Outlook Spotlight

11 Home Remedies to Treat & Get Rid of Herpes

Looking for natural home remedies to eliminate the herpes simplex virus? Check out these 11 effective natural remedies that can help in treating herpes virus outbreaks and reducing symptoms.

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Treat & Get Rid of Herpes
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Introduction to HSV 1 and 2 Viruses 

Two common types of herpes include HSV 1 and HSV 2. Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 or HSV 1 is a virus that causes oral symptoms.  

The herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV 2 causes genital herpes and sores on the mouth and face. Some of the common symptoms of herpes include breakouts and lesions that cause pain and discomfort.  

It is important to keep a lookout for any symptoms of herpes. This helps you to get medical attention and get started with the treatment as soon as possible.  

The earlier you start the treatment, the better. While the treatment may not be highly effective, here are some home remedies that can help to curb breakouts and reduce pain and discomfort effectively.  

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How to Get Rid of Herpes? 11 Home Remedies To Treat Herpes Simplex 1 and 2 

Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are no cures for this deadly virus but there are some home remedies that can help you to treat the symptoms of the virus.  

We bring to you, 11 of the best home remedies that can provide relief from herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2.  Take a look at them below:  

  • Cold compress 

A hot/cold compress can help individuals with the lesions that are a part of the HPV symptoms. These lesions on the skin can cause itchiness and pain and make you feel uncomfortable at all times.  

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You can make a cold compress at home using some ice wrapped with a flannel or simply purchase an ice pack from the store.  

The bottom line is using ice packs can help to ease the pain and itchiness in the affected areas. It has been advised not to use the ice pack directly on the skin.  

  • Changes in the diet 

We all know that the immune system is in charge of fighting viruses that enter the body, however, the herpes virus isn’t easy to get rid of, and thus, the immune system may not be able to eliminate the virus from our bodies.  

Hence, the main remedy for fighting the virus is to strengthen the immune system. Hence, one of the best things you can do is make diet changes and adapt to a diet that is rich in immune-boosting compounds.  

Research suggests that it may be possible to reduce breakouts by avoiding certain foods and adding some to the diet.  

  • Increasing antioxidant intake  

It is important to increase the amount of antioxidants you intake when you have the herpes virus in your body.  

These include vegetables that strengthen the immune system, reduce damage caused by free radicals, and eliminate inflammation effectively.  

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Vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, kale, and tomatoes can help in dealing with herpes. Additionally, these contain other important compounds like lysine, arginine, and much more which are beneficial for suppressing the herpes virus effectively.  

  • Vitamin C  

One of the effective ways to deal with herpes is by adding vitamin C sources to your diet. If you may be aware, Vitamin C supplements are one of the commonly prescribed medications when it comes to treating viral infections.  

This is because Vitamin C has healing properties that also help to fight the effects of viruses effectively.  

Research suggests that adding Vitamin C to your diet helps to boost the healing processes of the breakouts that you get from herpes.  

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It has also been suggested that adding vitamin C can prolong the time between two breakouts. You can either consume fruits and vegetables like strawberries, bell peppers, oranges, and others rich in Vitamin C like mangoes and papaya.  

If it is difficult to make changes in your diet, simply consult a doctor and add Vitamin C supplements to your routine.  

  • Other Vitamins 

Vitamin C isn’t the only vitamin that can help. You can also add different vitamin supplements or consume foods that are rich in these vitamins.  

Here is a list of vitamins that are beneficial for fighting herpes and its symptoms.  

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  • Vitamin D is one of the vital nutrients that our body needs. Herpes has been associated with low Vitamin D levels in individuals. It strengthens the immune system and supports our body to fight the HPV viruses.  
  • Another important vitamin is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is important improves antioxidant levels. It also boosts the immune system and protects us against infections and diseases.  
  • Vitamin K can also help in dealing with herpes virus.  
  • Topical Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple Cider Vinegar is popularly known for its benefits in dealing with weight loss. It has also been proven to be beneficial for maintaining the health of your skin. You can find AVC solutions that have been made for topical application.  

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Additionally, AVC solutions help to control inflammation and also help to fight infection. You can create your topical solution for treating breakouts due to herpes.  

Add one part of apple cider vinegar to three parts of warm water. Applying this homemade topical solution reduces the breakouts and is one of the best home remedies available for dealing with herpes symptoms.  

