Holistic Treatments for Herpes

Once an individual get herpes, he or she will have the virus for the rest of his or her life. It is a lifelong sentence in that way, but simply having the virus doesn't mean your life is over. You can still live a full and fulfilling life including a satisfying sex life as long as you use protection every time you have sex.

Many people infected with the virus don't have any symptoms. Others get infrequent or frequent genital warts outbreaks. There are many traditional medical treatments that have been carefully tested and reported to work in prestigious peer reviewed medical journals. These medications work and should be used if your doctor prescribes them. They're also the only type of medication that's effective for extreme cases of genital warts.

But traditional medications are not your only option. For those open to alternative treatments, there are some natural and over-the-counter treatments that can help relief the symptoms of an outbreak. They're generally only effective for milder symptoms and infrequent outbreaks. It's important to make sure you have genital herpes first before trying to self treat the condition. Make sure you see a physician first if you suspect you might have genital herpes.

These treatments may be more effective treating symptoms of the herpes strain that causes cold sores.

Vitamin C and Zinc

This vitamin and mineral are easily available over the counter at any pharmacy, big box store and even some corner convenience stores.

Zinc, when used as a topical cream, is known for its healing properties. It constricts the blood vessels and can help with skin healing. Zinc is often used in different types of rash cream and is most commonly used is diaper rash cream. It can also be effective in treating some of the symptoms of a mild outbreak of genital herpes. Apply it to the infected area to help to area heal quicker. Some studies published in alternative medical journals suggest that zinc might also help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Some studies show that a combination of 250mg of vitamin C and 25 mg of zinc two times daily can suppress an outbreak or at least reduce it from becoming full blown. To be effective, this combination needs to be taken at the earliest signs of a herpes outbreak.

Aloe Vera

The extracts from the aloe vera plant have been proven to help aid the skin's natural healing processes. It's often used in moisturizers, although lower grade moisturizers will use a synthetic form which tends to not be as effective.

Aloe vera can be very effective in treating any type of herpes outbreak, be it a mild outbreak of genital warts or cold sores. It's important to make sure you use an extract of at least 0.05 percent strength. Apply to the affected are three times daily for five days. When applied at the beginning of an outbreak, aloe vera can help stimulate the skin's natural healing processes and reduce the intensity of an outbreak.

Esberitox

This is an herbal mix that isn't as well known as some of the individual ingredients in it. Esberitox contains two types of Echinacea and extracts of wild indigo and wild cedar. In capsule form, if taken daily, this herb mix can help the body's ability to heal more quickly from any rash or ailment including a herpes outbreak. If an outbreak does occur, the liquid form of esberitox can be rubbed on the affected area a few times a day. Esberitox can work to help heal any type of cut or rash.

Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan

This is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for the treatment of different types of sores, ulcer or open wounds for centuries in Chinese culture. There is no specific scientific treatment proving why it works, but it's thought that Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan reduces inflammation. It may be extremely effective at relieving that burning sensation from genital ulcers or cold sores.