Introduction
Herpes is a widespread and very hated infection. The virus, which remains dormant in the body for a lifetime after infection, can reactivate itself again and again and lead to symptomatic outbreaks in those affected. The sometimes painful blisters do not only look unattractive, they are also infectious and so the risk of infecting others increases. Therefore, the demand for home remedies against herpes is understandably very high. But are there any home remedies for herpes at all and if so, how effective are they?
What home remedies can be used?
The topic “home remedies for herpes” is a very controversial one. While home remedies for other diseases are sometimes also recommended from a medical point of view or at least not advised against them, it is somewhat different with herpes. Home remedies for herpes are mostly vehemently discouraged, as experts believe that the negative consequences outweigh the supposed positive effects.
The main criticism is that treatment with home remedies delays treatment with antiviral drugs. This often prolongs the course of the disease. A further point of criticism is that many home remedies – even the supposedly gentle ones – can cause irritation.
But which household remedies can be used? This question cannot be answered so easily. Who would not like to do without household remedies, should at least fall back on as gentle as possible.
These are mainly honey, black tea, zinc paste, lemon balm, garlic and ginger. Tea tree oil on the other hand, toothpaste, alcohol, baking powder or other recommendations should be avoided. Furthermore, the household remedies mentioned are only suitable for lip herpes and not for the treatment of other types of herpes.
In addition, they should only be applied with a cotton swab or gloves, as otherwise viruses are carried away with the hands and the spread of herpes is promoted. The household remedies should be applied before the outbreak of the herpes blisters if possible. However, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that the household remedy does not harm you.
Garlic is often said to have an antimicrobial effect. However, there is no scientific evidence that garlic is effective against herpes. Nevertheless, many people are convinced that garlic is a household remedy for cold sores.
This is done by cutting a clove of garlic into slices and rubbing it into the affected area for a few seconds. Many affected people report less itching and less discomfort in general from this household remedy. However, it is very important to use garlic only before herpes blisters have formed.
Once herpes blisters are there, they should not be manipulated, otherwise they can burst open. In this case the risk of infection for other people would be greatly increased. Like garlic, ginger root is said to have a disinfecting and antimicrobial effect.
But even as with garlic, there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of ginger in treating herpes. Some sufferers find ginger beneficial in the case of cold sores. The ginger is cut into thin slices, pressed onto the affected area and rubbed.
When it dries out, it is discarded and replaced with a new slice. However, the ginger should only be used before herpes blisters have developed. Otherwise you provoke the bubbles to burst and the virus to spread further.
You should also be aware that this supposedly beneficial household remedy can cause skin irritation and that it is not effective against the virus itself. Ginger is also not suitable for use with genital, eye or nose herpes. Chamomile is not a classic household remedy against herpes.
In fact, chamomile can cause irritation and even allergic reactions, especially in the nose, genital area or eyes. It is therefore not advisable to use chamomile extracts, wrung out tea bags or inhalations against the symptoms of active herpes. In the worst case, further irritation or rashes may be caused by chamomile.
Although toothpaste is often touted as a popular household remedy for herpes, this household remedy should not be used. Toothpaste contains many ingredients that can irritate the skin. Since the skin is irritated by herpes anyway, further irritation should be avoided.In fact, toothpaste is only effective in some cases because it contains zinc.
However, the disinfecting and drying effect of zinc is much better achieved by using a zinc paste. Toothpaste should therefore not be used as a household remedy against herpes. Zinc paste is often used to treat herpes.
Zinc has a disinfecting and drying effect, so that many affected people find the ointment very pleasant. However, zinc ointment does not have a direct antiviral effect. Nevertheless, many sufferers believe that it has a positive effect on the weeping herpes blisters.
It is best to ask a pharmacy for a suitable paste that can be applied thinly to the herpes blisters. Always use a cotton swab and do not touch the blisters directly to prevent the virus from spreading further. However, many dermatologists also advise against the use of a zinc paste because it dries out too much.
Black tea is a popular and simple household remedy for the prevention of herpes blisters. However, it should only be used before blisters are seen. Those affected usually feel symptoms in advance and therefore know when there is a risk of another outbreak.
The tea bag should first be boiled in water and then wrung out. When the tea bag has cooled down a little, it can be pressed onto the affected area for a few minutes. However, this household remedy is not suitable for treating nasal, eye or genital herpes.
Tea tree oil is very often mentioned as a household remedy in connection with herpes. But what exactly is Tea Tree Oil used for and how effective is it really? Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that is very often recommended as a home remedy for many diseases.
It is said to have an antimicrobial effect. Many affected persons drip some tea tree oil on the affected area, especially during a beginning herpes outbreak, to prevent symptoms. However, one should keep in mind that tea tree oil is considered a risk substance for contact dermatitis, so it can cause a skin rash.
Tea tree oil is not suitable for use in the genital area, eyes or nose. It should also not be applied undiluted. Before using Tea Tree Oil as a home remedy against herpes, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Some affected people find baking powder very beneficial in the case of lip herpes. You can apply a small amount of the baking powder to the herpes blisters with a cotton ball. Above all, the itching and tingling feeling in the blisters is relieved somewhat.
The procedure can be repeated several times a day with a fresh cotton ball. Baking powder is of course not effective against the viruses. It also cannot prevent other people from being infected by the blisters.
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