Genital herpes, cold sores, chickenpox and shingles come from the same family, the herpes family. Genital herpes is caused by the second type of herpes virus (HSV-2). Are you looking for natural remedies to treat genital herpes? You’ve come to the right place. This page will give you an overview of herpes and how you can treat it with natural remedies. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment at the bottom of the page to share remedies that work for you.
What does genital herpes look like?
Genital herpes look like painful red spots, which turn into clear or yellowish fluid-filled blisters. When the blisters burst, they leave painful ulcers that scab over. For women, the blisters can form inside the vagina.
Blisters appear several days after genital sex and take about 3 weeks to heal. They do not usually leave scars when they heal.
Does genital herpes cause itching and swelling?
Genital herpes causes redness, itching, burning, and soreness in the genital organs and anus. Herpes simplex outbreaks are sometimes accompanied with fever, swollen glands, and pain while urinating.
Vaginal itching before, during and after period
Is genital herpes contagious and can it spread to mouth?
Genital herpes is highly contagious and is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Always protect yourself and others during a sexual relationship. It is highly transmitted through genital sex, even if an infected individual is experiencing no symptoms.
Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, which rarely affects the mouth or face. HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. By performing oral sex on someone who has genital herpes, it would be possible to contract oral herpes – but this is very rare.
Can genital herpes be treated?
Medications can reduce the duration and frequency of herpes outbreaks. They can also help reduce the risk of HSV type 2 transmission to a susceptible partner.
A number of alternative therapies can help you deal with outbreaks of genital herpes. It is recommended to consult a practitioner (like a Naturopath or a Homeopathic Doctor) to find the most appropriate treatment.
Can genital herpes go away with a good diet?
Diet may also have an effect on the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Here are the basics:
- Increase your intake of foods rich in L-Lysine. L-Lysine inhibits the herpes virus.
- Avoid foods rich in L-arginine (nuts and seeds, peas, lentils, coconut, barley, chicken, chocolate, corn, cereals, dairy products, meat, oats), as well as citrus fruits and juices during outbreaks.
- Boost the immune system with foods rich in zinc and in vitamin A and C to help stop the spreading of infections. Spirulina can also help boost the immune system.
- Promote the health of the nervous system with foods rich in vitamin B.
- Eat foods rich in probiotics to replenish the flora with friendly bacteria or take probiotic supplements.
- Your diet should be rich in Essential fatty acids and vitamin E to protect the cells.
Aloe vera, colloidal silver… What helps with genital herpes?
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
has been shown to be effective when used against a number of viruses, including herpes. Unlike most prescription drugs, Aloe has virtually no known adverse side effects and is affordable. While it isn’t a cure, a 1999 study did show that Aloe Vera cream was effective at stopping genital herpes outbreaks in 70% of study participants. Aloe vera can be applied at least 3 times a day.
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver
(a remedy of water infused with silver particles) is a natural antiviral agent. It is used to destroy unfriendly bacteria and boost the immune system. It can also be applied topically for skin problems. There is no medical evidence that supports claims that colloidal silver may be an effective treatment for genital herpes. However, it can treat conditions such as candida and reduce the side effects associated with herpes. It is said to speed up the healing period and is painless when applied topically to the skin. Colloidal silver may be applied 3 times a day.
Other natural remedies
- Essential oils of geranium, bergamot, lemon or eucalyptus can help prevent a flare-up.
- Echinacea, Saint John’s Wort, sarsaparilla, and chaparral are herbs that can relieve itching.
- L-Lysine cream or diluted tea tree oil can be applied on the affected area.
- Vitamin E is a neuro-protective nutrient, helpful in relieving nerve pain during recurrences.
- You may try homeopathic remedies such as Rhus toxicodendron and Natrum muriaticum.
- A bath with Epsom salt or baking soda is soothing.
- Some people have good results using apple cider vinegar.
- Applying ice to the affected area early in an outbreak can help as well.
If you have signs or symptoms of a genital herpes infection, you should seek the care of a doctor as soon as possible, particularly if the diagnosis of genital herpes has not been previously established. Although genital herpes infections generally are not medical emergencies, treatment is more effective when it is started within the first few days of the outbreak. Watch this video for more information on herpes:
Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge: a sign of yeast infection?
- Sources
- Disclaimer
J. Beck
Sources for this article include:
- Andrew Gaeddert, healing Skin Disorders, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 2003
- Louise Tenney, M.H., Today’s Herbal health, 6th edition, USA, 2007
- Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch, Prescription for nutritional healing, United States of America, 2000
- Siegfried Gursche, Encyclopedia of natural healing, Canada, 1997
- Thomas Bartram, Bartram’s encyclopedia of herbal medicine, The definitive guide to the herbal treatment of diseases, Grace Publishers, UK, 1995
- Genital herpes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Ratio of Lysine to Arginine in common foods
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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