Herbs That Cure Herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes oral herpes such as cold sores, and type 2 is the cause of most genital herpes. Most people are infected with herpes simplex type 1 by the time they are 10 years old. Sometimes the virus stays dormant and at other times it erupts with fluid-filled blisters. Never pop a herpes blister because it increases the risk of spreading herpes to other body parts or to other people. Herbal remedies can help the immune system fight the herpes virus.

Echinacea

• Take 30 drops of echinacea tincture in 8 oz. of water three times a day. Echinacea has antiviral and antibiotic properties. Echinacea contains polysaccharides, which stimulate infection-fighting white blood cells in the body's immune system.

Lemon Balm

• Swish lemon balm tea in your mouth three to five times a day. This is an effective treatment for herpes that appear as cold sores. Add 1 tbsp. dried lemon balm in 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Let the tea cool before rinsing your mouth with it. The tannins in the lemon balm are antiviral and speed up healing. It also disinfects the area because of its astringent properties.

Myrrh

• Dab myrrh tincture directly on herpes sores with a cotton swab 10 times a day. Myrrh is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the immune system to attack infectious microbes.

St. John's Wort

• Take 1 tsp. tincture of St. John's wort in 1 cup water of daily until symptoms are gone. St. John's wort retards viral growth and relieves emotional stress. St. John's wort contains a substance called hypercin, which slows the growth of herpes simplex types 1 and 2.

Tea Tree

• Mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and olive oil. Apply directly to your herpes sores with a cotton swab two or three times a day. As soon as you feel a sore about to erupt, dab the area with this mix of oils. Buy tea tree oil that is high in terpinen-4-ol and low in cineole. Tea tree oil is highly antiseptic and will help heal sores.