Herpes Common Cure and Treatment

Herpes has been around since the time of Hippocrates and is probably as old as mankind. However, to date there is still no known cure for the disease. Science is still at a loss as to how to effectively eradicate herpes from the system.

Symptoms of herpes infections are often manifested by the painful red blisters around the infected area. It is usually either an oral infection or a genital one. Genital herpes is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the whole world. Either HSV1 or HSV2 viruses can live in the body and become dormant over a long period of time. Typically a weakened immune system triggers the outbreak of symptoms.

Common Drug Treatments

It is good to note that these medications given for herpes does not cure it per se; it only helps manage and eliminate the symptoms caused by the virus. One of the most common anti-viral drugs given to patients is acyclovir. It works by inhibiting the enzymes the virus needs in order to replicate its DNA. So basically it stops the virus from multiplying. Acyclovir works faster than the body's immune system. Acyclovir is also used to treat other forms of herpes like cold sores, chicken pox and shingles.

Famciclovir and valacyclovir are also known prescription drugs that help slow the growth and spread of the herpes simplex virus. For fast relief,

 Viroxyn is said to do just that and greatly reduces the healing time during a herpes outbreak. Other treatments include DMSO or Dimethyl Sulfoxide, however it is not an FDA approved form of treatment as there are serious risks involved.

Alternative Remedies

Aside from mainstream treatments for herpes alternative forms of medication are also available. Home or natural remedies for herpes like herbs are also quite effective and common in managing the disease. The goal of natural remedy is not just to provide relief for the symptoms but also to strengthen the immune system and to manage stress factors which contribute to breakouts.

One of the most common herbal remedies is the Andrographis paniculata or more commonly referred to as Green chirayta, creat, or king of bitters. It is native to India and Sri Lanka where it has been used as an antibiotic even before it was scientifically created.

The Echinacea purpurea, or colloquially the Purple Cone flower, is another herbal remedy that helps reduce swelling. Aside from that it has properties that restores and repairs skin damage. Other medicinal properties of this plant are said to stimulate the immune system.

Olea europea is an antiviral agent and its aggressive action promotes viral shedding and controls the replication of the virus. It is more commonly known as the Olive and it is widely available through its tea form.

Native to North America and Europe is the Hypericum perforatum or St John's wort; this flowering plant is a known treatment not only for depression but for herpes too. However, use of this alternative treatment should be closely monitored by a qualified physician as it is known to counteract other medications.

Increasing cellular oxygen levels to treat herpes is also being explored.  Herpes vaccines are being researched that could prevent infection of herpes to other people.  There have been news this year that one such vaccine has already been developed and provides near-total protection against genital herpes.  But with all these advancements so far, science has yet to come up with a true cure for herpes.