They are further divided into different types based on the location these virus target. Herpes sores often break out on the lip, mouth, genitals, fingers and in severe cases, inside the brain.
Honey has been discovered to be excellent against all kinds of herpes. It works on the sores and lesions caused by herpes.
Ingredients
Honey ( use raw, organic honey is to be used.) Pure and filtered honey is much less effective, but not verified.
Directions / How to use
Use honey like a topical cream. Apply honey directly to the lesions after drying them. Then let it stay there for about 2- 3 hours. Wash it with warm water. Apply it 4 times a day.
Why it works ?
Honey helps sores to heal. It dried them out and takes away the pain from it. Honey works fast on the these sores, making them heal within a few days. Honey can also be taken internally to increase body's immunity.
3. Red Grapes
Eating red grapes provides a powerful antioxidant called
resveratrol. It can be applied to herpes sores as a topical ointment.
Ingredients
Red Grapes
Juicer
Directions / How to use
Juice red grapes. Drink the juice. Take out the pulp and crush it down even further. This releases some more juice. Drink this too. Then dry the pulp using a dryer at hot setting.Use this pulp as a topical salve for herpes sores.
You can also use a resveratrol containing cream.
( Photo credit : tomas_sobek )
4. Bee propolis
Propolis secreted by bees is a natural healing agent. It is used for many skin conditions. You can use a store bought propolis cream against herpes lesions. It has been proven to be effective against them.
Commonly used cream for herpes is a 3 % propolis cream.
( Photo credit : nick-od )
5. Beeswax Ointment
One can make a fully natural ointment for herpes using beeswax and some other ingredients. It works for many skin conditions and also for taking away the discomfort of a herpes infection.
Ingredients
Beeswax
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Butter
Lemon balm essential oil
Directions / How to prepare
Mix the ingredients in the following proportions.
2 part oil
1 part beeswax
1/2 part butter
4 drops lemon balm essential oil ( It works for cold sores )
Other ingredients you can use in this cream are bee propolis, aloe vera, or witch hazel.
( Photo credit : gudlyf )
6. Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis )
Lemon balm is a powerful anti-viral herb, and it is specially active against the herpes group of virus. It can be applied on the skin in numerous ways.
- Apply lemon balm tea on herpes lesions using a cotton ball.
- Prepare a lemon balm tincture and use it topically.
- Lemon balm can also be used in a beeswax, or propolis based cream to use on herpes lesions. In the cream, we use lemon balm essential oil, which is even more powerful agent against herpes virus.
It has been found to affect the infection spreading capabilities of the herpes virus.
( Photo credit : quinnanya )
7. Aloe Vera gel
You can apply the fresh cool gel of aloe vera on lesions and ulcers formed by herpes. It looks pretty simple, but it can provide great relief from the symptoms of herpes. Aloe vera is a natural skin healer. It promotes recovery from the lesions, fast !
Its cool soothing effect feels great on a weeping and painful sore.
8. Avoid The Triggers
When dealing with herpes virus, it is important that you prevent yourself from possible triggers. These are natural elements which can activate the virus.
- Sunlight - UV radiation is a known trigger of this virus species. Use sunscreen with a high SPF if you step out in the sun. Or better still, cover the exposed parts with cloth.
- Stress and all such related emotional aspects which can prevent you from staying happy. These include anxiety, depression and all kinds of stress.
- Prevent going out in fast blowing wind.
- Avoid any injury to your body.
9. Witch hazel
Applying witch hazel to skin affected by herpes provides relief. One should however dilute witch hazel in water before applying on the skin. Also check it on
healthy skin to see that it does not cause
allergy.
It is generally safe to use a 10 % liquid extract of witch hazel.
10. Boost Your Immune System
When one is faced with such complicated, intriguing and stubborn infections ,our immune system is our best fried. It is of utmost importance to bring it to a healthy level.
Use the following home remedies to boost the immune system.
