Genital herpes is a chronic, persistent infection that spreads effectively and silently as a sexually transmitted disease throughout the population. Antiviral agents currently used to treat herpes virus infections include acyclovir and its derivatives.
Herpes simplex is a virus. This means that there is no known cure to prevent recurrence. Essential oils can help reduce inflammation, irritation and other symptoms. However, these remedies are not a substitute for a clinical treatment plan.
It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor before trying any alternative treatment. They can discuss possible dosage, side effects and interactions.
If you are a carrier of genital herpes, in addition to a well-managed treatment, a few hygiene rules must absolutely be observed:
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing.
- Take long, hot showers and keep the area clean and dry at all other times.
- Don't bathe or visit spas.
- Avoid sexual relations during outbreaks of the disease. It is possible to transmit the virus to a reliable source even if you use a condom.
Discover below the essential oils that could help you get rid of genital herpes.
Tea Tree essential oil
The essential oil of tea tree or tea tree oil is a powerful and reliable antiviral ingredient that helps fight herpes. In addition to its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, tea tree essential oil has a significant immunostimulant capacity.
DIY recipe: mix 2 drops of Tea Tree oil with the contents of a natural vitamin E capsule and apply twice daily to herpes lesions. Discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.
Would you like to try the Tea Tree essential oil recipe? Click on the link below.
Roman Chamomile Oil
Some research suggests that chamomile essential oil has soothing, anti-viral properties that can help treat HSV-2. Chamomile essential oil has a soothing effect on the skin when applied. The most effective way to use diluted chamomile oil is to apply it directly to your intimate area as soon as symptoms begin.
Here's a recipe to make your own: 4 to 5 drops should be diluted in 10 ml of a vegetable oil and then applied superficially to your intimate area.
Ginger essential oil
The essential oil of ginger has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. It must be diluted with a carrier oil, so you can use any vegetable oil. Ginger oil is warm on the skin and can soothe genital herpes irritation.
Topical application once a day of 4 drops diluted in 20 drops of a vegetable oil relieves symptoms and speeds healing.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil also has the potential to combat the herpes virus. It has real antiviral power against herpes simplex virus type 2, and appears to be effective in the process of viral inactivation. 3 drops of thyme essential oil should be diluted in 30 ml of a vegetable oil (such as coconut oil), then applied directly to genital lesions once or twice a day.
Eucalyptus radiata essential oil
Laboratory tests of cell structure have revealed that eucalyptus oil can reduce the duration and severity of cold sores. Some people say that eucalyptus oil has a soothing scent and a calming sensation on the skin when applied.
Use: Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted to 6 or 7% (e.g. 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil mixed with 100 drops of vegetable oil) before application, and limited to 4 applications a day.
Essential oils: treatment of genital herpes and precautions to be taken
When using essential oils as a topical skin treatment, there are several things you need to keep in mind.
- Diluting the oils you use for treatment with a non-abrasive carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, will help prevent your skin from becoming further inflamed from the cold sore.
- Over-use of essential oils on your skin can weaken the epidermis and make it harder for your skin to repair itself.
- Make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to the ingredients in your oils before using them. Do a spot test with an essential oil on another part of your skin before applying it to an open cold sore.
- If you suffer from genital herpes, simple self-care can be enough to relieve most of your symptoms. As well as using essential oils, it's a good idea to wipe your skin after every bath. Next, make sure you wear only cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabrics.
Many people think that since essential oils are natural products, they have no side effects. However, this is not true. The main potential side effects of essential oils include irritation and burns, asthma attacks and headaches.
- Thyme essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12.
- Ginger essential oil is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy, and should be avoided during breastfeeding and by children under 3, as are eucalyptus radiata and Roman chamomile essential oils. The latter is not recommended for people allergic to asteraceae.
- Tea tree essential oil is contraindicated in cases of vitiligo, herpes or erysipelas, during the first trimester of pregnancy, and should be avoided during breastfeeding and by children under 3 years of age.
PS: Essential oils can relieve many everyday ailments, not just psoriasis. Find out more about the benefits of essential oils by following the link below.