your immune response to help your body fight the herpes virus. You can get vitamin B from green beans, eggs, spinach, and broccoli. AcidAcidic food may break open cold sores before they’re healed. Fruit juice, beer, sodas, and processed foods all tend to be more acidic. Limit these foods and consider water or sparkling seltzer instead. L-arginineAvoid foods that contain high levels of arginine whenever you can. Chocolate is particularly rich in this amino acid, which some people claim can trigger herpes symptoms. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a vitamin-dense option like dried mango or apricots, instead. Added sugarYour body converts added sugars to acid. Avoid foods high in added sugar and consider naturally sweet treats, like bananas and oranges, for your desserts. Processed or preservative heavyProcessed food contains synthetic preservatives that may contribute to oxidative stress. Keeping oxidative stress levels low may help promote healing during outbreaks. Try cutting processed foods like freezer meals, refined grain products, and candies from your diet. AlcoholAlcohol breaks down in your body to the equivalent of a sugar. High sugar consumption is linked to white blood cell suppression — which can make outbreaks more likely. If you’re going to consume alcohol, do so in moderation, and choose a less acidic beverage, like wine. SupplementsSupplements may help by supporting your immune system and helping your body suppress outbreaks. But supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like drugs. You should always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Shop for zinc, vitamin B complex, lysine, and probiotic supplements.ZincTaking zinc may reduce how many herpes outbreaks you experience each year. Taking 30 milligrams (mg) per day could be enough to help fight herpes. Vitamin B complexVitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. These vitamins boost your energy, help your metabolism, and support healthy cell growth. These functions are essential when herpes is attacking your body in an active outbreak. Different supplements on the market will vary in how much of each B vitamin a B-complex product contains. LysineLysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. Research on lysine’s potential to fight herpes simplex is ongoing. Some reports suggest that a daily dose of 500 mg to 3,000 mg of lysine may be beneficial. ProbioticsCertain strains of probiotics have been shownTrusted Source to help fight off herpes infections. Taking probiotics may also strengthen your immune system through other ways. Eating yogurt is the first place to start. Probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus are known to improve immune function. Topical herbs, oils, and other solutionsWhen used correctly, certain topicals can help speed up healing, relieve itching, and numb discomfort. Many topical ingredients such as essential oils can burn through your skin barrier if they aren’t diluted. Carrier oils, like jojoba and coconut oil, are important for using topical ingredients safely. All of the topicals listed below should be used with a carrier oil unless otherwise noted. You should also do a patch test before performing a full application. This is the only way to ensure that you’re not applying an irritating substance to an already sensitive area. You can do a simple patch test by following these steps:
Purchase a carrier oil for the following topicals: essential oils (tea tree, chamomile, ginger, thyme, eucalyptus), witch hazel, lemon balm extract, and neem extract. Aloe veraAloe vera has proven wound-accelerating properties. These properties may sootheTrusted Source and heal herpes lesions. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to nearly every area of the body without being diluted. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is a potent antiviral ingredient that’s been shownTrusted Source to help with herpes. Tea tree oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before you use it on a cold sore or genital herpes. Witch hazelWitch hazel has significant antiviral propertiesTrusted Source. Some people can use pure witch hazel without experiencing irritation, while others find that it stings. You should use a diluted solution if you have sensitive skin. Manuka honeyOlder research suggestsTrusted Source that topical application of manuka honey may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1 and HSV-2. Manuka honey can be applied directly without dilution. Goat milkGoat milk contains an antiviral agentTrusted Source that may work against herpes simplex. You can apply goat milk directly without dilution. Chamomile essential oilSome research suggests that chamomile essential oil has soothing and virus-fightingTrusted Source properties that may help treat HSV-2. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Ginger essential oilGinger essential oil has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Thyme essential oilThyme essential oil also has potential to fight the herpes virus. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Greek sage oilGreek sage oil may also fight the herpes virus. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Eucalyptus oilEucalyptus oil may be a potent antiviralTrusted Source against herpes. It also soothes and promotes healing. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Mexican oregano oilMexican oregano oil contains carvacrol, a powerful antiviralTrusted Source ingredient. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Lemon balm extractLemon balm extract essential oil may suppressTrusted Source outbreaks and reduce your risk of transmission. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Combined sage and rhubarb extractOlder research suggestsTrusted Source that a topical sage-rhubarb preparation may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1. This mixture must be diluted with a carrier oil. Licorice extractLicorice root’s active ingredient has antiviral and anti-inflammatory propertiesTrusted Source. These properties make licorice extract a promising treatment for outbreaks. You can apply licorice directly without dilution. Echinacea extractEchinacea extract may be an effective antiviralTrusted Source against both strains of herpes simplex. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which may soothe existing outbreaks. You can apply Echinacea extract directly without dilution. Neem extractNeem extract may also haveTrusted Source significant anti-herpes properties. Pure Neem extract is potent and may burn your skin. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. General do’s and don’tsHere are some general tips for outbreak management. If you have a cold sore…
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Janice Culley
Writer, program developer, trainer, and practiced in various healing modalities Archives
June 2019
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