  • Oils 

Oils made from different herbs and nuts are considered to be beneficial for individuals with herpes.  

Oils like thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, wormwood oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, and basil oil can help to help reduce the pain and itchiness that comes with the breakouts.  

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However, applying these oils directly to the skin has not been recommended. Adding it to an oil diffuser, diluting the oil, or adding it to bath water are some of the recommended ways of using essential oils.  

One can also use a small portion of these oils added to another oil, like almond oil and olive oil, to dilute the essential oils. Oils have been suggested to reduce the effects of the virus and reduce the breakouts effectively.  

  • Gels 

Genital herpes causes pain while urinating. Using good quality petroleum jelly in this area has the potential to reduce this pain and also eliminate the discomfort you feel while urinating.  

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Prescription gels and ointments are also available for topical application. Additionally, you can also apply aloe vera gel to provide a calming effect on the affected area and reduce the pain and itching.  

Aloe vera may also reduce pigmentation and the amount of breakout you experience. They help the skin to cool off and reduce the burning sensation effectively.  

  • Garlic 

Garlic contains several beneficial compounds, which is why garlic oil is used for treating several health problems. A compound called allicin is present in garlic.  

This compound may be effective in suppressing the herpes virus. Another important thing is that garlic is an important anti-viral agent that can help to fight viruses and infections effectively.  

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It may also stop or inhibit the replication of the HPV cells. Some effective ways of using garlic include adding garlic supplements or raw garlic to the diet.  

Topical application of garlic can be beneficial but comes with the risk of burns and irritation when applying it around the eyes, mouth, and nose because of the mucus membranes present in those areas.  

  • Honey 

Honey is loved by everyone and is used in preparing different things. However, honey is also used as a remedy for treating several conditions.  

Research suggests that applying Kanuka honey, which is a kind of floral honey, is as effective as creams and ointments created for individuals with herpes.  

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The topical application of this honey helps to treat oral herpes and reduce its symptoms. Another study suggests that applying kanuka honey on the lesions provided faster results.  

It is best to apply pure honey and make sure that it is raw honey and doesn’t contain additives. Thus, apply honey on the lesions or the affected area to reduce and eliminate them and the pain and itchiness.  

  • Baking Soda Paste or Cornstarch Paste 

The best way to reduce the irritation and itchiness that you feel due to the lesions on your skin is to apply one of these pastes to the affected areas.  

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A baking soda paste can be prepared using baking soda and water or a recipe that is easy to make and enhances the skin.  

Baking soda helps to reduce the size of the lesions by drying them out and is also beneficial for relieving itching. Cornstarch Paste can also be created using different mixing ingredients and applied to the lesions.  

The lesions are supposed to get dried out by cornstarch paste. Similar to baking soda paste, cornstarch paste also helps to eliminate lesions and the itching that they cause.  

Using these home remedies has proven to be beneficial for many people affected by the herpes virus.  

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What are some of the things that one must take care of?  

The best method to prevent the transfer of HPV is to use protection while engaging in any form of health activity.  

  • Individuals with symptoms of herpes must not engage in oral, anal, or vaginal.  
  • Keep a watch out for warning signs.  
  • Using plain or salt water to clean the areas affected is important.  
  • Keeping the breakouts covered with petroleum jelly is important.  
  • Wearing tight clothing while having breakouts must be avoided.  
  • Keep your hands clean before applying anything on the breakouts to avoid infections.  

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Conclusion 

HPV is a debilitating condition that affects your body from within and weakens your system. Sadly though, despite the medical advances, there is no cure to eliminate this virus from the body.  

HPV has different types with different symptoms affecting individuals in different ways. Maintaining a healthy nutrient intake plays a vital role in eliminating and suppressing the virus in the body.  

Breakouts and other symptoms associated with Herpes cause pain, discomfort, and itching, which need to be dealt with using different medications or treatment that has been provided by your healthcare advisor.  

Using different kinds of home remedies may be beneficial for reducing the pain and discomfort that accompany this virus. 

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The most important thing to remember is that individuals need to keep their immunity strong and hence, must take measures to do so. 

Finally, making necessary lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and taking measures to control the effects of the virus is a must! 

Bottomline: Herpes virus can be controlled by using different methods, treatments, and home remedies that provide relief from the symptoms and help to suppress the effects of the virus.  

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Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.

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