Modern medical science has not been able to produce a cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can only offer pharmaceutical solutions that help ease the pain and speed up recovery from a genital herpes outbreak. For those that don't want to turn to medication to manage a lifetime of outbreaks, several holistic and natural remedies may offer a safer alternative.

TOPICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

While there is no cure for genital herpes, many holistic treatment resources and studies have shown that naturally occurring plants and foods are effective at managing herpes outbreaks:

- Topical honey application

- Prunella Vulgaris herb

- Tea Tree oil

- Lemon Balm

- Aloe Vera

- Eucalyptus

- red marine algae

SOOTHE THE PAIN

- warm sitz bathes 3 - 4 times a day (sitting in a bath with your knees up)

- use a hair dryer to dry the areas with outbreaks

- wear loose fitting cotton underwear that is absorbent

- to reduce inflammation and swelling take aspirin or ibuprofen

DIET HELPERS

There are several foods that researches have discovered in certain studies that have a beneficial effect on reducing the number of outbreaks people will have over time. The following foods have been noted in scientific research studies as having a positive effect:

- cranberries (which naturally contain proanthocyanidin A-1)

- broccoli, cabbage and brussels (which naturally contain indole-3-carbinol)

- lysine supplement

LIFESTYLE

- get plenty of sleep

- manage stress effectively

- eat a balanced and health diet

- exercise

- reach out and talk to someone you can trust

Since most natural remedies are considered reasonably safe, it may be worth investigating these holistic options before turning to invasive and costly medical treatments. Ensure to discuss any alternative treatment strategies with your health care practitioner before starting them. You can learn more about conventional genital herpes treatments that have shown to be effective.