Most people with a herpes infection don’t even know they have it.
Once someone is infected with the herpes simplex virus, it lodges in the body and stays there for the rest of their life. The virus can reappear at any time and cause outbreaks. Fortunately, there are natural options to prevent infection or reduce the impact of your symptoms.
Herpes is an infection caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes one or more blisters in different areas of the body. Once the blisters break, they become sores or ulcers that can be very painful and take about a week to heal.
It is transmitted by close contact with someone who has the infection, affecting mainly children or people with weakened immune systems. There are two types of herpes simplex:
- Herpes simplex type 1 : usually causes sores on the lips or around the face, although it can also cause genital herpes.
- Herpes simplex type 2 : usually causes sores genitalia, which affects the genitals, buttocks or anus, although it can also cause cold sores.
It is common for Those who are diagnosed with herpes feel angry, sad, ashamed and even stigmatized by this condition. However, professionals warn that these situations should be avoided, since it is a very common condition.
Recent estimates indicate that around 500 millions of people in the world suffer from genital herpes, while several billion have oral herpes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2016, the latest year for which data are available, around 13% of the world population between 15 and 49 years was infected by the herpes simplex virus type 2, highlights the WHO.
- Questions and Answers about Herpes
Currently, there is no cure for herpes, although the use of medications can accelerate recovery from sores and reduce the risk of future outbreaks. There are also natural options that may be helpful:
What to eat
There is scientific evidence showing that eating certain foods, while avoiding or limiting others, could help prevent herpes infections, reduce flare-ups or relieve your symptoms.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, which, together with monounsaturated, makes up healthy fats. Among its benefits is to improve the functioning of the immune system, helping, among other things, to prevent infections such as herpes.
You can obtain omega 3 fatty acids by consuming: fish, such as tuna, mackerel, salmon , sardines and trout, linseed or flax seeds or oil, nuts, chia seeds, canola or soy oils, or avocado.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help counteract the effects of free radicals, unstable molecules that affect to healthy cell structures and increase the risk of various diseases.
A diet rich in antioxidants can also provide protection against herpes, while helping to reduce the impact of its symptoms.
You can obtain antioxidants by consuming: berries, that is, blueberries, strawberries, currants, blackberries, or raspberries, beans, nuts, spinach, eggs, kale, dairy products mushrooms, mushrooms, tomatoes or different types of tea, especially green and white.
Proteins
Proteins are essential nutrients that help the body stay healthy and fight attacks from various pathogens, including HSV.
You can obtain protein by consuming: oatmeal, lean meat, it can be turkey, beef or chicken, nuts, eggs, dairy, legumes, fish, such as herring, tuna, cod, salmon or trout, and green leafy vegetables.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace element that the body needs to produce antioxidant enzymes, which help prevent cell damage and increase defenses against various types of infections, including herpes.
You can obtain it by consuming mainly foods of animal origin, such as red meat, fish, shellfish, eggs or liver, although it is also present in significant quantities in garlic or certain nuts, such as Brazil nuts.
Vitamins
Our body needs vitamins to function, grow and develop properly. These are also necessary to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
There is evidence that shows the benefits of vitamin A, C, D, E, B2, B6, and B9, to combat herpes and extend the periods of re-outbreaks. You can incorporate them by maintaining a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, seeds, and legumes.
Zinc
Strengthening the immune system is one of the most recognized properties of zinc. This is of great help to prevent infections, such as herpes.
You can get zinc by consuming: oysters (one of the best sources), meats, fish and shellfish, legumes, fortified cereals, nuts , dairy, eggs or mushrooms.
Supplements
Some supplements may be Helps to strengthen the functions of the immune system, thus suppressing outbreaks of herpes. However, experts warn that care must be taken when using them since they are products that are not regulated by health authorities.
- Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections
Although the evidence is insufficient, the consumption of supplements of vitamin B, lysine or zinc has been linked to a reduction in the number of herpes outbreaks that patients experience over a year.
Precautions
Keep highly acidic, ultra-processed foods, or alcoholic beverages out of the diet, as they can worsen herpes symptoms, due to their inflammatory effects, and affect immune function, altering, among other things , the production of white blood cells and the levels of sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Topical use
In addition to maintaining a correct diet ion and healthy habits, you can combat herpes with different natural options and topical home remedies:
Garlic and vinegar
There is evidence supporting the antiviral properties of garlic against herpes strains. To take advantage of it, it should only be crushed, mixed with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, (to facilitate its application) and let it act on the sore.
Another food with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that helps to treating herpes sores is vinegar, especially apple . You just have to apply it diluted in warm water (1 part of vinegar for 3 of water) on the affected area.
Baking soda and cornstarch
The sodium bicarbonate has many health benefits, due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
You can use it to dry the lesions caused by herpes and soothe the itch with the help of a damp cotton swab or cloth. This will allow a paste to be formed that is easy to distribute and maintain in the affected areas.
You can also replace the baking soda with cornstarch or cornstarch, which has similar properties and is applied in the same way .
Compresses
Compresses, both warm and cold, can help reduce pain and swelling respectively, from the sore that is formed by herpes.
Herbs and oils
Like the home remedies previously developed, certain essential oils or extracts can help speed up the recovery of sores caused by herpes or reduce some of its symptoms, such as inflammation or itching. Among the most popular are:
- Essential oils : from tea tree, eucalyptus, ginger, chamomile, sage or thyme.
- Extracts : from lemon balm, echinacea, Neem or licorice.
It is important to consult a professional if it is the first time they are used for these purposes. In addition, they must be diluted in carrier oils, such as coconut, jojoba or olive, since in direct contact with the skin they can cause serious damage.
Other tips
Take into account the following measures depending on the type of herpes you have:
Lipstick:
- Discard your toothbrush and use a new one.
- Do not try to break or drain the sores while they are healing.
- Do not share glasses or drinks.
- Use clear lip balm hypoallergenic to protect the skin from the environment (sun, wind or low temperatures).
Genital:
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Do not have sex until you recover from the infection.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
To remember:
Until significant scientific evidence from human trials is available, people interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should exercise extreme caution.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, first talk to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources Consulted : Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database, US National Library of Medicine. , Mayo Clinic, US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.