Herpes virus infection - Nature Cures®

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Once infected by the herpes virus it goes into ‘hiding’ from the immune system and lays dormant in the nerve cells, specifically within the sensory nerve ganglia. These ganglia are located near the spinal cord and every so often it will become active, sometimes due to specific triggers, and cause an outbreak of herpes blisters often in the same area but it can also spread to other parts of the body.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV-1) and Type II (HSV-2). 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 also spread to the genitals from a cold sore on the lips if hand washing and other hygiene precautions are not taken. Or it can 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 herpes 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.

The first episode usually starts within a couple weeks of exposure, and the initial onset can be very uncomfortable, 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. Herpes spends most of its life dormant. But, like cold sores, genital herpes can recur, often up to four or five times a year.

It has been found in studies that women, that become infected with the herpes virus in early pregnancy, are more likely to have a child with autism especially if it is a male.

Latest studies have shown that the herpes simplex virus Type I (HSV-1) may be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease in some individuals.

Cold sores (herpes simplex virus type 1)

Also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, which is usually acquired in childhood through contact with infected saliva. The type 1 virus is believed to lie dormant in certain nerve cells of the body until it is activated by stress, anxiety, a cold or excessive exposure to the sun. It causes sores on the external lip or near the mouth or nose that last anywhere from seven to 14 days.

Always use new toothbrush after the blister has formed and again after the attack has cleared up. Toothbrushes can harbour the virus.

Cold sores are extremely contagious, avoid kissing and sharing cups, towels or other such items. Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the cold sore. And take care not to touch eyes or genitals immediately after touching the sore. Keep a hand sanitizer with you when out in case a bathroom is unavailable.

Attempting to camouflage a cold sore with makeup often aggravates the problem, as the chemicals in makeup can make the sore worse. Sharing lipstick or makeup can pass the virus to others.

Herpetic eye disease

Herpes zoster (shingles virus) and the herpes simplex virus type I (cold sores) and type II (genital herpes) can also affect the eyes. Usually it affects the cornea and can be quite painful, but it can affect other parts of the eye such as the retina and cause a macular oedema to develop. A healthy immune system from a balanced diet can reduce the severity of the infection. It is important to never touch the eyes after touching sores from an attack of herpes anywhere else on the body.

Natural external remedies for herpes

Baths: Adding aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, Epsom salts or tea tree oil to a warm bath and soaking in it for 10 minutes once a day can help to heal the sores more quickly.

NOTE: Always take care to clean the shower or bath if it is shared with anyone and never share towels to avoid transmitting the virus to them. Following a shower or bath, make sure to dry the affected area thoroughly, as moisture prolongs symptomatic sores. Patting with bicarbonate of soda after a bath will help to dry up sores quickly and helps to kill off the active virus.

Glycyrrhizic acid, an ingredient in liquorice root, kills the cold sore virus cells. Dab some of the powdered liquorice root on the sore then use petroleum jelly for instant relief. Apply a herbal paste made with liquorice root and rice.

Covering a cold sore with petroleum jelly will speed healing and help protect it from secondary infection with bacteria.

Soak a cotton ball in milk and apply it to the sore to relieve pain. If this is done as soon as the tingling is felt before the cold sore surfaces, it can help speed the healing right from the beginning.

Ice held on to the cold sore just as it is appearing can reduce the time it takes to heal. But do not use for too long or too often.

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.

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.

Natural internal remedies for herpes

Consumption of yeast products, mushrooms and steroid medications or eye drops can cause recurrences of herpes attacks.

Follow the links 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.

Lysine: Natural foods rich in lysine are known to inhibit attacks of herpes.

Natural fungicidal foods are also antiviral and can clear up herpes infections. Try making a concoction with any of these ingredients and take daily at the start of the next active herpes outbreak. Also cut out sugar at the same time and take daily tea tree oil and aloe vera gel baths then pat the sores with bicarbonate of soda powder.

Natural anti-herpetic remedies

Aloe vera juice
Apple cider vinegar
Astragalus
Bicarbonate of soda
Chilli pepper
Citrus fruit
Cloves
Garlic
Honey
Peppermint tea can help with the pain caused by herpes blisters. Drink three times a day

Many natural foods, herbs and spices have antiviral properties which can keep virus infections in check. See>> Anti-microbial healing plants and foods

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