- Olive leaf tea : Drinking a tea which is made with olive leaf boosts the immune response. This helps the body in clearing the viral infection causing herpes or shingles. But, consult a doctor before using a herb like olive leaf.
- Echinacea : This flowering herb is well known the world over for its ability to improve functioning of the innate immune system.
- Massage : A deep massage can activate glands, like the thymus gland which boosts production of infection fighting cells, like T cells.
11. B Vitamins
Eat foods that are rich in B vitamins. So, make a diet plan which provides one with all the required B vitamins in considerable amounts so that the body is not at all deficient in them. Deficiency of B vitamins may play a part in the whole process of virus reactivating and replicating in the body. Eat oats, corn, tomatoes, banana, meat, fish and eggs on a regular basis.
12. Drink water
One should drink more water to relieve the body of fatigue and weakness. Dehydration can increase problems in such an infection.
It is not as obvious as it seems. Drinking water really helps the body a lot.
13. Coconut Oil ( Through the action of Monolaurin )
Herpes virus is killed by coconut oil. However, it acts slowly against this virus. But the principle behind its working helps one completely eradicate this virus.
Research is going on regarding the effects of "monolaurin" ( from coconut oil ) on herpes virus and many other "lipid coated virus".
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is metaboilsed by body into monolaurin. This substance breaks down the lipid coating of many pathogens, enabling our immune system to recognize them as pathogens. With their shell, they cannot be identified as harmful. Once that shell is gone, they become sitting ducks !
You can use coconut oil as topical ointment and also in your diet.
14. Foods Rich In Lysine
This amino acid is known to improve recovery from herpes virus. Having a diet high in lysine and comparatively low in arginine is good for a person suffering from herpes infection.
Foods with the best Lysine to Arginine ratio are -
Apples
Apricots
Lean cut beef
Beetroot
Buttermilk
Cheese
Chicken
Ginger : Drink ginger tea for more relief from these conditions.
Cinnamon : This sweet condiment has antiviral activity. One can replace sugar for cinnamon in tea and other beverages.
Home remedies for shingles.
In general, many of the remedies which work for oral herpes should also work for shingles. However, there are some which are found to work best based on anecdotal evidence.
1. Tea tree oil
Applying a solution of tea tree oil on the skin rashes. Use olive oil as a base oil and then put a few drops of tea tree oil in it. Then apply it on the skin rashes caused by shingles. This helps in reducing the redness and severity of the rashes.
Tea tree oil also calms the infection by causing hindrance for the virus to replicate.
( Photo credit : Wikipedia )
2. Echinacea Tea
It is quite helpful in this condition. Echinacea is an immune boosting herb. It promotes the body to get rid of the virus that causes shingles.
3. Lemon balm
Just as lemon balm is effective in cold sores, its soothing effects are equally helpful in shingles. One can take it in the form of a cool lemon balm tea.
4. Apply Virgin Coconut Oil
The momolaurin from coconut oil works against herpes zoster as well, eliminating shingles. It should be applied topically, and for added benefit, you can take it internally.
Coconut oil is really one of the best things for some of the most harmful viral and bacterial infections known to humans, some of which do not have a cure.
5. Mountain Laurel
This herb is used by many people to treat their herpes. I couldn't find studies related to this. But, Mountain Laurel seems to be an effective treatment for shingles.
6. Reduce stress in life
Herpes virus can be more powerful if one is stressed either physically or emotionally. One should try his or her best not to be too concerned about this condition and worry too much.
Stress makes herpes or shingles worse.
So, relax a bit, drink some chamomile tea or valerian tea and let the stress ease out.
The key to getting rid of both herpes or shingles is dedicated, persistent effort. Eat clean and healthy, so that you get your B vitamins in ample amounts. And avoid stress. You can try acupressure to boost the immune system, as well as relaxation methods, like spa, massage. Shingles hurts a lot. But a massage definitely provides relief. Take some warm water baths and let the body do its job better.
