Herbal Remedies for Herpes: Reduce Outbreaks & Soothe Symptoms

A herpes virus infection can cause painful and embarrassing blisters. Because it is an incurable virus, sufferers face the lifelong prospect of managing their outbreaks. Treat herpes with herbal treatments to help reduce the duration of sores and prolong the periods between flareups.

Herpes

• Among the seven types of herpes, Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common. Type 1 affects the mouth and causes fever blisters and cold sores. Type 2 causes bumpy sores around the genital region. The virus lives in nerves cells. Stress, sun exposure, hormonal changes and a trip to the dentist can cause an outbreak.

Prevention

• Both astragalus and huang qi can boost your immune system against attack. Garlic is helpful either in food or taken as capsules three times a day. To relieve stress, take 1,500 mg of calcium and 750 mg of magnesium daily. Mushrooms have medicinal qualities. Try taking maitake, shiitake or reishi extract everyday. Olive leaf prevents the growth of a wide variety of viruses like herpes. A multivitamin taken daily will ensure you're getting the required nutrients.

Outbreaks

• Black walnut, goldenseal extract, vitamin E or red marine algae applied directly to blisters can help relieve the pain and reduce the duration of a flareup. The herbal remedy Larrestat also can help. Other outbreak-relieving herbs include St. John's wort, echinacea, myrrh and cayenne. During the time of your outbreak, refrain from eating processed food, alcohol, sugar and refined carbohydrates. Reduce stress with yoga stretches, meditation, and light walking. Herpes doesn't have to ruin your life. Keeping yourself healthy by taking herpes outbreak-reducing herbs, eating well-balanced meals and managing stress can help you live with the infection.