Herpes

Overview

Herpes describes a class of infections of both a sexual and nonsexual nature. There are actually over 70 different types of herpes virus, all of which are caused by one or more herpes viruses. In general, herpes infections are very common in the population at large. Actually, some health experts estimate that 90% of all People in America are infected by one or more strains of herpes virus.

Herpes viruses, after they gain a foothold in the body, can remain inactive for years prior to displaying symptoms, before being brought out by stress to the immune system. In addition, symptoms can appear and disappear, and even if symptoms are no longer noticeable, this does not necessarily mean the virus has been eradicated.

Types of Herpes

Although there are more than 70 recognized herpes viruses, the two most common types of herpes virus are herpes virus simplex 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV2), or genital herpes. Herpes simplex two is a STD, or sexually transmitted disease, while herpes virus simplex 1 is often a result of a destabilized immune system, not as a result of sexual contact. Both types are extremely widespread among the population of the United States.

Be aware: Genital herpes virus can transfer from infected mothers to their babies during birth. Newborns infected with herpes virus simplex 2 can encounter developmental problems due to how herpes impacts their young nervous systems. This can lead to seizures and/or psychological retardation. To avoid this danger, pregnant women should consider cesarean births to prevent the spread of HSV2.

Symptoms

Symptoms of herpes simplex 1 primarily appear as little blisters on the skin as well as mucus walls, and as cold sores on the lips and/or across the nose, that are also known as fever blisters. These blisters and cold sores can be irritating and produce feelings of burning, itching, or even tingling. The actual symptoms are usually no more than nuisances, however, and generally solve themselves without having treatment inside a week to ten days.

Vaginal herpes, symptoms of which usually first manifest inside a week or less after unprotected intercourse with an infected partner, and first appear as a persistent burning sensation or itch on or around the genital area (usually the moist linings that surround the genitals) can be quite painful. Within 24 hours, this is followed by small, pimple-like outbreaks and reddened pores and skin on the vaginal area that may quickly progress to unpleasant lesions and sores and discharge blood and pus. Eventually (generally within a week of the initial sensations of burning or even itching) scabs form over the sores and lesions and they start to heal until the following outbreak.

In females, the sores and lesions on the skin usually occur around the genitals, the cervix, and around the anus. In men, these people typically occur on the glans (the bulbous end of the penis), the foreskin of the penis, the shaft of the penis, or even around the rectum.

Cause

Herpes virus is brought on by one of more than 70 infectious herpes infections. Outbreaks brought on by herpes are most often triggered by physical or emotional tension that suppresses immune performance. Nutritional deficiencies can also increase the risk of contracting herpes.

To Print Prevention Guidelines:

Avoidance Guidelines

As with all sexually transmitted diseases, the most effective reaction to herpes is prevention. To prevent herpes, perform the following:

Be careful about selecting a sex partner and find out about his or her health and sexual history before engaging in a sexual relationship. Have sex only if the individual has no obvious signs associated with infection and it is willing to guarantee your safety during lovemaking. Be ready to talk and inquire regarding past encounters. Be firm and persistent. Make discussions about health a natural part of the sexual romantic relationship.

Limit the number of people you have sex with. The risk of contracting an STD rises exponentially in immediate relation to how many lovemaking partners you have.

Avoid sex altogether if your partner exhibits open lesions or swelling on his or her body.

Always practice safe sex. Men should always use a latex condom, especially when engaging in sex with someone new. As a substitute, women can consider using a latex women’s condom. Whenever engaging in oral sex, use a latex dental dam. Long-term, monogamous sexual partners also need to use some form of protective birth control unless planning for a pregnancy.

Avoid swallowing sperm, as it acts as an immune suppressant and thus can improve the risk of STDs caused by contagious microorganisms.

Avoid anal intercourse, especially without protection.

Urinate after you have sexual intercourse in order to help clean the urethra and stop infection. This applies to both men and women.

Have a yearly checkup to be screened for STDs that you may not know you have.

If you know that you have a sexually transmitted disease, be responsible. Inform your partner and demand that he or she get examined as well as treated. Follow the treatment regimen that the physician prescribes as completely as possible, and try to use protection whenever you participate in sex.

Organic Cures

Genital herpes is recognized as incurable. However, there is a lot that you can do utilizing natural cures to considerably reduce the incidence associated with herpes outbreaks, as well as reduce the duration and harshness of symptoms whenever outbreaks do occur. In some instances, it may be recommended to incorporate a natural remedies protocol along with drug treatment, depending on the harshness of your condition. Talk to a naturally trained physician to determine your best course of action.

Two important goals of your treatment program are to enhance your defense function and also to diminish tension, since both of these factors perform major functions in herpes virus outbreaks. These natural remedies are recommended to achieve these two goals.

Aromatherapy: Tea tree, bergamot, eucalyptus, lavender, lavender, palmarosa essential oil, true flower oil or even melissa essential oil. Applied topically, these tinctures can help prevent outbreaks as well as speed recuperation when they happen.

