Holistic Treatment for Herpes Simplex 1

Overview

Herpes simplex is the virus behind nearly all cases of oral herpes--which are also known as cold sores--and even a few cases or genital herpes. It produces blisters filled with a clear fluid. After a few days, they break open to reveal painful ulcers, which dry up within about a week. Then you're done with herpes simplex 1--for a while. The virus is permanent and in many people, symptoms make return visits. Because the herpes can't be cured through any standard medical treatment, holistic therapies to relieve symptoms are worth a shot.

Basics

Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing. Infants often catch the virus from parents or other adults who can't resist giving them a smooch. The virus is most contagious when sores are present, but it can shed and be contagious even when there is no lesion. More than 90 percent of oral herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex 1, with the rest coming from herpes simplex 2. About 80 percent of genital herpes cases are due to herpes simplex 2, and the remainder are because of herpes simplex 1. Oral sex can transmit the herpes simplex viruses.

Home Care

The first step to alleviating the pain or itchiness associated with a herpes infection is to take good care of your body using common-sense measures. Keep the lesions dry and clean. Keep your immune system strong by getting enough rest and eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. The idea is to help your body heal itself naturally. And finally, ward off future outbreaks by avoiding known triggers. A reactivation of the virus is more likely in the presence of any of these factors: stress, fatigue, excessive sunlight, excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine, and mouth trauma.

Herbal Treatments

Holistic medicine practitioners offer a wide variety of options for improving the symptoms of herpes, as well as for preventing future outbreaks. A popular treatment is topically applied lemon balm, which is thought to have antiviral properties as well as antibacterial and wound-healing properties. St. John's wort is sometimes applied in salve form, too, because of its touted anti-inflammatory and anti-viral qualities. It's more commonly sold for its anti-depressant properties, so if cold sores have you feeling blue, an oral capsule form of St. John's wort may help, too. Other supplements promoted as helpful for herpes include olive leaf extract, prunella vulgaris, opuntia cactus and red marine algae.

Acupuncture

The Chinese art of acupuncture has many uses, and one of them is pain relief. The practitioner sticks your skin with very fine needles. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is thought to work by restoring balance to the body's natural energy force, called qi. Scientists think it may work via the body's endorphins. Whatever its mode of action, it may give you some relief from the soreness and itchiness of herpes lesions, and may even help you avoid future outbreaks.

Considerations

Herbal and holistic remedies do not necessarily have the backing of mainstream science to show that they work. You may be in for a period of trial and error to see what works. If the methods don't work, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a medication such acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir ; all are well-known to control the symptoms of herpes. And if you notice symptoms around your eye, do not try to treat the infection with herbal or home remedies. Serious damage can occur, and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.