As of yet there is no cure for herpes simplex. But quite a few natural over-the-counter treatments are known to relieve the symptoms of the condition. These treatments may also be successful in shortening the duration of the outbreak. These natural treatments are not recommended for those suffering from extreme cases of herpes, but rather for those with either milder symptoms or infrequent outbreaks.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera cream and extract of .05% strength can be used to treat symptoms. Simply apply to the affected area three times a day. Do this for five days during each individual outbreak of symptoms. Aloe vera appears to not only reduce the intensity of the symptoms, but also facilitates the healing process.
Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan
Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for centuries to treat all manner of open wounds, sores and ulcers. It appears to work by reducing the inflammation that is a symptom of herpes and this in turn reduces the often painful burning sensation of the condition.
Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that can be taken in capsule form. Lysine also works to reduce the healing time of the outbreak. Herpes flare-ups can be treated with lysine to reduce the burning sensation not unlike the Chinese herb. The most commonly recommended dosage is 1,000 mg taken four times a day at the first sign of outbreak.
Esberitox
Esberitox is a unique mixture of two different types of echinacea along with extract of wild cedar and wild indigo. Esberitox is not taken so much to reduce the severity of the symptoms as it is to increase the body's ability to heal more quickly. In addition, esberitox also is useful for preventing herpes outbreaks. In liquid form, esberitox can be applied directly to the affected area of skin a few times a day.
Melissa
Melissa is actually an herb that is related to the mint family. A cream that is made from melissa encourages the healing of the lesions that form from the herpes virus. Sold under names like Herpalieve, it is a very concentrated form of melissa and requires only a drop or two placed on the area of the skin where the lesions are located.
Zinc and Vitamin C
Try a combination of 25 mg of zinc with 250 mg of Vitamin C twice a day. If it is taken at the very signs of a herpes outbreak, can completely suppress herpes and obstruct it from coming on full-blown. Zinc is also useful for treating symptoms when applied to the affected area in topic cream form. The cream treatment may even contribute to reducing the rate of occurrences.
Seaweed
Seaweed has long been thought to contain antiviral properties, which is why it is such a common ingredient in many folk healing remedies. Seaweed can taken in pill form, or consumed by eating sushi or seaweed salads. In addition, many green tea beverages contain seaweed extract.
Tags: affected area, also useful, area skin, burning sensation, Huang Shang