Ayurveda: To enhance immune function, combine the Ayurveda herbs shatavari (500 mg), guwel sattva (200 mg), kamadudha (200 mg), and natures neem (300 mg) into a mixture and consume two teaspoons twice per day following lunch and dinner. You can also apply tikta ghee topically as well as taking one tsp. each day on an empty stomach.

Diet: Meals high in the amino acid arginine should be avoided since arginine can bring about more frequent herpes outbreaks. Such meals include almonds, peanuts, along with other nuts and seeds, such as sesame and sunflower seed products, coconut, chocolate, wheat and wheat by products, soy, lentils, oats, corn, rice, barley, tomatoes, and squash. Sugars and sugar substitutes should also be avoided, as should alcoholic beverages, tobacco, as well as immune suppressant medicines. Also avoid acid generating foods, for example citrus fruits, including tomatoes, during outbreaks, as these meals will increase the severity of herpes breakouts. Unhealthy fats, salt, and all commercial and processed meals should also be eliminated from your diet.

Wholesome eating is of primary importance. Consume plenty of real filtered drinking water and eat more fresh organic fruits and vegetables, as well as complex whole grains, and natural, free-range meat, poultry, and wild-caught fish that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as sardines as well as salmon.

Avoid all commercial, processed, and nonorganic meals, as well as alcoholic beverages, coffee, sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food chemical dyes, milk and dairy products, whole wheat and wheat products, and refined carbohydrates. Don’t eat saturated, trans- hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated fat and oils. Instead choose from virgin coconut butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil, and unprocessed hemp seed, walnut, as well as sunflower oils.

In addition, undergo testing for potential food allergies and sensitivities and steer clear of those foods to which you test positive, as these can help to eliminate immune function. Consider a rotation diet or even elimination diet in order to reduce the likelihood of food allergies.

Nutrition as well as diet are key players in the healing and elimination of imbalance as well as disease. For a complete, nourishment packed, whole foods eating plan, read the Whole Foods Diet. In many cases, the raw meals eating plan can be extremely beneficial. To learn more, read Raw Food Diet. You can print out these full articles for quick reference.

Herbal treatments: A useful herbal remedy for herpes is to combine tinctures of Echinacea, goldenseal, nettle and Siberian ginseng in equal measures. Take half a teaspoon three times each day to boost defense function. Other useful herbs include Indian native gooseberry, licorice root, as well as lomatium.

Homeopathy: The naturopathic remedies Rhus tox., Sepia, Nartum mur., Hepar sulph., Arsen alb., Caladium, as well as Acidum nit. can just all help reduce symptoms and prevent future breakouts.

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves unnaturally creating fever in the body to boost immune function. Hyperthermia can be highly effective for eliminating toxins and infectious bacteria and viruses, most of which can’t survive in elevated body temperatures. Treatment causes a natural fever response and profuse sweating.

With regard to herpes, hyperthermia in the form of hot baths can help. Although heat can worsen herpes symptoms, it can also speed up the recovery process if you can endure it. Follow each hot bath with a short cold bath or sitz bath. Do this daily.

There are several at-home hyperthermia remedies. Please look for the advice of your alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these procedures to make sure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hyperthermia remedy. Remedies for purifying water include clear instructions and recommendations.

Juice Therapy: Carrot, beet, and celery juice mixed together helps boost immune performance. Avoid just about all citrus juices, however, such as orange, grapefruit, and blueberry, as citrus fruit can worsen symptoms.

Lifestyle: As with all other sexually transmitted diseases, herpes must be controlled by stopping its spread between sexual partners. During breakouts, the following lifestyle guidelines are highly recommended:

Wear underwear to bed.

Wash your hands before and after you touch any part of the body.

Do not share your clothing or utensils with other people.

Avoid having sex during breakouts if you have lesions on your genital area because contraceptives and other forms of protection can’t guarantee that you won’t spread herpes to your companion.

Avoid kissing others when they or you possess blisters around or on the mouth.

Nutritional Supplements: These nutrients are recommended: Vitamin A, W-complex, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc oxide, adrenal glandular extract, quercitin, and the amino acid lysine. Lauric acid, known as monolaurin, is also useful for stopping outbreaks. Avoid any supplement that contains the amino acid arginine.

Vitamin C powder added to a little bit of water can be applied topically over lesions on the skin as a paste. This will help to quickly dry them. Vitamin E essential oil applied topically is effective as well.

Topical Remedies: Salves made from one or more of the following ingredients can help soothe symptoms and speed healing: Aloe vera carbamide peroxide gel, baking soda, calendula lotion, goldenseal powder, licorice root powder, vitamin E oil, vitamin C paste, as well as zinc sulfate ointment. An ice compress applied topically can also assist healing.

Alternative Professional Care

The following expert care therapies can also help to treat herpes virus: Ayurveda, Detoxification therapy, Power Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Magnet Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Air Therapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Resources for additional information regarding these and other alternative therapies).