Home remedies for herpes, there are some, but many have not proven an effect properly. However, herpes does not necessarily have to be treated with antiviral drugs, sometimes tea tree oil or honey do. Read here which herpes home remedies really help.
Home remedies for herpes: description
Home remedies for herpes are not counted among the classic medicines and are not prescription. Some have long been known to be effective against various pathogens, but this is based on experience rather than scientific evidence.
Are home remedies for herpes better than medicines?
The question of whether classic drugs or home remedies for herpes are better, can not be answered flat rate. However, many of the herpes home remedies are still no sufficient data that can prove their effectiveness scientifically. Its efficacy, also known as antivirals, has been tested in clinical trials.
But that does not mean that home remedies have no value. Often they contain agents that probably help against pathogens such as herpes viruses, alone missing the supporting data.
Nevertheless, a herpes outbreak can not be prevented, regardless of whether herpes home remedies or antivirals are used. As a rule, they only reduce the duration of the illness and reduce the symptoms. For both, the sooner they are applied, the better the effect. If a herpes outbreak is already in full swing, home remedies can barely achieve anything.
Are home remedies for herpes always an alternative?
Home remedy for herpes on the lip or nose, possibly also in the genital area are sometimes quite useful alternatives to drugs. Because these herpes variants are usually harmless. Under certain circumstances, however, there are complications such as herpes (eczema herpeticatum) occurring all over the body or herpes encephalitis caused by herpes. Here, the use of antivirals is essential – because the drug needs to get into the bloodstream quickly and from there into the organs.
Which home remedies for herpes are there?
In the following, for example, only the best known of the numerous home remedies are presented in more detail.
Honey for herpes
Many people are already on the breakfast table, a home remedy for herpes. Honey contains so-called antimicrobial substances, ie those that kill bacteria and viruses and prevent their reproduction. As soon as the illness becomes noticeable, some honey can be given to the affected area. Because it also closes the vacancies, it reduces the external spread of viruses and thus the risk of infection.
Particularly effective should be Manuka honey, which is mainly obtained in New Zealand from the flowers of the South Sea myrtle. The responsible active substance is methylglyoxal. Manuka honey is not approved as a finished drug, but available as a prescription in the pharmacy. In addition, it is sold in special shops as food.
Another substance that is produced by bees and has an antimicrobial effect is propolis. However, the potency of the substance mixture, also referred to as a cementing resin, can vary widely. Because the composition of propolis depends on various factors, such as the bee species, 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 for herpes
The South Sea myrtle is closely related to the Australian tea tree, whose oil also has an antimicrobial effect. Prior to the breakthrough of antibiotics, it was part of all first aid kits in the tropics-based Australian forces. Because already in the late 18th century, one knew the disinfecting effect of tea tree oil. Herpes is most effectively combated when it is applied to the affected areas as early as possible and best hourly. The skin absorbs the oil well, and the viruses are prevented from reproducing.
Some sufferers report that the early application of the substance, even with the first symptoms such as itching or tingling, prevent even an outbreak of herpes. However, tea tree oil is also considered to be the trigger of so-called contact dermatitis, ie dermatitis caused by contact with certain irritants. Undiluted tea tree oil is even classified as harmful to health. Therefore, this home remedy for herpes should always be used only after consultation with a pharmacist.
Zinc and toothpaste against herpes
The benefit of toothpaste in herpes is quite controversial. Some swear that the herpes outbreak is prevented or at least weakened by the application of toothpaste.
Critics on the other hand advise against using herpes. Toothpaste contains namely irritating substances that may enforce the attacked by the virus skin under certain circumstances even further. In addition, many pastes have no healing effect, because the effect of toothpaste on herpes is due to zinc, which is only included in some varieties.
Because it works anti-inflammatory, the symptoms can also be relieved when using zinc for herpes, whereby it hardly aligns anything against the viruses themselves, because its disinfecting effect is directed primarily against bacteria. Nonetheless, zinc ointment is successfully used for herpes because it has a drying effect and has a positive effect on the weeping cold sores. Instead of toothpaste, you better access the zinc ointment. Herpes is then treated directly with the active substance, which is also responsible for the positive effects in toothpaste, but without being exposed to the irritating substances of the paste.
Lemon balm against herpes
For centuries, lemon balm has been considered a valuable home remedy, including herpes. In fact, it is one of the few home remedies for which efficacy has been proven in studies to date. Certain active substances in the medicinal plant prevent the herpes viruses from penetrating the body’s cells. For example, many patients report that after application of lemon balm to the affected areas, they recover within a few days or even hours. Swelling and redness supposedly go back significantly. Ointments and creams with lemon balm extract are available in every pharmacy.
Other home remedies for herpes
There are many more substances that are considered herpes home remedies. So allegedly also Aloe vera, garlic, black tea or ginger to help against herpes. However, it is advisable to ask before using home remedies in the pharmacy or at a doctor. Because some remedies can be harmful if used incorrectly.
Ice cubes, for example, which are kept wrapped in a cloth on the herpes site, may be useful in the early stages of the disease and make the virus proliferation difficult. But if the outbreak is already in full swing, the cooling does not cause any damage, but may harm the skin. Even high-percentage alcohol has a cooling and disinfecting effect, but it burns strong when caused by the herpes diseases open areas on the skin.
What is generally to be considered in the application?
No matter which home remedy for herpes you choose, you should make sure that there is no further spread of the virus. It is best to apply the respective substance to a cotton swab and distribute it on the affected area. The cotton swab is thrown away after a single use. Then wash your hands thoroughly.
If you pay attention to hygiene and inform yourself in advance about the use of the substances, you can do the right thing Home remedies for herpes apply meaningfully.