Are you dealing with herpes outbreaks ? Yes, it can be tough. But some natural remedies might help ease the discomfort.

Karepedia explores easy-to-use home remedies for you that can offer relief from herpes and its symptoms.

From things you can find in your kitchen to small lifestyle changes, these natural options can provide some comfort during outbreaks.

Let's take a closer look at these simple remedies and how they might help manage herpes symptoms.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). HSV-1 causes oral lesions whereas HSV-2 causes genital lesions.

According to the CDC, half of the people in the US are infected with HSV-1. Herpes is a painful disease which causes reddish-white blisters that burst out to form ulcers.

People tend to hide the disease out of embarrassment of judgement and suffer silently. Home remedies for herpes are affordable and easily accessible to every household. Here are some of them which can give you temporary relief but only medications will bring the disease under control.

Home remedies:

Cold Compress

Cold compress soothes the pain and relieves the inflammation. Apply ice packs over the sores to reduce the swelling. Always apply ice over some washcloth, don’t let ice come in direct contact with the skin. You may repeat the process as per your convenience.

Garlic

Garlic is proved to have antiviral properties. Apply garlic by mixing the crushed cloves of garlic with olive oil.

Acid Cider vinegar

ACV has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties which relieves the pain of herpes. Always dilute it with warm water before applying it on the skin.

Aloe vera

It has anti-inflammatory and wound soothing properties which helps in combating the symptoms of herpes. Gently rub the aloe vera gel over the lesions. You will get quick relief from the wrenching pain.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Give You Relief

Curious to know about certain lifestyle modifications that can give you some relief? Here they are:

• Take a warm bath. Warm water soothes the blisters and comforts the ulcers

• Take extra care when you are washing the sores, use fragrance-free soaps or body washes.

• Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants during the outbreaks of herpes to avoid friction of the blisters.

• Get enough sleep.

• Shift to healthy diets to reduce the flare-ups.

• Practice stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga.

• Boost your immune system.

Dietary Supplements

Here’s what you should eat to tackle herpes.

Antioxidants rich veggies

Herpes flare-ups are seen when there is an imbalance in the antioxidants level in the body. Studies suggest that oxidative stress in the body reduces the immunity which may lead to outbreak of herpes.

Foods like green leafy vegetables- cauliflower, spinach, kale, tomatoes etc. are rich in antioxidants. These veggies are also rich in lysine, which is very much essential for suppressing the herpes.

Omega 3

Inflammation and irritation are reduced by certain home remedies for herpes. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids are flaxseeds, chia seeds and sea foods. You can consume these foods which will be beneficial for the body and will relieve you of the excruciating pain.

Vitamin E

Topical application of vitamin E oil that is dried and cotton saturated when placed over the oral ulcerative herpetic lesions for 15 min, showed regression and pain relief, within eight hours.

Vitamin C

One of the supplements that helps in boosting your immune system. It is found that those who consume Vitamin C on a regular basis experiences 57% reduction in the time to outbreaks.

Zinc

Zinc is an antioxidant which acts by direct inhibition of HSV DNA polymerase. It is proven to reduce the duration of flare-ups and the number of lesions.

Lysin

Lysin is the essential amino acid that our body is incapable of producing. It helps in healthy cell growth which helps prevent herpes with home remedies. Foods rich in lysin are avocado, quinoa, beans and nuts.

Probiotics

Probiotics Improve the gut health by supporting the good bacteria of the digestive system. Good gut health means good immunity. Herpes can be effectively prevented by improving immunity. It is found that Lactobacillus containing probiotics have a potential for preventing further flare ups of herpes.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is one of the effective home remedies for herpes. It is found to be helpful in tackling the symptoms and reducing cell death. More studies are under process for the same.

Some Essential Oils As Home Remedies For Herpes

Go the essential oil way to get relief from herpes.

• Tea tree oil
• Witch hazel
• Manuka honey
• Chamomile oil
• Ginger oil
• Lavender oil
• Thyme
• Eucalyptus oil
• Mexican oregano Licorice oil Echinacea oil Neem essential oil

Ashwagandha

It has multiple health benefits as per Ayurvedic Sciences. Ashwagandha is proven to have anti-viral properties. The root extract of the plant is used by the African tribes to cure genital herpes infections.

How To Choose Your Home Remedies?

You may consider these factors when looking for home remedies for herpes:

Safety: Often there is no proven evidence that the home remedies for herpes are as effective as that of medical treatment. It's better to consult your doctor regarding the safety of it, before starting with the home remedies. If you develop adverse reactions using it, stop immediately and seek medical advice at the earliest.

Herpes severity: If you are having several outbreaks of herpes with high intensity pain, it's best to take medications from an experienced doctor. Your last flare-up was cured by home remedies for herpes doesn’t guarantee that successive flare-ups will also be cured the same way. Potential to subside depends on severity of the symptoms.

Ingredients: Some home remedies for herpes may be harmful for your health. Both medicine and poison are present in natural form on Earth. Choose the ingredients wisely to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

Skin reactions: You may be allergic to some products. If any reactions develop, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. If you have sensitive skin, consider before applying any ingredient to your skin directly. You may undertake a patch test for safety.

Cost: Medical treatment of herpes may be costly but effective with some side effects, but home remedies for herpes are cost effective, have lesser side effects but may be a bit less effective. You have to weigh the pros and cons of both the treatments to decide what is best for you.

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant and experience herpetic pain, consult your physician immediately. You can try home remedies with proper guidance of the doctor as a supportive treatment.

Do’s and Don’ts for Herpes Outbreaks

Before going into any treatment options for herpes, it’s important to keep in mind a few important do’s and don’ts to make your decisions wisely.

Things you should or should not do when you have an oral herpes outbreak include:

Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• A herpes flare up that worsens despite taking sufficient self-care and medications.
• Extremely painful herpes outbreak.
• Herpes blisters that do not heal for several weeks.
• Increased frequency of herpes outbreaks.
• Outbreaks while you are pregnant.