Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV-1) and Type II (HSV-2) and both will remain in the infected persons body for life. The Type I virus is the same one that causes cold sores on the mouth, face and lips, although it can also cause sores on the genitals. The Type II virus, however, most often causes sores on the genitals.
Herpes can spread to the genitals from a cold sore if hand washing and other hygiene precautions are not taken. It can also be spread though oral or genital sexual contact. The virus does not have to be in an active state that is, blisters do not have to be present, for a partner to become infected.
The virus can also be passed during the pre-active state, when there is itching or tingling in the area where the sores generally appear. Sometimes, the virus can be passed along before the infected person is even aware that the virus is present. What’s more, saliva also carries the virus.
How to avoid passing genital herpes to others
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse..
- Avoid kissing during flare ups.
- Always take care to clean showers or baths if they are shared with someone who doesn’t have the virus.
- Do not share towels or wash cloths and avoid skin to skin contact during flare ups.
NOTE: It is important to inform all former partners so that they can get tested and treated and avoid passing the disease on further.
Symptoms of genital herpes
The first episode usually starts within a couple weeks of exposure, and the initial onset can be pretty bad, including an initial round and then a second round of painful sores, flu-like symptoms, fever and swollen glands. Sometimes the symptoms are mild, however, and appear as little more than insect bites or a rash.
The herpes virus spends most of its life dormant hidden in nerve cells so that the immune system cannot attack it. But, like cold sores, genital herpes recurs, often up to four or five times a year.
How to ward off genital herpes flare ups
Although the herpes virus is incurable, certain nutrients and foods can help the immune system to keep it in check. Follow the links below to find out the highest natural food sources of the following nutrients or more information about each remedy.
Bioflavonoids: Natural foods rich in bioflavonoids consumed three times a day at least, will help treat and can prevent herpes blisters and cold sores.
Vitamin C: Natural foods rich in vitamin C consumed three times a day at least, will help treat and can prevent herpes blisters and cold sores.
Vitamin E: When consuming extra vitamin C-rich foods, it is important to balance with the same amount of vitamin E-rich foods as they have an opposite effect upon iron, manganese and zinc levels in the body. Vitamin E will also help to heal the skin faster and prevent scarring.
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient to keep the immune system in good working order. It is easy to become deficient during the winter in the northern hemisphere therefore it is wise to have a blood test to check levels and, if necessary, take vitamin D3 plus K2 supplements.
Buy vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 and coconut oil from Amazon
Lysine: Natural foods rich in lysine are known to inhibit attacks of herpes such as amaranth, cheese (non-pasteurised), egg whites, organ meats, oily fish, quinoa, whole grains and plain yoghurt.
Natural anti-herpetic remedies
- Aloe vera juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Astragalus
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Chilli pepper
- Citrus fruit
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Honey
- Lemon balm is known to reduce the replication of the herpes virus.
- Peppermint tea can help with the pain caused by herpes blisters. Drink three times a day
Take daily tea tree oil and aloe vera gel baths then pat the sores with bicarbonate of soda or calendula powder.
For a constant supply buy the Aloe Vera plant from Amazon
NOTE: Consumption of yeast products, mushrooms and too much alcohol or sugar or the intake of steroid medications or eye drops can all cause recurrences of herpes attacks.
How to reduce pain and inflammation during a herpes flare up.
Following a shower or bath, make sure to dry the affected area thoroughly, as moisture prolongs symptomatic sores.
Herpes blisters can be soothed by applying an herbal paste made with liquorice root and rice.
Using a cotton ball, pat bicarbonate of soda on the sores to dry them out and decrease itching. Be careful not to contaminate the bicarbonate of soda so that someone else can catch the virus from it.
For pain relief and to promote healing, soak cotton balls in milk and apply to the area.
Placing a cold, wet black tea bag directly to the sores has been known as an alternative treatment to flare-ups.
Fill a plastic bag with crushed ice, wrapping the bag in material the thickness of a sheet. Apply for 10 or 15 minutes and repeat several times a day. Make sure and discard any plastic bags after one use. As a precaution, take care with the amount of time applied, because prolonged exposure to ice can cause tissue damage.
For more remedies that can reduce the flare ups of genital herpes see>>
Many herbs and spices have antiviral properties which can keep virus infections in check. See> Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis virus infection
- Human immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS
- Immune system disorders
- Infertility
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Syphilis
- Thrush
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