Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex virus is one of those diseases that just about everyone has heard of at some point in their lives.

Herpes is a viral disease that is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and there are a few known forms of infection.

The most common form of infection is simply known as herpes, which is the genital form of the infection. This is the sexually-transmitted disease that most people are familiar with.

The other common form of herpes is oral herpes, also known as cold sores, that affects the face and mouth. The herpes virus alternates between periods of activity that usually last between 2 to 21 days, and long periods of dormancy.

During the active period, symptoms are presented in the form of blisters on the skin that contain infectious virus particles. Contact with the fluid from these blisters is enough for the transmission of the herpes virus.

While many people infected with herpes are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not present any symptoms specific to the disease, the main symptom is the presence of the virus-filled blisters on the face or genitals, depending on the infection type.

Natural Cures for Herpes Simplex Virus:

The list below contains a number of tried-and-tested home remedies to get rid of herpes simplex virus symptoms.

Black Tea Bags:

One of the simplest home remedies available for herpes, this involves making use of the natural tannins found in tea, which are antiviral and anti-inflammatory in nature.

Simply make a cup of black tea, allow it to sit for several minutes to cool, then take the tea bag and apply it to the area affected by sores or blisters.

Baking Soda:

This is an old but well-tested home remedy for herpes.

Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate soda, can be effectively used to relieve the pain and itching due to herpes sores or blisters.

Simply apply a light layer of baking soda to the affected area regularly to dry up the affected area and provide relief from symptoms.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is a soothing substance that is particularly useful for relieving itching and to help heal the skin after a herpes outbreak.

It is also effective at helping to heal any scars left behind by the outbreak and deal with any lingering tenderness of the skin once the outbreak has passed.

When purchasing aloe vera, be certain that you do not purchase creams or lotions that merely ‘contain Aloe Vera’, but instead look for those gels that consist of pure aloe vera, as this is much more effective.

Lemon Balm Essential Oil:

Lemon Balm Essential Oil has been shown to be helpful in stopping the herpes virus infectivity. National Institutes of Health reported that Melissa/Lemon Balm oil has a antiviral effect on the herpes virus and is effective for topical treatment of herpes outbreaks.