Home remedies for herpes

Marian Grosser studied human medicine in Munich. In addition, the doctor, who was interested in many things, dared to make some exciting detours: studying philosophy and art history, working on the radio and, finally, also for a Netdoctor.

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There are a few home remedies for herpes, but many of them have not been proven to be effective.However, herpes does not necessarily have to be treated with antiviral drugs; tea tree oil or honey sometimes do. Read here which herpes home remedies really help.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. B02O26P35A60B00

Home remedies for herpes: description

Home remedies for herpes are not counted among the classic drugs and do not require a prescription. The effectiveness against various pathogens has long been known by some - but this is based more on experience than on scientific evidence.

Are Home Remedies For Herpes Better Than Medication?

The question of whether classic medication or home remedies are better for herpes cannot be answered across the board. However, for many of the herpes home remedies there is still insufficient data to scientifically prove their effectiveness. The effectiveness of the drugs, also known as antivirals, has been tested in clinical studies.

But that does not mean that home remedies are fundamentally of no value. They often contain active ingredients that help against pathogens such as herpes viruses, but the supporting data is missing.

Nevertheless, a herpes outbreak cannot be prevented, regardless of whether herpes home remedies or antivirals are used. Usually they only reduce the duration of the illness and alleviate the symptoms. The following also applies to both: the earlier they are used, the better the effect. If a herpes outbreak is already in full swing, hardly anything can be achieved with home remedies.

Are home remedies for herpes always an alternative?

Home remedies for herpes on the lip or nose, possibly also in the genital area, are sometimes sensible alternatives to medication. Because these herpes variants are usually harmless. Under certain circumstances, however, complications such as herpes occurring all over the body (eczema herpeticatum) or herpes-related inflammation of the brain (herpes encephalitis) arise. The use of antivirals is essential here - because the active ingredient must quickly get into the bloodstream and from there into the organs.

What home remedies for herpes are there?

In the following, only the best known of the numerous home remedies are presented in more detail.

Honey for herpes

Many people already have a home remedy for herpes on the breakfast table. Honey contains so-called antimicrobial substances, i.e. those that kill bacteria and viruses and prevent them from multiplying. As soon as the disease becomes noticeable, a little honey can be placed on the affected area. Since it also closes the vacancies, it reduces the external spread of the virus and thus the risk of infection.

Manuka honey, which is mainly obtained in New Zealand from the flowers of the South Sea myrtle, is said to be particularly effective. The responsible active ingredient is methylglyoxal. Manuka honey is not approved as a finished medicinal product, but is available as a prescription in the pharmacy. It is also sold as food in special shops.

Another substance produced by bees that has an antimicrobial effect is propolis. However, the strength of the substance mixture, also known as putty resin, can vary greatly. Because the composition of propolis depends on various factors, such as the type of bees, the season and the region. Propolis is not officially approved as a medicinal product, 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. Before the breakthrough of antibiotics, it was part of all first aid kits for Australian troops stationed in the tropics. The disinfecting effect of tea tree oil was already known in the late 18th century. Herpes can be combated most effectively if it is applied to the affected areas as early as possible and ideally every hour. The skin absorbs the oil well and the viruses are prevented from multiplying.

Some sufferers report that applying the substance early, even with the first symptoms such as itching or tingling, even prevents an outbreak of herpes. However, tea tree oil is also considered to be the trigger for so-called contact dermatids, i.e. skin inflammations that arise from contact with certain irritants. Undiluted tea tree oil is even classified as harmful to health. Therefore, this home remedy for herpes should only be used after consulting a pharmacist.

Zinc and toothpaste for herpes

The benefit of toothpaste for herpes is quite controversial. Some swear by the fact that applying toothpaste will prevent or at least reduce the herpes outbreak.

Critics, on the other hand, advise against using it for herpes. Toothpaste also contains irritating substances, which under certain circumstances can cause further damage to the skin attacked by the virus. In addition, many pastes have no healing effect at all, because the effect of toothpaste on herpes is due to zinc, which is only contained in some varieties.

Because it has an anti-inflammatory effect, the symptoms can also be alleviated when zinc is used against herpes, although it hardly does anything against the viruses themselves, because its disinfecting effect is primarily directed against bacteria. Nonetheless, zinc ointment is successfully used against herpes because it has a drying effect and has a positive effect on the oozing cold sore. Instead of toothpaste, it is better to use zinc ointment. Herpes is then treated directly with the active ingredient that is also responsible for the positive effects in toothpaste, but without being exposed to the irritating substances in the paste.

Lemon balm against herpes

Lemon balm has been a valuable home remedy, including herpes, for centuries. In fact, it is one of the few home remedies that has actually been proven to be effective in studies. Certain active ingredients in the medicinal plant prevent the herpes viruses from penetrating the body's cells. Many patients report that after applying lemon balm to the affected areas, an improvement occurs after a few days or even hours. Swelling and redness are said to be significantly reduced. Ointments and creams with lemon balm extract are available in every pharmacy.

Other home remedies for herpes

There are many other substances that are considered herpes home remedies. Aloe vera, garlic, black tea or ginger also supposedly help against herpes. However, it is advisable to ask a pharmacy or a doctor before using home remedies. Because some agents can be harmful if used incorrectly.

Ice cubes, for example, which are wrapped in a cloth and held on the herpes site, can be useful in the early phase of the disease and make it more difficult for the virus to multiply. However, if the outbreak is already in full swing, the cooling system will no longer do anything, but may damage the skin. High-percentage alcohol also has a cooling and disinfecting effect, but it burns heavily if the herpes diseases have left open areas on the skin.

What do you have to consider in general when using it?

No matter which home remedy for herpes you choose, you should make sure that the virus does not spread any further. The best way to do this is to apply the respective substance to a cotton swab and use it to spread it over the affected area. Throw away the cotton swab 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 use the right home remedy for herpes sensibly.

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