Whether you suffer from herpes outbreaks regularly or only now and again, it is not an enjoyable experience. However, with the help of home remedies for herpes, you can get back to your normal state of health and back to your life in a safe and natural way.
As an individual who cares for overall health and well-being with the help of natural and home remedies, I have researched to find the best home remedies for herpes to help heal and prevent your sores.
Causes
Herpes is a viral infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus can enter the body through direct contact or indirect contact with an infected person. The herpes virus is highly contagious. Some of the major causes of infection of the herpes virus include:
- Unprotected sex
- Kissing
- Skin contact
- Intercourse with multiple partners
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays
- Touching the sores or blisters
- Surgery on the genital region
- Direct contact with blood, mucous membranes, or the saliva of an infected person
- Illness, stress, fatigue, menstruation, or even surgery can trigger an outbreak
- Transfer from mother to infant during child birth
Signs and Symptoms
For some individuals the herpes virus will exhibit mild to virtually no signs or symptoms of its presence. In some cases, signs or symptoms may not show up for several months after the initial infection. However, there are primary symptoms that will typically appear within the first 20 days after a herpes infection.
- Fevers
- Painful urination
- Vaginal discharge (seen in women)
- Blisters and ulcers on the cervix (seen in women)
- Red and aching blisters around the thighs, rectum, buttocks, genitals, or mouth
- Itching and tingling around the infected area
- Irritation and inflammation at the infection site
Treatments
Herpes can be treated and soothed with the help of home remedies for herpes. Here are some helpful natural and home remedies for herpes to help maintain outbreaks.
1. Directly Apply Olive Oil
Olive oil is often known for helping your skin maintain and keep moisture. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and is actually one of the very best home remedies for herpes.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 5-10 drops of lavender oil
- 1 tsp of bees wax
Process:
- Place all the ingredients into a pot on the stove and heat until simmering.
- Allow to cool and place a small amount directly onto the sores.
- Leave to absorb onto the sore.
- Repeat 2-3 times daily until the sores heal.
2. Consuming Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that contains high levels of anti-viral properties. Many homeopaths use it for its immune boosting benefits. Any part of Echinacea plant can be used, the leaves, flowers, and the roots.
Required Ingredients:
- Echinacea capsules, tea, or juice.
Process:
- Consume the Echinacea according to the instructions.
- Repeat at least 2 times daily until your sores heal.
3. Directly Applying an Ice Pack
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Applying an ice pack to your sores will provide an immense relief to the pain and inflammation caused by the sores. Using an ice pack is one of the simplest home remedies for herpes you can use and it is highly effective for itchiness and swelling.
Required Ingredients:
- Crushed ice
- Plastic bag
- Thick cloth or towel
Process:
- Place the crushed ice into the plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and wrap it in the towel.
- Directly apply the ice pack to your sores for 10-15 minutes
- Repeat 2-3 times per day while you have your sores
4. Directly Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great treatment for getting rid of herpes sores fast. It will help to heal the sores, provide relief from itchiness, as well as help relieve the pain. Baking soda will also help to dry out any oozing sores you may have.
Required Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Dampen one cotton ball and place it in the baking soda.
- Place the cotton ball directly onto the sore and allow it to dry.
- Rinse with warm water after the baking soda has dried.
- To avoid contamination, do not double dip a cotton ball into the baking soda.
5. Gargle Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial agent. When applied to herpes sores, it will help keep them clean, free from infection, as well as allow them to dry out.
Required Ingredients:
- 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
- One glass of water
Process:
- Get a glass of water and add the tea tree oil.
- Gargle a mouthful of the water for several minutes making sure the water touches the sores.
- Spit out the water and repeat.
- Do this twice a day until the sores have healed.
- If you need to apply the tea tree oil to a sore, use an eye dropper to do so.
6. Drinking Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a highly effective herbal remedy for the herpes virus. Lemon balm contains phenolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids which will promote the healing of the sores.
Required Ingredients:
- Lemon balm tincture
- Lemon ball tea
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Prepare the lemon balm tea and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Dip a cotton ball into the tea and directly apply it to the sores.
- You can also add 2-3 ml of the lemon balm tincture to a glass of water and drink it.
- Either method should be done 2-3 times per day.
7. Taking Licorice Root
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Licorice roots contain many therapeutic properties which can be very helpful for the herpes infection. This is because the licorice roots contain glycyrrihizic acid which will directly fight against the herpes virus.
Required Ingredients:
- Licorice root extract capsules
Process:
- Take 2 licorice extract capsules each day
- Repeat daily until the sores have healed.
8. Directly Apply Tea Bags
Black tea contains high levels of tannin. Tannins are known for their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents. Applying a black tea bag to the sores will promote healing and help dry them out.
Required Ingredients:
- Black tea bags
- Hot water
Process:
- Steep the tea bag in the hot water for 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool
- Directly apply the tea bag to the sores and leave in place for 5 minutes.
- Repeat 2-3 times per day until the sores heal.
9. Directly Apply Cornstarch
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Cornstarch is a well-known home remedy for herpes since it can absorb any excess moisture in the skin. The cornstarch will also help to relieve the itchiness and any chafing you may have.
Required Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Take a cotton ball and dip it into the cornstarch
- Directly apply the cotton ball to the sores
- Leave the cornstarch on the sores for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water
- Repeat twice per day until the sores heal.
- Do not double dip the cotton balls into the cornstarch to prevent contamination
10. Directly Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well known for healing many different skin conditions due to the high moisturizing and healing properties. Pure aloe vera can relieve redness, itchiness, and promote healing of the sores.
