Treating Herpes Simplex

Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a viral disease affecting the mucous membranes and the skin. It can be categorized by two types:

Type I begins with a tingling feeling in the face, cheeks, nose, eyes or lips and results in cold cores, skin eruptions and, if you have already had the chicken pox virus, painful shingles.

 Herpes simplex Type II is the sexually transmitted type, with first indications of the disease being a tingling sensation in the genitals. The affected area then itches, burns and develops a blister, which will usually heal over a period of about two weeks. Both types of herpes simplex are highly infections and are usually transmitted by contact. Often a person with Type I got the disease as a child but showed no symptoms. Later, the virus might unexpectedly appear when the immune system is weakened or there is a skin irritation. Treating the herpes simplex virus with herbal compresses and essential oils can both speed the healing process and prevent scarring. Consult your doctor if you have sexually-transmitted herpes or shingles.

Grapefruit-Seed Extract For Types I and II

Grapefruit-seed extract will mobilize bodily defenses and help make the herpes virus harmless. Mix 1 part of the extract (available at most health-food stores) with 9 parts of water. Dampen cotton swabs with the mixture and dab any blisters you have several times a day to hasten the immune response of your body.

What You Can Do: Begin by taking antiviral herbs and formulas that boost the body's immune system the minute you suspect an infection. You can usually prevent a larger blister from forming if you begin treatment as soon as you notice tingling. Applying teas or tinctures will also help speed the healing process. Although blisters heal on their own after several weeks, remember that they are infectious, even when they have healed and a crust has formed.

Essential Oils Disinfect: Some essential oils can be more beneficial than others in treating a herpes infection because of their strong antiseptic properties. Tea-tree oil is especially effective and will help stabilize the immune system and act as a disinfectant as well. Other oils that relieve inflammation and discourage viral multiplication are bergamot, lemon balm and chamomile. Tea-tree oil may be used undiluted on your skin, while the other oils should be mixed with a carrier oil, such as sweet-almond or olive oil.

Boosting the Immune System: Whenever your immune system has been weakened - when you have a cold or you are under unusual emotional or physical stress, for example - you are more likely to contract a viral infection, such as herpes simplex. If you exercise in fresh air and take vitamins, you can help boost your immune system. Consider taking supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, B-complex and beta-carotene, which will support the immune response and help fight viruses. For acute or chronic infections, St. John's wort, echinacea, licorice or astragalus will support the body's defenses and help speed the healing process.

Daily Ritual: Lemon-balm tincture has proven to be a very good treatment for Type I and II herpes blisters, Lemon balm's constituents, along with citronella oil and citral, work to hamper the multiplication of the herpes-simplex virus and soothe infected skin. Make a tincture from 1/3 oz. of lemon-balm leaves and 3-1/2 oz. of vodka. or rum. Dab a bit of the tincture on the blisters several times a day.

Natural Healing Techniques

These healing applications can be used for both Type I and II outbreaks.

· Lysine:  L-Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid that inhibits the ability of a herpes virus to reproduce itself by combating the excess L-arginine  the enzyme that activates breakouts) . Take several grams per day for 1 month at the onset of an outbreak. Those who are plagued by repeat eruptions may take it regularly. This is a very effective treatment!

· Zinc: Zinc is a trace element that speeds up the healing process by drying out blisters and killing the virus. Use zinc paste or zinc powder from a pharmacy. You can also make a zinc solution: Dissolve 4 g. of zinc sulfate in 1/2 cup of boiled, and then cooled, water. Dampen a linen cloth or cotton ball with the solution and apply to blisters.

·If anyone suffers from any type of virus they should also look into a medicinal strength aloe vera juice (at least 10,000 MPS polysaccharide count), which has been clinically proven to assist the body to fight off viruses. We use Super Aloe Vera Juice because of it's extensive research and cure rate. It's even shown remarkable anti-viral properties with HIV sufferers.           

· Ice Applications: Keep an impending outbreak in check by applying ice to the area. Wrap an ice cube in a handkerchief and press it on the affected region, Keep pressing it against the area for as long as you can, taking occasional breaks, so your skin does not get overly or painfully cold. This works best if you catch it in the tingly stage before it breaks out.

·There are topical ointments that are useful to lessen the neuralgia pain. Most of them contain plantain tincture, aloe gel and/or Capsicum (cayenne) pepper.

Prevention

· Strong sunlight can cause an outbreak of herpes blisters,. Be sure to protect your lips with an ointment that has a high sun-protection factor.

· Keep your toothbrush dry when not using it, and get a new one every 4 weeks. Wet toothbrushes offer optimal conditions for the herpes virus.

· Eat chocolate, dairy products, cereals, almonds (nuts in general), red wine and chicken in moderation, as they suppress an acid that retards the growth of the virus.

· Stress weakens the immune system and encourages herpes. Exercise, such as yoga or walking, helps alleviate stress.

 Did you like this post? Share it! Tweet it! "Like" Sage Advice on Facebook! Thank you, your awesome