Q: What are remedies for herpes flare ups? - W. M.
A: First, simple self-care may be enough to relieve most discomfort caused by genital herpes. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, can help ease the pain of herpes symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend soaking the affected area in warm water. But the area should be kept dry most of the time. If toweling off after bathing is uncomfortable, try using a hair dryer. Then put on cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabric does.
Another study showed that an ointment containing propolis, a waxy substance that honeybees make, may help herpes sores heal. Sores healed faster for people using the propolis ointment than in those using ointments containing the antiviral drug acyclovir or a placebo. The ointment was applied to herpes sores four times a day. After 10 days, 24 of the 30 people using propolis ointment said their sores healed, compared with 14 of the 30 people using acyclovir ointment and 12 of the 30 using a placebo.
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Researchers have also found that the herb Prunella vulgaris and an edible mushroom, Rozites caperata (the "gypsy mushroom"), contain chemicals that fight both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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Here's a few others:
Tea Tree Oil
To heal the herpes sores outbreak, tea tree oil is a useful remedy. Take some water in a glass. Add few drops of tea tree oil and gargle to remove ulcers from mouth. For genital herpes, use an eye-dropper to put drops on the infected area.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is one of the most effective herbal remedies for herpes. It has flavonoids, phenolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which helps in healing the sores or blisters. Prepare a lemon balm tea. Let it steep for some time. Then, soak a cotton ball in it and apply directly on the sores.
Add 2-3 ml of lemon balm tincture in water. Stir it well and drink. This alcohol-based liquid extract is...
... effective for sores. Drink the solution thrice a day.
Lemon balm is also available in the form of creams and ointments. Apply the cream directly to heal the herpes.
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Licorice Roots
Licorice roots consist of therapeutic properties, which are helpful for the treatment of herpes infection. Licorice has glycyrrhizic acid, which fights against the herpes virus. For the treatment of herpes, the extracts of licorice roots can be effective.
Alternatively, intake 2 capsules of the extracts of the roots of licorice.
Note- Excessive use of licorice may result in hypertension and lowering of potassium. So, individuals suffering from heart problems and pregnant women should avoid the intake of licorice.
Tea Bags
Black tea is highly rich in tannin. It is known for anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare a cup of black tea with the help of tea bag. Allow it to cool down. After cooling, apply the tea bag on the infected area. Leave it for 5 minutes on the sores. For best results, repeat the process twice or three times a day.
Cornstarch
One of the best remedies for herpes is cornstarch. Cornstarch helps in absorbing excessive moisture from the skin. It helps in reducing chafing and itching. To dry the herpes sores, apply some cornstarch directly on the infected area. Take a cotton ball and dip it in the cornstarch. Dab it gently on the sores.
These treatments have not been approved for treating genital herpes by the FDA. You can buy them in stores, but they are considered nutritional supplements, not drugs, so they are not subjected to the same quality standards that FDA-approved drugs are.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
