Feel extremely ashamed of all those cold sores and blisters on your skin caused by herpes? Well here are some very simple and yet very effective home remedies that might offer the right solution to your rather embarrassing problem.
These home remedies are known to treat intense symptoms of Herpes, reduce extended outbreaks and prevent recurrences to a great extent. Better yet, these home remedies do not cause any harmful side effects to the body which is usually not the case with standard medications used to treat the condition. The only thing you need to be concerned about is taking these remedies along with current medications. So have a chat with your doctor before opting for these remedies just to be on the safer side!
Effective Home Remedies For Herpes
Aloe Vera
Known for its potent antibacterial and skin healing properties, aloe vera is a very common ingredient in many kinds of skin related medications. When applied topically over the affected area, it can effectively reduce inflammation, get rid of cold sores/blisters and prevent recurrences.You can either apply the raw aloe vera juice (the sticky substance that oozes out of the plant once you cut it) or aloe vera cream/gel over the affected area several times in a day to get relief from the symptoms of Herpes.
Lemon
Lemon has potent antiviral properties that help it to treat all kinds of bacterial and viral infections effectively. You can opt to rub a slice of raw lemon gently over the affected area (it would burn at first but would be soothing later on) or apply a lemon balm (most pharmacies sell them as OTC medications) to the cold sores/blisters as and when the symptoms start to worsen. Regular application would help heal the sores/blisters within a week.
Baking Soda
A very popular home remedy used for many kinds of skin disorders, baking soda (aka bi-carbonate soda) can be used to treat the sores/blisters caused by herpes. Applying some baking soda directly over the affected area would cause the blisters/sores to dry out and wither away with time.Use a damp cotton ball to apply the baking soda over the sores and make sure you don’t reuse the same cotton ball twice as this could cause the infection to spread. Regular application would help bring down inflammation and itchiness to a great extent.
Ice Cubes/Ice Packs
You can wrap some ice cubes in a piece of cloth and place the pack directly over the cold sores for about 10 seconds for relief. Repeat the same procedure several times every day. Don’t apply the ice cubes directly over visible cold sores/blisters.In addition to numbing the area and reducing the pain, itchiness associated with the infection, the ice packs would reduce the body temperature in the affected area, thereby creating an unfavorable environment for the herpes virus to survive.
Black Coffee
Black coffee is often recommended for oral herpes. However, it is equally effective in treating other forms of herpes as well. All you need to do is brew a cup of black coffee (make it extra strong) and allow it to cool.Strain the coffee to remove the water in it until you are left with only the residue. Apply this residue over the affected areas for instant relief. You can wash it off after about 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure if the symptoms tend to get worse.
Black Tea
Black tea leaves contain substances called tannins which are known for their effectiveness in fighting off several kinds of bacterial and viral infections, courtesy the potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties present in them.You can opt to place a warm black tea bag directly over the blisters or sores for relief. Alternatively, you can brew a tea using black tea leaves and let the used tea bag cool down. Place the tea bag over the affected area for about 5-10 minutes (the tea bag can be warm as well). Repeat this procedure everyday for about 5 times to get relief from the symptoms of Herpes.
Garlic
Garlic is another one of those home remedies that are loaded with plenty of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why garlic is often considered as a miracle cure for almost every kind of bacterial, viral or fungal infection out there.Placing some garlic cloves directly on the blisters and cold sores can reduce inflammation, pain and itching to a great extent. Alternatively, you can opt to grind some cloves of garlic with half a lemon to form a paste and apply it over the affected area at least 3 times a day for extended relief until the blisters/sores disappear.
Corn Starch
Corn starch can also be used to treat herpes. It works the same way as baking soda does and helps to keep the infected area clean and free of moisture.Applying some corn starch on a damp cotton swab and placing it on the infected area for about 10 minutes every day (or when the symptoms tend to flare up) can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with herpes.
Manuka Honey
Manuka Honey finds its origins in New Zealand and is known to be one of the best home remedies for Herpes. It contains potent antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight off the viruses causing the infection. It also contains potent healing properties that help the skin to heal faster after an attack.Applying some Manuka honey over the cold sores and blisters several times every day can reduce inflammation to a great extent, get rid of the lesions and prevent future outbreaks.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are popular for their skin rejuvenating properties and help the skin to heal faster after injuries, illnesses and infections. Applying these oils over the affected area at least twice every day can greatly reduce inflammation and protect the skin from permanent damage.Some of the more popular oils recommended for herpes include Vitamin E, Jojoba, Olive Leaf, Rose Hip, Golden Camellia, Calendula and Hypericum etc.
And finally! Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid which stimulates the production of protein that helps strengthen the immune system. Insufficient levels of lysine in the body can sometimes trigger Herpes outbreaks.Therefore, you need to make sure that your body gets adequate levels of lysine via foods, drinks and supplements. This way, you can prevent conditions like amino acid imbalances that can trigger herpes outbreaks.
