Home Remedies and Herbs for Herpes Genital

Genital Herpes is an infection that is obtained via sexual intercourse. This means it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There are different types of herpes: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV2). Type one causes oral herpes and type two causes genital herpes. ¹ Worldwide, there are approximately 417 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 years old affected with genital herpes (HSV2). ²

What Causes Herpes?

Herpes is a virus that is spread through direct sexual or oral contact with someone who has already contracted the HSV2 virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) is caused by oral to oral contact which results in herpes mouth symptoms.²

Genital herpes is caused by sexual transmission and leads to infections in the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Herpes is contracted through sexual intercourse when the infection transmits from one previously affected partner to another.Herpes is often confused with the human papilloma virus (HPV) but they are not the same. Herpes is a separate type of infection than HPV, which produces different symptoms.

Herpes Symptoms

Depending on which type of herpes the patient has, there are different symptoms they can experience. ²

Herpes type 1 (HSV1) causes the following herpes mouth symptoms:

• Cold sores on the mouth
• Red herpes blisters surrounding the mouth and lips
• Herpes mouth blisters may cause pain and swelling

Herpes type 2 (HSV2) causes the following symptoms:

• Herpes blisters appearing on the genitals
• Blisters appearing in the anal area
• Blisters appearing around the buttocks
• Painful swelling and ulcers at site of infection

Some patients may never experience genital herpes symptoms though they have contracted the virus. Outbreaks may occur several times per year for many patients. Over time, some people may start to see symptoms become less frequent or disappear. ¹

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Herpes

While the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 have no known cure, there are genital herpes treatments available to manage the STD symptoms: ³

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance that can be used as a topical treatment to help heal herpes sores.
• Lysine - Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid which can be taken as a supplement during a herpes outbreak.
• Peroxide - Peroxide has natural antibacterial and antiviral health benefits that can help heal genital herpes sores quickly.
• Prunella Vulgaris - Prunella vulgaris is an oral or topical treatment that can be taken during a herpes outbreak. Its antiviral health benefits can help to lessen the duration of an outbreak.
• Coconut Oil -Use coconut oil as a natural topical herpes treatment during outbreaks. Apply directly to genital herpes sores to help moisturize and heal the sores.
• Propolis - As a natural antioxidant, propolis is a resin made by bees that can be an effective herpes treatment. Take propolis supplements to help boost immune function and fight herpes infections.

Taking natural genital herpes treatments can help to prevent outbreaks as well as treat symptoms quickly when they do occur.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/herpessimplex.html
2. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus