Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common infection that can cause painful sores around the mouth or the genital area. Dealing with outbreaks can be challenging, and while there’s no cure, antiviral medications prescribed by health care providers are the most effective way to reduce the intensity of herpes symptoms and how often they flare up. Hey Jane’s providers can help you get fast and convenient treatment for a herpes infection, no in-person clinic appointment necessary.
That said, many people choose to explore natural remedies to ease discomfort during outbreaks or alongside their clinical treatment. These remedies might help soothe symptoms, but it’s important to remember they aren’t substitutes for medical treatment by a health care provider. Let’s explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to approach herpes care holistically.
Can you treat herpes at home?
At-home care for herpes focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing the virus. While there’s no remedy to eliminate the virus entirely, certain home remedies can help ease discomfort, speed up the healing process, or reduce the likelihood of frequent outbreaks.
Here’s how at-home remedies can provide relief from herpes outbreaks:
| Tip |
Description |
| Soothe sores |
Applying cool compresses or soothing balms can reduce swelling and relieve pain. |
| Support your immune system |
A strong immune system helps your body keep the virus in check. Proper nutrition, hydration, and stress management are key. |
| Avoid itching |
It’s hard to do, but scratching or picking at sores can slow down healing and increase the risk of other infections. |
These methods can help with symptom relief, but again, they’re not a replacement for antiviral medications, which remain the gold standard for controlling herpes.
Natural remedies to soothe herpes symptoms
While no home remedy can cure herpes, certain products and supplements may help ease the discomfort of an outbreak or promote faster healing. Keep in mind, supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they haven’t undergone the rigorous clinical testing that comes with FDA approval.
Skin treatments
Applying some natural products to your skin or the area affected with sores might provide temporary relief from irritation:
Natural herpes remedies applied to skin
| Remedy |
Description |
| Honey |
Honey has antiviral and wound-healing properties, making it a soothing option for herpes sores. Apply a small amount to the affected area with a clean cotton swab. |
| Propolis |
This resin made by bees has been shown to reduce how long and severe herpes outbreaks are when applied to sores. |
| Aloe vera gel |
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera may help reduce redness and pain during an outbreak. |
| Garlic |
Crushed garlic contains allicin, a compound with antiviral properties. While some people swear by it, it can irritate sensitive skin, so use with caution and consult a health care provider before trying this option. |
Vitamins and supplements
Certain vitamins and supplements may help relieve herpes symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Although more research is needed, there is no harm in trying these options!
Natural vitamin and supplement herpes remedies
| Remedy |
Description |
| Honey |
Honey has antiviral and wound-healing properties, making it a soothing option for herpes sores. Apply a small amount to the affected area with a clean cotton swab. |
| Propolis |
This resin made by bees has been shown to reduce how long and severe herpes outbreaks are when applied to sores. |
| Aloe vera gel |
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera may help reduce redness and pain during an outbreak. |
| Garlic |
Crushed garlic contains allicin, a compound with antiviral properties. While some people swear by it, it can irritate sensitive skin, so use with caution and consult a health care provider before trying this option. |
| Lysine |
This is an amino acid that may slow down how the herpes virus spreads through your system and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. It’s available as a supplement or in foods like dairy, fish, and poultry. |
| Vitamin C |
An immune-boosting ingredient, vitamin C may help your body respond more effectively to outbreaks. Note that this only applies to vitamin C tablets and oral supplements, not skin care products. |
| Zinc |
Zinc creams or supplements taken orally can support skin healing and immune function. |
Herbal remedies
Herbal Remedies
| Remedy |
Description |
| Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) |
Applying a lemon balm extract to herpes sores can help reduce redness and swelling, providing relief from painful symptoms. |
| Echinacea |
Known for supporting immune function, echinacea may help your body manage the virus more effectively. You can often find it in teas to sip throughout your day. |
Lifestyle and nutrition tips
Lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy diet, can significantly impact the frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks. Consider trying these subtle changes to manage your symptoms:
Nutrition
Understanding what foods or ingredients may trigger outbreaks and maintaining healthy habits can have a big impact on your symptoms:
Nutrition tips to prevent herpes outbreaks
| Tip |
Description |
| Focus on lysine-rich foods |
Incorporate dairy products, fish, and chicken, which may help reduce outbreaks. |
| Limit arginine-rich foods |
Arginine can help herpes replicate in your body, so reducing how often you eat nuts, chocolate, and grains (e.g., rice, bread) may help you identify a pattern between outbreaks and certain foods. |
| Stay hydrated |
Drinking lots of water supports overall skin health and immune function. |
Stress management
For many people, stress is a major trigger of herpes outbreaks. While we can’t always avoid stressful tasks or situations, these tips can help keep your stress under control:
Stress Management Tips
| Tip |
Description |
| Practice relaxation techniques |
Yoga, meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and taking time to be creative can lower stress and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks. |
| Create a calming bedtime routine |
Good sleep is important for immune health and stress management. A good sleep routine may include going to bed early, avoiding blue light before bedtime (like what your phone emits), and reducing your alcohol and caffeine intake. |
| Seek help when you need it |
If stress and anxiety become unmanageable, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. Therapy or counseling can teach you new techniques for managing stress and anxiety so it doesn’t interfere with daily life. |
What are common triggers of herpes outbreaks?
HSV exists in two forms: HSV-1, commonly called oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2, which is usually responsible for genital herpes. Despite these names, both types of herpes can cause sores in either location. After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate, leading to recurrent outbreaks. Triggers for herpes outbreaks include:
Herpes outbreak triggers
| Trigger |
Description |
| Stress |
High levels of emotional or physical stress can weaken your immune defenses, allowing the virus to “wake back up.” |
| Illness |
Being sick with another infection can reduce your body’s ability to fight HSV. |
| Sun exposure |
UV rays from the sun can irritate skin and trigger outbreaks, especially around the lips. |
| Menstrual cycles |
Hormonal changes during your period can contribute to monthly outbreaks in some people. |
Why medical treatment is essential for herpes
While natural remedies can soothe symptoms, they don’t address the root cause or completely block the herpes virus from impacting your body. While some people prefer to manage outbreaks as they come, you can also get medications that are proven to prevent herpes outbreaks and decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
If you experience frequent or severe outbreaks, or if your symptoms interfere with daily life, you can consult a health care provider like Hey Jane from the convenience and privacy of your phone. Your provider can tailor a treatment plan to your needs—including treatment for active outbreaks, to prevent future outbreaks, or to soothe symptoms with topical pain relief creams—and provide guidance on using natural remedies safely alongside clinical treatment. Get started here.
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