Herbal Treatments for Herpes

Herbal treatments for herpes include numerous herbs to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and provide relief from the outbreak. While there’s no cure for herpes, herbal remedies can shorten the length of an outbreak or reduce the severity of symptoms.

Herpes is the catch-all name for a group of viruses that infect people. There are seven different herpes viruses, but most people suffer from oral herpes (sores on the mouth or lips) or genital herpes. Herbal treatments for herpes work equally as well for either type of outbreak. Family Doctor provides comprehensive information on herpes for those who wish to learn more about the virus.

If you believe you’ve been infected with herpes, please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment information. Herpes is highly contagious, and you need to learn more about the virus to keep yourself, your partner and others healthy and virus-free.

The following herbal treatments approach herpes outbreaks from three treatment perspectives. The first line of treatment consists of herbs taken internally, as teas, tinctures or capsules, to improve the immune system’s response to the virus, contain the outbreak, or minimize its effects.

Because stress has such a powerful effect upon the whole body but especially the immune system, reducing stress and taking supportive herbs also enhances the immune system’s response. Lastly, topical treatments for herpes sores help ease the discomfort and heal them faster through herbal remedies.

Many herbs boost the immune system. The following list of herbs to provide immune system support should be reviewed by your physician, naturopath or an herbalist to ensure they do not interact with any medications or medical conditions. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before embarking on any herbal remedies or treatments.

Herbs that boost the immune system include:

• Echinacea, especially when taken with goldenseal, helps the body fight off viruses like the herpes virus. Echinacea may be taken as a capsule, tincture or infusion (tea).
• Pau d’arco provides great immune system support. It may be taken as a capsule, tincture or infusion.
• Burdock root treats skin eruptions, and is intended to minimize the lesions associated with the herpes virus. It’s best taken as a tincture or tea.

Herbal Remedies provides a recipe for an immune-boosting tea to battle herpes.

Stress negatively affects the immune system, hindering the body’s natural defense mechanisms against viruses such as the herpes virus. Eliminating or reducing stress helps your overall health as well as improves your body’s chances of responding positively to the virus.

To reduce stress:

• Get plenty of sleep. Most people are sleep-deprived. Even if you feel rested, aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
• Eliminate excess noise in your environment. Many people aren’t aware that noise pollution subconsciously increases stress levels.
• Learn time management and ways to relieve stress.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Herbal remedies that relieve stress include soothing chamomile and other herbs that treat anxiety.

Some herbs may be mixed to form a soothing salve for herpes sores. Aloe vera gel speeds healing and soothes discomfort. Lemon balm also appears to reduce the severity of the outbreak. Other herbs used in topical herpes treatments include chamomile and calendula.

When treating any herpes lesion, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry them before touching anything else. Check with your physician before using any external remedy, especially if you are also using a topical prescription medicine.

Some evidence suggests that certain vitamins or supplements can reduce the severity of herpes outbreaks. Lysine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is thought to reduce herpes outbreaks. It may be taken as a supplement or by eating lysine-rich foods such as vegetables, fish, chicken, milk, and beans.

Supplementing with Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins may also provide support. Herpes sufferers should also avoid foods rich in Arginine, another amino acid, which may have the opposite effect. Foods containing Arginine include chocolate, nuts, wheat and oats. Decreasing white sugar and flour also helps the body heal itself.

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