Natural Remedies for Herpes – cold sores

Treating Herpes Outbreaks

• Some find that keeping the sores moist prolongs the healing process, others find the comfort of salves and ointments very healing. Try both methods and see which works best for you.
• If you find that your particular case responds better to an astringent, drying type medication than to a salve, make a St. Johns' wort/lemon balm tincture. Apply this topically to the open sores. But be careful; it will sting! Dilute it with water before applying.
• Aloe vera gel soothes, dries, and effectively helps to heal herpes sores. Apply the aloe vera gel directly to the sores. You can use the gel pressed fresh from the leaf of a plant, or you can buy aloe gel.
• The Anti-Herpes Paste below makes an excellent poultice when applied directly to the sores.

Anti-Herpes Paste

• 1 part goldenseal powder
• 1 part black walnut hull powder
• 1 part echinacea root powder

Mix the powdered herbs together, then moisten the mixture with a bit of St. Johns' wort/lemon balm tincture.

• Warm herbal baths are soothing and healing. You might wish to alternate both types or find the one that works best for you. The first is a soothing, relaxing bath that relieves the itching. The second bath is an astringent cleanser.
• After bathing, gently but completely dry the groin area.

Relaxing & Soothing Herbal Bath Blend

• 3 parts chamomile
• 1 part instant oatmeal (dry)
• 1 part hops
• 1 part comfrey leaf
• 2 parts calendula
• 1 part comfrey root

Mix these ingredients together and place a big handful or two in a large handkerchief or cotton bath bag. Tie it onto the nozzle of the tub and let hot water stream through it for several minutes. Adjust the temperature of the water, untie the bag, and let it float with you in the tub.

Astringent Bath

• 1 ounce dry chaparral leaves
• 1-2 drops tea tree oil
• 4 tablespoons baking soda

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly, then mix in oil. Place mixture in a large cotton handkerchief or bath bag. Tie it onto the nozzle of the tub and let hot water stream through it for several minutes. Adjust the water temperature, untie the bag, and let it float with you in the tub.

Other Considerations

• Include daily dosages of chlorophyll, wheat grass, and/or blue-green algae in your diet. Each of these substances strengthens the immune system and provides antiviral activity. They are also extremely cleansing and nourishing to the system.
• Include B vitamin-rich foods in the diet such as whole grains, nutritional yeast, bee pollen, spirulina, blue green algae, seaweeds.
• Add a vitamin B supplement to your daily diet.
• Eliminate foods that might be agitating the condition. Sweets, both natural and otherwise, arginine-rich foods such as peanuts, chocolate, and soft drinks (especially those with cola), and stimulants can all activate the outbreak of herpes. Likewise, the lack of certain elements in the diet can exacerbate the situation. People prone to herpes need to include foods high in B vitamins, calcium, iron, Vitamin C, and lysine.

Therapeutic Oils

Lemon balm has been shown to reduce the time it takes for blisters and sores to heal by 1/2, and to substantially reduce recurrences.

Many people report great success with a therapeutic oil called H-Balm by Forces of Nature.

These oils are extremely potent and should be used only as directed.