What home remedies help with herpes?
From honey to tea tree oil to lemon balm – there are many home remedies for herpes. Mostly, sufferers use them when they want to get rid of their cold sore quickly, for example.
If complications occur, such as herpes occurring over the entire body (eczema herpeticatum) or herpes-related encephalitis, a visit to the doctor is imperative. The doctor usually administers virus-inhibiting drugs (virustatics), usually as an infusion, in order to prevent possible serious consequences.
- Apply the respective substance to a cotton swab.
- Use it to spread the home remedy on the affected area and not directly with your fingers.
- Dispose of the cotton swab after one use.
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
If you pay attention to hygiene and inform yourself in advance about the application of the substances, you can use the right home remedy for herpes sensibly.
Among the best known of the many home remedies:
Honey against herpes
Honey contains so-called antimicrobial substances, i.e. those that can kill bacteria and viruses and prevent them from multiplying. As soon as the herpes becomes noticeable, for example, on the lip, apply some honey to the affected area. Since honey also closes the open areas in herpes, it reduces the spread of the viruses and thus the risk of infection.
Another bee product with antimicrobial effect is propolis. However, the strength of its effect can vary greatly. This is because the composition of propolis depends on various factors such as the species of bee, the season and the region. Propolis is not officially approved as a medicine, but is sold as a dietary supplement or cosmetic.
Tea tree oil against herpes
Herpes can be fought most effectively with tea tree oil if you apply it to the affected area as early as possible and at regular intervals. The skin absorbs the diluted tea tree oil well, and the viruses are prevented from multiplying.
Some sufferers report that early application of the substance, even at the first symptoms such as itching or tingling, even prevents an outbreak of herpes.
Zinc ointment and toothpaste against herpes
Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore also alleviate herpes symptoms. Zinc has hardly any effect against the viruses themselves. Its disinfecting effect is primarily directed against bacteria. Nevertheless, some people successfully use zinc ointment against herpes. The success is based on its drying effect and its positive effect on the weeping blisters.
Critics, on the other hand, tend to advise against the use of toothpaste for herpes. Toothpaste contains irritating substances that can further harm the skin, which has been attacked by the viruses. Moreover, many pastes have no healing effect at all, because the effect of toothpaste on herpes is due to zinc. However, this is not contained in every type of toothpaste.
Lemon balm against herpes
For centuries, lemon balm has been considered a valuable home remedy and so it is for herpes. In fact, it is one of the few home remedies whose effectiveness researchers have actually proven in studies. Certain active ingredients in the medicinal plant prevent the herpes viruses from entering the body’s cells.
Other home remedies for herpes
There are many other substances that are considered herpes home remedies. For example, aloe vera, garlic, black tea or ginger are also said to help against herpes. However, it is advisable to check with a pharmacy or doctor before using home remedies. This is because some remedies can also be harmful if used incorrectly.
Although there is very little current scientific research on this, many sufferers report effective use of lysine against herpes.
What home remedies help quickly against herpes?
Both have one thing in common: the earlier they are applied, the better the effect. It is therefore important for sufferers to apply the appropriate home remedies or medications as soon as they notice the typical signs of a herpes outbreak. Typical signs are:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Feeling of tightness
- General tiredness and fatigue
However, when a herpes outbreak is already in full swing, there is little that can be achieved by home remedies.
Home remedies for herpes are not among the classic medications such as antiviral creams or tablets (antivirals), nor do they require a prescription. In many cases, sufferers resort to home remedies to quickly get rid of cold sores, for example.
However, this does not mean that home remedies are fundamentally worthless. They often contain active ingredients that probably help against pathogens such as herpes viruses, but there is a lack of substantiating data.
