What is herpes?
Herpes is a virus which resides within the body system. It falls under the family of five different viruses with various strains causing diseases in human beings. However, our immunity keeps fighting the virus in order to prevent any outbreak of herpes.
What causes herpes?
This kind of severe infection is caused by a virus known as HSV. The virus is transmitted on sexual contact with an infected person and it spreads swiftly. Once the HSV virus reaches the spinal cord nerves, it becomes impossible to eliminate it. It also permanently settles on the genital area.
There are two variations of the herpes viruses. The first one is known as Type I. This kind of virus is associated with blisters and sores on the mouth. The second group is Type 2 which is confined in the thighs and genital areas. The first sign is reflected commonly in the genitals and mouth areas. It can alternatively manifest in the form of cold sores and blisters which are really painful. Additional body parts such as the spinal cord, eyes, brain, and hands can also be affected by the virus. Once you get in contact with the virus, the first signs appear between 3-14 days.
Naturopathic medical perspective
There is no permanent cure for herpes. The only available treatment options for herpes are meant for relief. Natural remedies are the best when it comes to this kind of virus.
Here are some ways to provide naturopathic relief:
Honey
Honey is usually applied to the affected parts to reduce scores and blisters. The science behind honey is quite simple but very significant. This natural remedy contains enough sugar which prevents further multiplication of the virus. In addition, it also comprises glucose oxidase which helps in making hydrogen peroxide. Honey also draws away any fluid on the affected area, in turn, drying the blisters.
Add lysine to your diet
You can also reduce the effects of herpes by eating foods with lysine. The best diet should, therefore, contain peanuts, germ, liver or even wheat. The virus always needs arginine protein in order to multiply. Therefore foods rich with lysine helps prevent further formation of arginine.
Stress management
Stress only worsens the situation by affecting the immune system. A herpes outbreak is more common when one is experiencing high levels of stress. Rashes also keep increasing. It is recommended for one to manage their levels of stress in order to lower effects of the virus spreading. To achieve this, you can try on mediation, yoga, workouts etc.
Use lemon balm extracts
Lemon contains important properties such as tannin necessary for eliminating the herpes virus. Secondly, lemon balm also reliefs stress. You need to apply the balm to the sores and see it work magic.
Avoid refined carbohydrates
Such kind of carbohydrates lowers the body’s ability to produce more antibodies. This will, in turn, affect the immune system. Therefore reducing consumption of refined meals lowers the extent of a herpes outbreak.
High intake of alkaline foods
Foods rich in acids tends to reduce the immune system of your body. One should, therefore, eat alkaline foods in order to assist the body balance and maintain the PH levels. You can eat foods such as fish, veggies, fresh fruits, grains among others.