Herpes Treatment: Home Remedies and Complementary Therapies


Genital herpes is caused by a viral infection and cannot be cured. Despite this, if you suffer from genital herpes, you can employ supplementary methods to lessen the frequency of your outbreaks. When an outbreak does develop, some people find relief from the associated pain and discomfort with the help of alternative remedies.

Like the common cold and other viruses, an outbreak of herpes can be triggered by emotional or physical stress. Making healthy decisions is an important part of an integrated medical and lifestyle approach to treating herpes. By doing so, you strengthen your body's defences against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) (HSV-2).

Your herpes breakouts will decrease in frequency only by maintaining a good diet, getting enough sleep, and figuring out how to reduce stress levels. In addition to the obvious health benefits, adopting such practices can also add years to your life, make you happier, and help you feel better in general.

Proper Diagnosis of what's Bothering you

One of the worst things you can do if you think you have genital herpes is to ignore your symptoms. Many people don't know what to do when they see the initial herpes symptoms. It's possible to misdiagnose herpes as a yeast infection and treat it as such. In contrast, antiviral drugs will serve as the initial line of defence if your doctor determines that you have herpes.

Putting inappropriate substances on herpes sores might exacerbate the condition. Common remedies for itchy or painful rashes include Vaseline, bacitracin, and Aquaphor.

Applying warm compresses to sore or aching muscles and joints might provide relief. The same holds true for taking a relaxing Epsom salt bath.

Extreme discomfort during urination is not uncommon. If you find the urge to urinate unbearably, you may find some relief by doing it while having a shower or bath. You may also use a spray bottle filled with warm water to dilute your stream while you urinate.

The Initial Outbreak is Always the Worst

The first outbreak of herpes usually causes the most discomfort, but subsequent outbreaks are usually considerably milder.

You'll have herpes forever, and the blisters will appear and then go, but you don't have to take action to deal with the present outbreak if you don't want to. Some patients may choose to do so if the experience is not too distressing for them.

Advice on How to Avoid Contracting Herpes

Herpes control and prevention that takes a holistic and lifestyle approach centres on fostering a strong immune system through a variety of means. Physical and mental well-being can be improved by getting sufficient sleep.

While sleep deprivation is epidemic in the United States, those with genital herpes should go against the grain. Quality sleep is important for your physical and emotional well-being, productivity at work or school, and even your looks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide some advice on how to get a better night's rest (CDC).

Change Your Eating Habits For The Better

Eating a diet high in red meat, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates while cutting back on fresh produce is not only detrimental to maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy immune system while living with herpes, but it also increases your risk for developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Consider improving your diet by making a few easy adjustments to your current routine. More vegetables in your diet. Make an effort to eat more home-cooked meals. Just enough food to make you feel full, not bloated.

Try Some Relaxation Exercises & Consciousness-raising Techniques

Herpes breakouts can be triggered by stress. Therefore, it's important to learn and use stress-management strategies and look into modalities like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and therapy.

While doing mundane tasks like dishwashing, dog walking, or showering, you may simply remind yourself to focus on the here and now. Mindfulness training has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. One of the exercise's many advantages is its effectiveness as a stress-buster.

Lysine is a Supplement You Can Try

L-lysine supplementation might be suggested for acne prevention. For herpes, this is the main vitamin available. Lysine, or L-lysine, is an amino acid and an essential component of proteins. Oral administration during an epidemic can help reduce the duration of the outbreak when used in tandem with antiviral treatment. It would suggest that lysine can help lessen the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. Daily dosages typically range from 1 to 3 mg.

Lysine may help prevent both cold sores and herpes sores, according to some research. Lysine use has been well tolerated by patients. However, the supplement has been linked to stomach cramps and diarrhoea in some users; see your doctor before using it regularly.

Possible Relieve from Herbal Remedies

The use of certain plant treatments for herpes is supported by studies but of mixed quality. You could give one or more of these a shot −

To the Long Dan Xie Gan Tan

Many people have found relief from herpes symptoms and outbreaks using this traditional Chinese herbal mix. Commonly referred to as "liver fire tablets" in English. This formula has been demonstrated to be effective against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in at least one research.

Balm of Lemons

This mint relative has long been used to boost cognitive performance and has antiviral effects. More than two thousand years of documentation exist on lemon balm's medical properties.

A tea made from lemon balm is refreshing and soothing. Herpes may be prevented by applying the cream to the skin, which will also help alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing as a result of the virus. Indirectly, lemon balm oil has been found to be effective against herpes viruses.

Ashwagandha

Botanists recognise this plant by its scientific name, Withania somnifera, and it plays a significant part in traditional Indian medicine. It is also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, and Ayurvedic ginseng. As a bonus, ashwagandha can also help alleviate herpes symptoms and provide an overall sense of calm.

Updated on: 02-Feb-2023

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