Required Ingredients:
- Pure aloe vera or aloe vera plant
Process:
- Directly apply the pure aloe vera or the juice from the plant to the herpes sores.
- Allow the aloe vera to absorb into the skin
- Repeat 2-3 times a day until the sores have healed.
11. Directly Apply Domeboro Powder
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Domeboro powder can help heal the herpes infection and sores. The domeboro powder will help to soothe the irritated and itchy skin while it promotes healing.
Required Ingredients:
- Domeboro powder
- Clean cloth
Process:
- Mix the domeboro powder according to the directions given with the packet.
- Dip the cloth into the mixture and place directly onto the sores.
- Leave in place for 10 minutes
- Repeat 2 times a day until the sores are healed.
12. Ingesting Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that is found in several foods such as milks, brewer’s yeast, chicken, cheeses, etc. The lysine will help reduce the outbreak of sores. While lysine is available in many food items, you can also find it in a cream to directly apply it to the sores.
Required Ingredients:
- Lysine rich foods
- Lysine cream
Process:
- Directly apply the lysine cream to the sores to promote healing 2 times per day.
- Ingest lysine rich foods on a regular basis to prevent serious herpes outbreaks.
13. Directly Apply Black Coffee
Black coffee is a wonderful home remedy for herpes that can relieve the pain and heal the sores quickly. While you should avoid drinking the coffee, the antioxidants and tannins present in the coffee can help heal the sores when directly applied.
Required Ingredients:
- Black coffee
Process:
- Prepare a cup of hot black coffee
- Allow to cool slightly and take a sip.
- Gargle the coffee and ensure it reaches all the sores
- Directly apply the black coffee to any sores elsewhere on your body.
- Repeat twice per day until the sores heal.
14. Directly Apply an Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are used for a wide variety of skin conditions. The components in the herbal tea can relieve irritation, itchiness, redness, and even promote healing.
Required Ingredients:
- Herbal tea of your choice (lemon, cinnamon, ginger, and chamomile work the best)
- Hot water
Process:
- Steep the herbal tea for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow to cool and directly apply the tea bag to the sores
- Leave in place for 10 minutes
- Repeat 2 times a day until the sores heal
15. Directly Apply Manuka Honey
Photo Credit: manukahoney.com
Manuka honey contains high levels of antiviral and antibacterial properties. Since it is so rich in these properties it can help heal the sores quickly.
Required Ingredients:
- Manuka honey
Process:
- Directly apply the manuka honey to the sores
- Leave in place for 10 minutes
- Remove with a warm wet cloth
- Repeat 2-3 times per day until the sores heal.
16. Taking Over the Counter Pain Relief
Over the counter pain relief such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can significantly help the pain and inflammation associated with herpes sores.
Required Ingredients:
- Over the counter pain medication of your choice
Process:
- Take the capsules or tablets according to the instructions each day while you are experiencing an outbreak
17. Directly Apply Goldenseal
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Goldenseal contains antiviral and antibacterial agents which can promote the healing of your sores. Goldenseal comes in many forms such as pills, tinctures, tablets, salve, and even bulk powder. For this home remedy for herpes, I will share a goldenseal based paste.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of goldenseal salve
- ½ tsp of walnut hull
- ½ tsp of Echinacea
Process:
- Combine the ingredients and stir until a thick paste is made.
- Directly apply the paste to the sores and leave on for 10-15 minutes
- Repeat daily until the sores are healed
18. Directly Apply Oregano Oil
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Oregano is well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and it can speed up the recovery of the sores by drying them out and allowing them to heal fast
Required Ingredients:
- Oregano oil
Process:
- Directly apply a few drops of the oregano oil to the sores
- Leave to absorb
- Repeat 2 times a day until the sores heal.
19. Directly Apply Essential Oils
Essential oils can moisturize, soothe, calm, and heal irritated and infected skin. Besides the olive oil, oregano oils, and tea tree oils already mentioned, you can use Vitamin E, camellia, and calendula oils to help heal your herpes sores.
Required Ingredients:
- One or a few of the essential oils mentioned.
Process:
- Combine multiple or just one of the essential oils listed.
- Directly apply a few drops of the oils to your sores
- Leave to absorb
- Repeat 2-3 times per day until the sores are healed.
How to Prevent Herpes
Herpes can be prevented with preventative measures that you can take. While they will require some effort on your part, these preventative measures will help avoid the attack of the herpes virus.
- Avoid kissing and sexual intercourse until the sores have healed properly.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
- If you become pregnant, seek early and regular prenatal care.
- Practice good hygiene habits to prevent and avoid any bacterial infections.
- Use condoms during intercourse.
- Practice yoga or meditation to keep your stress levels low.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not share spoons, silverware, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, and/or mouth guards.
- Maintain dryness and cleanliness in your genital areas.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat a proper diet with healthy foods.
- Avoid sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and junk foods.
- Avoid wearing silk, nylon, or synthetic clothing in the areas of the sores since these fabrics can further irritate your sores.
If you want to improve your overall vaginal health, check out these easy exercises.
Fighting a herpes outbreak can be easy and quick with the help of these 19 super home remedies for herpes. I hope you have enjoyed this list! Feel free to share to spread the word of healthy ways to fight outbreaks with these 19 home remedies for herpes.
Lacy Ryan
A Doctor of Public Health, Lacy Ryan has accrued more than ten years of experience, making a name for herself as a researcher, writer, policy analyst, and project manager specializing in public health and international development.She earned her PhD in Community and Behavioural Health at the Colorado School of Public Health, her Master’s Degree in Global Health and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh, and her Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Biomedical Sciences (with minours in Biology and Psychology) at the University of Waterloo.
